Next Phase of Leeds Low-Carbon Heat Network Approved

Plans to expand district heating to thousands more residents in South Bank

Leeds City Council has approved the appointment of Hemiko as the new delivery and funding partner for the next phase of the city’s low-carbon heat network. This expansion aims to extend the district heating system to the South Bank area, potentially reaching up to 8,000 additional residents and customers.

Background on Leeds PIPES and district heating

The existing Leeds PIPES network has been operational for some time, providing heat recovered from the city’s non-recyclable domestic waste plant. The scheme has installed over 30 kilometres of pipework, connecting more than 4,100 residential properties—including over 2,000 council flats—as well as 30 public and commercial buildings. In 2025 alone, Leeds PIPES is estimated to have saved over 7,000 tonnes of carbon emissions.

The district heating system offers a lower-carbon and more affordable alternative to traditional fossil-fuel heating, supporting the council’s ambition to become the UK’s first net zero city. The network helps reduce carbon emissions and assists residents and businesses in making sustainable choices.

Details of the new phase and partnership with Hemiko

• Hemiko will finance, own, develop, operate, and maintain the new heat network without direct financial investment from the council.
• Leeds City Council will retain influence over customer standards, pricing, and the network’s growth rate.
• The council has secured £23.5 million in government capital grant funding for the new scheme.
• The initial phase targets connecting 28 residential and commercial buildings in South Bank.
• Technical, commercial, financial, and legal preparations are underway, with detailed proposals expected in early 2027.
• Construction could begin soon after approval of the proposals.

Statements from officials

Councillor Mohammed Rafique, executive member for climate, energy, environment and green space at Leeds City Council, said the project is part of the city’s response to the climate emergency declared in 2019. He highlighted the benefits of providing affordable heating, reducing reliance on fossil fuels, and combating fuel poverty and cold-related illness.

Toby Heysham, CEO of Hemiko, described the project as a way to capture locally generated waste heat and provide cleaner, cheaper, and more resilient heating to the South Bank. He noted the initial investment of around £30 million and expressed the company’s intention to work with the council to expand access to affordable, low-carbon heat in Leeds.

Next steps

Hemiko will complete preparatory work over the coming months, with a full proposal submission expected in early 2027. Subject to council approval, construction of the new heat network phase could begin shortly thereafter, extending the benefits of district heating to thousands more residents and supporting Leeds’ net zero goals.