Temporary Energy Centre to be installed at St Catherine’s Place to power low-carbon District Heat Network

Works have begun to install a temporary energy centre at St Catherine’s Place to power the low-carbon District Heat Network until a permanent energy centre is built nearby in 2028. The St Catherine’s temporary energy centre replaces one previously installed on St John’s Road.

The new temporary energy centre is in the process of being installed and will be switched on in early April, subject to planning permission. This will be in use until Summer 2026. Once operational, the St John’s Rd temporary energy centre will be shut down in April 2025 and the structure including the wooden panels, containers and concrete foundations will be removed. The road and footpaths will be reinstated once removed.

Heating and hot water is generated using energy centres. Currently Vattenfall operate two in Bedminster and these will ultimately be replaced by a permanent, low carbon energy centre. We expect this to be an air source heat pump, operational from 2028.

As laid out in the Bedminster Green Framework, the new homes being built as part of the Bedminster Green regeneration programme will be connected to a reliable supply of affordable and low-carbon energy via the District Heat Network, working towards meeting Bristol’s ambitious decarbonisation targets. In addition, Bristol City Leap are offering grants to community organisations to help enable interaction with the Heat Network, as well as other efforts to decarbonise.

About the temporary energy centre

Will it be loud?

Vattenfall has conducted a noise impact assessment to establish the level of noise produced when the energy centre is operating. The findings from the nearest noise receptor showed that the energy centre would not be noticeable when compared to the baseline acoustic environment and would not cause sleep difficulty or introduce a new intrusive sources of noise.

Will there be fumes?

The energy centre will run off gas. Condensation from this process may be visible but typically only in winter months. An air quality assessment has determined that the energy centre will operate within the acceptable limit.

What is being done to mitigate impacts?

Vattenfall completed required assessments for both air quality and noise impact. The result of this activity informed the location of the energy centre, within the plot 2 boundary. The final location was selected to minimise any potential impact to surrounding residents and businesses.

If you have further questions or comments about the energy centre of the Bedminster heat network, email bristol.enquiries@vattenfall.com.