A transformative low-carbon heating initiative in the centre of Lincoln has confirmed an investment of £15.5 million from the UK government’s Green Heat Network Fund. Awarded to the firm Hemiko, the investment will assist the creation of a cutting-edge heating network designed to cater to civic and commercial buildings. The scheme aims to utilise waste heat from a data centre, utilising air source heat pumps to transfer heated water through an underground network to a range of local clients.
Over the first five years, Hemiko anticipates the creation of 40 local jobs, with construction likely to commence by spring 2026, subject to approval. Miatta Fahnbulleh, the Energy Consumers Minister, emphasised the key role that heat networks will fulfil in the UK’s ambitions of clean energy, targeting energy independence and reduced utility costs by 2030.
Preliminary plans suggest that 34 primary buildings, including a hospital, a college, and the renowned Lincoln Cathedral, are among the potential beneficiaries from this pioneering project. Although a planning application is yet to be submitted, Hemiko also intends to establish an additional data centre to accommodate Lincoln’s growing business needs while providing low-cost, low-carbon heat.
Toby Heysham, CEO, hailed the project as a ‘significant transformation’ for Lincoln, merging green industrial and technological revolutions to stimulate local economic growth and investment.
This story was adapted by The Lincoln Post from original reporting by www.bbc.com.
