Vital Energi, in partnership with Leeds City Council, has developed the 30km Leeds PIPES Heat Network, connecting 4,100 homes and businesses across the city. Over seven years, the network has reduced both energy costs and carbon emissions, while supporting green jobs and skills development in the local community.

Climate Minister Katie White OBE MP recently visited the network, touring key sites including Leeds Civic Hall and Leeds Beckett University. The visit highlighted the impact of connecting to the heat network, which reduces carbon emissions by around 500 tonnes per year for these buildings, and cuts energy costs by approximately £250,000 annually.

Climate Minister Katie White said: "Leeds PIPES is a shining example of how local leadership and innovation can deliver real progress on the path to net zero. This pioneering heat network, delivered by the council and Vital Energi, is not only cutting the emissions of home and commercial heating, but also creating hundreds of good jobs for local people, and driving investment into the community."

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The tour also included the Cross Green Energy Centre, where excess heat from the nearby Recycling and Energy Recovery Facility (RERF) is converted into low-temperature hot water and distributed throughout the city. This infrastructure demonstrates how construction and engineering expertise can transform waste heat into a reliable, low-carbon energy source.

Mike Cooke, Managing Director of Vital Energi, added: “The Leeds PIPES Project is about harnessing waste heat to deliver decarbonisation, but it’s also, about people. From the pipes in the ground to the construction of the energy centre, we’ve worked with the council to create 450 jobs in total and training opportunities with local education institutions, bringing people into the green energy sector and spending money with local businesses. These projects are developed for the community and to bring wider benefits to the people of Leeds and not just the key iconic buildings and homes connected.”

The project team on site included Ian Whitelock, CEO of Vital Energi; Abby Whitelock, Marketing & Communications Director; and Project Director Mike Worrall, alongside Leeds City Council’s project managers Joe Callin and Andrew Lingham, and Councillor Katie Dye, Chair of the Climate Emergency Advisory Committee.