Hull City Council has announced a major partnership with renewable energy specialist Vital Energi to deliver a city-centre low-carbon heat network, positioning the city as a leader in sustainable energy while supporting economic growth, job creation, and climate resilience.

The multi-year design, build, operate, and maintain contract will see Vital Energi construct a new energy centre at Trippett Street car park and install more than 5km of district heating pipework during the project’s first phase.

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Once operational, the network will provide low-carbon heat and hot water to residential tower blocks, council buildings, educational institutions, and private sector premises across Hull city centre. The system offers a more cost-effective and sustainable alternative to other decarbonised heat options, such as Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHP).

Designed with future growth in mind, the modular network has the potential to expand in later phases, enabling more buildings to connect as demand for low-carbon energy continues to rise.

The scheme is being financed through a £15 million grant from the Green Heat Network Fund, via Triple Point, £1.5 million from the government’s Levelling Up Partnership programme, and a £27 million loan from the National Wealth Fund. The loan will be repaid through the operation of the network, marking a significant long-term investment in Hull's green future.