Low carbon energy centre proposed for city

The proposed centre would be near the Water Lane Solar Park

An energy company is holding two public events to reveal details of its plans for a low carbon energy centre that would provide heat to large buildings across Exeter.

Exeter Energy Ltd said the new centre would act as a centralised heat source for a network of insulated underground hot water pipes.

The company said organisations and businesses which connected to the Exeter Energy Network would no longer need individual gas boilers to heat their buildings.

Project director Paul Barker said he was "keen to explain plans" to residents and has invited people to attend two public exhibitions.

The proposed centre would be near the Water Lane Solar Park next to Marsh Barton railway station.

It would use water source heat pumps to take heat from the River Exe.

Exeter Energy Ltd said it would be applying for planning permission for the energy centre later this year.

The exhibitions will include information about the energy centre with artists’ impressions, maps and plans.

The events are free and open to the public without booking on Thursday at Exeter Community Centre from 11:00 to 19:00 BST and on Saturday at Exeter College Haven Banks from 10:00 until 14:00 BST.

Mr Barker added: “The energy centre is critical to the heat network, which represents a £110m investment in the city and will support efforts to tackle the climate emergency."