Potential Southampton heat network expansion could benefit more homes and businesses

More homes and businesses in Southampton could benefit from low-cost heating if the expansion of a renewable energy scheme goes ahead.

Southampton Geothermal Heating Company (SGHC) has grown from serving one customer in the mid-1980s to more than 58 commercial and public sector organisations and hundreds of households.

The team behind the district heating and cooling system, which is based at West Quay Retail Park, are exploring expansion options.

This could see the scheme, which is operated by Bring Energy, grow the heat network towards the northern part of the city as well as possibly secure additional geothermal capacity.

A Bring Energy spokesperson said a range of technical approaches were being considered.

The spokesperson said: “The network expansion will fully decarbonise the heat supplied to existing customers and provide enough additional heat to serve hundreds of new customers.

“Geothermal energy is one of the most reliable and affordable forms of low carbon heat available.

“The expansion of this innovative and pioneering project helps to meet Southampton’s goals of becoming a greener city as well as supporting the objectives of the landmark growth and prosperity plan through greater affordability of heating.”

The existing network, which is a collaboration with Southampton City Council, provides heat to major city centre buildings, including the Civic Centre, Ikea and Westquay.

While the project remains at an “exploratory stage”, Bring Energy is targeting 2031 and it has applied for financial support through the government’s Green Heat Energy Fund.

SGHC works by utilising heat from a geothermal well located more than a mile below ground.

John Savage, councillor responsible for environment and net zero, said the council had thrown its support behind this bid.

Cllr Savage said: “This will be very, very welcome because we will be able to get really good sustainable energy through that geothermal system, which has worked so well since 1986.

“It would be a massive addition to it to really help the net zero efforts of the whole city.”

Southampton Itchen MP Satvir Kaur said she also backed Bring Energy’s plans.

Ms Kaur, who is leading work to fund energy solutions on behalf of city stakeholders, said:  “We know the only way to keep energy bulls permanently low and ensure our industries and communities are sustainable long term is by investing in and using more renewable energy.

“Major businesses in the city tell me it’s one of their biggest challenges.

“It’s why projects like this to expand our geothermal offer in the city are so important.

“As part of Southampton Renaissance Vision, I am bringing together city stakeholders to ensure we are all working towards Southampton’s energy independence together.”

The Labour MP said this involved working with SSEN to bring more grid capacity to places like the Port of Southampton so more shore power could take place.

She said expanding the city’s geothermal use had to also be part of the solution.

Ms Kaur said: “We’re actively working with the council to find suitable sites, and I am hopeful we will.”

Get the latest BREAKING NEWS for the SOUTH on your phone by downloading the V2 RADIO APP today! Read with ease, no annoying pop-up ads.

V2VOUCHERS.CO.UK is offering half-price deals on a wide range of experiences across the South, from meals out at local restaurants to tickets for some of the region’s biggest events.