Colloide was selected as principal contractor for the construction of the Viking Energy Network, a cutting edge renewable energy scheme that extracts heat from the River Tyne and exports it to 11 buildings in Jarrow, South Tyneside, including high rise flats, school and sheltered housing.

Multi-million pound scheme is the first of its kind in the UK and delivers a host of benefits:

  • Slashes carbon emissions by an estimated 1,035 tonnes annually, making a significant impact on environmental sustainability.

  • The scheme saves approximately half a million pounds in fuel costs each year, providing financial advantages to local residents and the community.

Project Deliverables

Energy Network

The energy network uses a combination of three renewable technologies, minimising reliance on fossil fuels. The project incorporates:

  • Cutting-edge river source heat pump, which takes heat from the River Tyne, compresses it to elevate the temperature and converts it into hot water.

  • A 1-megawatt solar farm, of solar panels that generate electricity to power the heat pump. Surplus energy is directed to power council buildings, maximising energy efficiency.

  • Combined heat and power (CHP) back-up system for harnessing waste heat generated during electricity production, for reliable power supply during periods of low solar energy.

Colloide designed and constructed an energy centre at Jarrow Staithes, strategically located on the south bank of the River Tyne. This state of the art facility houses the water source heat pump.

This heat pump extracts water from the river, raising its temperature, and converting it into hot water. The hot water is then distributed to connected buildings through a network of buried district heating pipes.

Scope of works

Riverside site

At the existing quay, Colloide delivered remedial and strengthening works to improve the structural integrity of the asset. New platforms were installed to support water abstraction, together with associated plant and equipment. This included the precise installation of pipework to enable efficient heat transfer.

A key element of the scheme was the construction of a new pump station building. The facility was constructed from the ground up, incorporating engineered foundations and the installation of mechanical and electrical (M&E) plant and equipment. Extensive pipework was installed to connect the pump station to the energy centre, alongside the delivery of external works and footpaths to improve accessibility.

As part of the wider infrastructure works, Colloide constructed a new gas meter house. The scope included the erection of the structure and the installation of M&E plant and equipment, including switchrooms and mains pipework, enabling connection to the energy centre. Associated external works and footpaths were also completed to ensure integration with the surrounding site.

To support the project’s renewable energy objectives, Colloide delivered a new solar panel farm. Works included the construction of foundations on the existing hardstand, installation of electrical services, and connection to the energy centre. Inverters were installed to maximise generation efficiency and operational performance.

Network site

Excavation works were undertaken to form a trench approximately 2,000 mm wide, 1,100 mm deep, and extending over 3 km in length. These works included all associated excavation, earthwork support, and backfilling activities. The trench provided the foundation for the installation of new heating pipework and a private wire system.

Mechanical and electrical (M&E) works comprised the installation of associated fittings and equipment, ensuring seamless integration and optimal system performance. In addition, new substations were constructed, incorporating the installation of M&E plant and equipment.

Works to Existing Building Plantrooms

Colloide also delivered works to existing building plantrooms to enable connection to the new energy network. These works included the integration of mechanical plant, pipework, fittings, local controls, and associated ancillaries. Careful coordination and installation ensured efficient heat transfer and seamless integration with the wider network.

Through the delivery of this comprehensive programme of works, Colloide played a key role in the successful implementation of the Viking Energy Network. The project demonstrates Colloide’s capability in designing, constructing, and integrating complex infrastructure systems, supporting carbon reduction, long-term cost efficiency, and the transition to a lower-carbon energy solution for the local community.