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LSBUD and the Road to Net Zero

03/04/2025
Everyone working within the Utility Sector is aware of the drive to greater environmental awareness on the Road to Net Zero and here at LSBUD we know that we all have a part to play if the UK is to transition successfully to Net Zero by 2050, the stated aim of our government.
Rick at ADE Winter Reception Feb 25

The Road to Net Zero

Earlier this year, I was delighted to be invited to the Association of Decentralised Energy Winter Reception at the House of Commons. Sponsored by Cory, the event delved into the theme ‘Energy for Investment: Delivering economic growth with decentralised energy’. The event heard from fantastic speakers: Tom Hayes MP, Mete Coban MBE, David Carter and Caroline Bragg

Having the opportunity to speak with others from across the industry, and across Europe, it was clear that innovations both large & small will make significant contributions to Net Zero ambitions. Discussion focussed on the Six areas chosen to trial England heat network zone plans in Leeds, Plymouth, Bristol, Stockport and Sheffield supported with £5.8m in government funding. Mete Corban, in his role as Deputy Mayor of London, referenced the South Westminster Area Network & Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation heat networks. However, there was amazing thought leadership across the sector.

Renewable Energy

Renewable energy has been with us for some time now, and LSBUD has many long term Members from companies such as Veolia, Vattenfall and EDF Renewables through to public sector led projects from Angus in Scotland, through Gateshead and Cambridgeshire down to Barking and Westminster. Working alongside these companies and authorities, LSBUD helps to keep Heat Network, Solar Farms, and EV Charging Points operational, contributing to the green transition.

This type of Membership continues to expand with a recent addition being Eden Estuary Energy Limited, a subsidiary company of the University of St Andrews, who manage and operate a major District Heating Network on behalf of the University.

As Gary Richardson, Technical Operations Manager at the University of St Andrews, said: “this network is a vital heat service provision for the University’s teaching and accommodation spaces and it’s important that organisations excavating close to the pipe-line route have awareness of its existence”. Speaking with Gary, he also makes an extremely important point on worker safety: “the District Heat pipe-line network which covers over 26km between Guardbridge and St Andrews town, supplies hot water at temperatures of up to 95 degrees centigrade and at flow pressures of up to 13bar.” District heating relies on extremes of hot water, electricity from renewable sources is still electricity and hydrogen gas is highly inflammable. As the energy industry transitions to wider use of renewables and innovations that help to protect our environment, LSBUD will continue to focus on protecting these assets but, most importantly, protecting those working on and alongside them.

Green Energy still remains a Red Alert as we look to ensure Safe Digging for All.

Richmond Crowhurst

Business Development Manager