Gateshead Energy Company
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Gateshead Energy Company
We generate low-cost, low-carbon heat and power and supply this directly to homes and businesses in Gateshead.
We aim to deliver carbon-neutral energy supporting Gateshead’s 2030 commitment to tackling climate change.
Background
What is a District Energy Network?
A district energy network is a system of underground pipes, and in our case a private network of power cables too. These deliver heat (via hot water) and power to buildings connected to our network.
District heating is used across the world to provide cost-effective, environmentally friendly heat and hot water solutions. For example, in Denmark around 64% of homes are heated through district heating networks. UK networks operate in Leeds, Sheffield, Nottingham, Manchester, London, Glasgow and many other urban areas.
What is the Gateshead Energy Company?
Gateshead Energy Company is owned 100% by Gateshead Council, and has operated the Gateshead District Energy Network since it opened in 2017. From our base in the Gateshead Energy Centre, we provide heat and power through underground pipes and high voltage electricity cables to customers across Gateshead town centre and the Gateshead Quays area.
Our network already supplies 350 homes and 23 buildings, including The Glasshouse, BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art, Gateshead College, our council offices, high rise homes in the town centre, and eastward to Gateshead International Stadium. In 2023, we added renewable energy sources to the network - heat from water in disused mines and power from urban solar parks.
The network is currently expanding into easterly residential areas along the A184 - into new housing at Freight Depot, and social housing on the Old Fold estate. The network will also connect to Gateshead's proposed new arena, hotel and conference centre, The Sage.