Context

Colloide acted as Principal Contractor for South Tyneside Council, working collectively towards a shared aim of achieving carbon neutral targets at the Viking Energy Network in Jarrow, Colloide's flagship renewable energy scheme.

This pioneering project marks a significant milestone in harnessing over 2,000 litres per minute from the Tyne River to power an ambitious vision of sustainable district heating.

The energy journey: from river to district

In October 2023, the Viking Energy Network reached completion, transforming the Tyne River's potential into a heating solution.

The intricate process begins with the abstraction of river water, pre-warmed using a 150kW solar thermal array.

This innovative set-up powers a 700kW industrial heat pump, extracting 500kW of heat with a remarkable coefficient of performance (COP) of 3.

The result is the elevation of the river water's low-grade heat to an impressive 75°C, perfectly aligned with the requirements of the newly-installed district heating network.

The hot water circulates around 2.5km of insulated pipework supplying council-owned buildings including three tower blocks, a leisure centre, a business centre and Jarrow Town Hall.

See the video below to view a timeline of this multi-million pound project.

Addressing the cost-efficiency challenge

Colloide, recognising the challenge of potential electricity costs surpassing those of traditional gas systems, took a pragmatic approach.

The project seamlessly integrates with a 1MW solar farm, supplying renewable electricity to the heat pump and Jarrow Town Hall via a private wire.

Excess energy is efficiently stored in a 650kWh battery, ensuring optimal use.

Moreover, a combined heat and power (CHP) backup system, alongside two gas boilers, guarantees uninterrupted heat during peak times.

Environmental impact and future expansion

This groundbreaking initiative is poised to save over 1,000 tonnes of CO2 annually, with significant potential for expansion.

The energy center is designed to accommodate a second heat pump, and ongoing studies explore integrating local sheltered housing schemes, schools and a hospital into the district heating network.

Overcoming challenges and looking forward

While the project encountered challenges, including adapting the design to overcome existing ground conditions, a £4.6m grant from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) highlighted the significance of such efforts in achieving net-zero targets.

As 2030 approaches, a pivotal year for net-zero ambitions, the success in Jarrow serves as a valuable lesson for councils nationwide.

A report carried out by Newcastle University Energy Centre to assess the impact and effectiveness of the project states,

“Concerns about cost and security of supply, and climate change, have increased since the project began. New policies from UK Government have highlighted the strategic value of heat networks and heat pumps in the transitions to net zero, and as such the project has high value as a demonstration of the two technologies. The experience of South Tyneside Council in delivery of this project can benefit other civic partners.”

Empowering communities and nurturing nature

Colloide, deeply appreciative of the local community's steadfast support during the Viking Energy Network project, actively participated in South Tyneside's Warm Spaces Fund, launched in December 2022.

As one of the project's first supporters, the team, led by Senior Project Manager Marian Smyth, expressed pride in contributing to this meaningful initiative, stating, "The Warm Spaces Fund is close to our hearts."

Beyond community support, Colloide's Corporate Social Responsibility extended to preserving local biodiversity.

Recognising the importance of protecting the area's cherished terns, the project provided multiple tern boxes, ensuring a safe and welcoming habitat for these protected species.

This holistic commitment to environmental stewardship, community well-being, and biodiversity exemplifies Colloide's dedication to making a positive impact, creating a brighter tomorrow for both people and the planet.

A blueprint for net-zero councils

In the aftermath of this monumental achievement, the Viking Energy Network at Jarrow emerges as a blueprint for councils aspiring to achieve net-zero status.

This electrification of heat not only signifies sustainable progress but invites others to witness the possibilities of renewable energy.

Colloide's project sets a crucial example for future schemes by prioritising CO2 reduction and maximising efficiency through meticulous engineering and collaboration.

Paddy McGuinness, Managing Director at Colloide, emphasises, "The Viking Energy Network at Jarrow exemplifies Colloide's core values of Engineering Excellence and Sustainability. It combines three renewable technologies to ensure minimal reliance on fossil fuels. This challenging endeavour has been successful due to the seamless integration and collaboration between the teams from South Tyneside Council and Colloide, advancing clean energy and adding significant social value within the community."

In conclusion

The Viking Energy Network in Jarrow stands as a solution to the energy cost challenges faced by end-users of the connected buildings, emphasising greenhouse gas emissions reduction.

From the outset, the scheme's concept design was aligned with policy priorities, demonstrating foresight in addressing the current energy landscape.

The combination of the cost of living crisis, escalating energy prices, and supply uncertainties linked to the war in Ukraine has heightened public awareness and concern about energy costs.

This underscores the project's significance to the local community in transitioning to clean and affordable heat, especially as it directly impacts the council, the energy bill payer for the public sector buildings connected to the VENJ's heat and electricity network.

The project not only advocates for enhancements in building energy efficiency but also champions a shift to low-carbon heating technologies.

The strategic move by the council to take on this project with Colloide highlights a means to reduce costs, aligning with broader objectives such as levelling up, reducing bills, addressing fuel poverty, increasing property value, and improving health. The project also recognises the imperative for heat network development.

Within the VENJ scheme, the water source heat pump remains a valuable demonstrator for heat pump application, delivering significant carbon savings.

As a high-value demonstration project, it has been exceptionally well-managed. The adept handling of complex issues by the project team positions it as a learning experience for South Tyneside Council and the supply chain.

This ability to cascade learning to future projects contributes significantly to sustainable development targets and reinforces the broader impact of the Viking Energy Network in Jarrow.

Awards

The initiative received the award for Best Climate Action or Decarbonisation Initiative at the 2024 Association of Public Sector Excellence (APSE) Awards.

It also won in the Public Sector Project category at another prestigious national award, the RICS (Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors) Awards 2024.

It has also been shortlisted as a finalist in the Climate Action Award with Keep Britain Tidy.