THE Mersey Heat Energy Centre in Liverpool Waters has been officially opened in a ceremony bringing together civic leaders, project partners and heritage stakeholders as the City pushes forward with low carbon regeneration.

Councillor Liam Robinson (Leader of Liverpool City Council) and Cllr Anthony Burns (Liverpool City Region Combined Authority Cabinet Member for Net Zero) joined representatives from Ener-Vate and contractor Vital Energi to mark the launch of the new plant. This will supply low carbon heating and hot water to the Liverpool Waters development and surrounding landmark buildings.

The energy centre uses heat pumps to extract energy from the water in the Leeds Liverpool Canal to deliver heat to a district network. The pumps and extraction equipment are housed in the original Victorian Pump House, linking the City’s industrial past with its low carbon future.

The plant forms part of the wider Liverpool Waters regeneration that combines restoration of historic assets with new homes, commercial buildings and modern infrastructure.

Among the restored sites is the Tobacco Warehouse, a Victorian structure opened in 1901 and built from some 27 million bricks, where goods were historically moved using hydraulic jiggers and the rail system.

Liverpool City Council, the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and National Museums Liverpool have signed agreements with Ener-Vate to extend the network and supply low carbon heat to the Cunard Building, George Dock Building and the Museum of Liverpool, allowing those buildings to move away from gas. The network will also connect with the sister scheme at Albert Dock.

The council is also participating as a front runner City in the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) Advanced Zoning Programme and plans to go to market by the end of the financial year to procure a Zone Developer to roll out further heat networks across Liverpool.

Ener-Vate, Peel’s district heat network specialist, worked with Vital Energi as the Design, Build, Operate and Maintain contractor on the scheme, delivering the technical and operational capability needed to bring the energy centre into service.

Councillor Liam Robinson, Leader of Liverpool City Council, said:- “The launch of the Mersey Heat Energy Centre is a landmark moment in Liverpool’s journey towards a cleaner, greener future. It is a visible example of how Liverpool is leading the way on low carbon infrastructure, protecting historic buildings, cutting emissions and creating long term green value for our communities. Liverpool has long been a leader in climate action, and this project reinforces our commitment to achieving net zero. It’s not just about infrastructure, it’s about creating a legacy of sustainability that benefits our communities, our economy, and our environment. I’m proud to see this vision and investment come to life, creating jobs in the emerging green economy. I want to thank all the partners involved for helping Liverpool take another bold step towards a low carbon future.”