Southampton Geothermal

The Southampton District Energy Scheme (SDES) is a pioneering project that has led the way in the delivery of sustainable supplies of heat, chilled water and power in the UK. For over 20 years SDES has pushed the boundaries of district energy and tri-generation and continues to expand into new areas. The scheme now encompasses over 45 energy users in the public and private sectors.

 

The SDES is operated by COFELY District Energy working in partnership with Southampton City Council – under the name of Southampton Geothermal Heating Company Ltd (SGHC). It is currently saving around 10,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions per annum, utilising heat from a large scale combined heat and power (CHP), 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 several hotels.