Tour and presentation of the Southampton District Energy Scheme

Branch event

15/10/2019

18:00 - 20:00 UK Time

The Heat Station, Harbour Parade, West Quay, Southampton, SO15 1BA

Non-Member: £5.00
Member standard rate: £5.00

Join the EI Southern branch for a tour and presentation of the Southampton District Energy Scheme.


Pioneering scheme developed by ENGIE supplies heat, chilled water and electricity from sustainable sources to commercial and residential energy users across Southampton.

The Southampton District Energy Scheme (SDES) is owned and operated by ENGIE, working in partnership with Southampton City Council (SCC) – under the name of Southampton Geothermal Heating Company Ltd (SGHC).

It is a ground-breaking project that has led the way in the delivery of sustainable heat, chilled water and power supplies in the UK. For more than 30 years, SDES has pushed the boundaries of district energy and tri-generation and continues to expand into new areas. The scheme now encompasses more than 45 energy users in the public and private sectors.

The scheme is currently saving around 10,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions per annum, using heat from a large-scale combined heat and power (CHP) plant, supplemented by geothermal energy and conventional boilers. It also incorporates a district cooling system. Users include TV studios, a hospital, a university, a shopping centre, a civic centre, residential buildings and a hotel – as well as public and private-sector residential developments.

Both ENGIE and SCC view the scheme as a firm foundation from which to build a sustainable future. The district energy network has also been designed to integrate additional low or zero carbon technologies as they evolve. 

Key speakers:

Mark Howell, Head of Energy Partnerships, ENGIE

Worked in the District Energy sector for 30 years and has worked in Consultancy, Contracting and Utility sectors seeing all aspects of District Energy. Mark will talk on the Southampton Geothermal Heating Company, its history, scheme outline, future thoughts on decarbonisation etc. 

Andy Davey, Strategic Development Manager, ENGIE.  Andy was formerly with BEIS and has extensive experience in Public policy, legislation and innovation, specialising in low carbon energy, env. Management, policy and strategy.  Andy will talk on achieving zero carbon heating.

Jason Taylor, Energy Manager, Southampton City Council.  Jason led on the development and management of the CitizEn Energy brand.  Has delivered annual savings of >£1.2 million.  Delivery of strategic energy management across the organisation.  Tripled revenue income whilst maintaining the same level of staff and continuing to deliver ongoing financial savings or cost avoidance. Manages the energy procurement contract with annual spend of £9 million.

Travel information:

The site is a short distance from Southampton Central train station and there is ample parking around the site.

Important Footwear note:

Please wear sensible footwear

Contact details

MARTIN REED: southern@energyinst.org , 07711559615