Outline plans to build a renewable energy centre in Exeter have been given the green light by the city council.
Exeter Energy Limited - the company developing a £120m low-carbon heat network for the city - has been granted permission to build the plant on land next to Marsh Barton train station.
The Exeter Energy Network (EEN) project is aimed at cutting greenhouse gas emissions and improving the city's air quality.
The proposed energy centre will be built on Grace Road on land currently owned by the council.
It will use large air source heat pumps to supply hot water to businesses and organisations through a network of underground insulated pipes. The EEN plans to introduce additional sources of renewable heat in later phases of the project.
Andrew Wettern, director of Exeter Energy, said: “We’re delighted the energy centre has been granted outline planning permission, allowing us to move ahead with Exeter’s low carbon heat network.
“This is a major investment in the city’s green infrastructure and will allow our customers to significantly reduce their carbon emissions, while improving air quality in Exeter."
It is understood that Exeter Energy is in talks with the local authority about providing public access to the land as part of the development as well as ways to boost biodiversity.
It also says its plans will create at least 150 jobs during the construction phase, as well as supporting a number of skilled apprenticeships.
“By making the most of local and renewable heat sources, the network will contribute to energy security and provide the most cost effective way for our customers to decarbonise their heating systems," added Mr Wettern.
Exeter's heat network is backed by £42.5m from the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero, along with private investment of approximately £75m. A further £30m in grant funding has been secured by a number of city public sector organisations who are likely to connect to the network.
The EEN will initially be available to large public sector organisations, as well as businesses, with the company planning to offer residential connections at later phases of the project.
