Issue - meetings

Steve Baggs (Energy Programmes Manager) and Jonathan White (Projects and Operations Manager) were in attendance for this item.

1.         Miss Carey gave an overview of the Maidstone Heat Network project timeline. She said the project was multi-year and acknowledged that the majority of project progress had been made over the past year. Tributes were paid to Mr Balfour for aiding cooperation between KCC and the Ministry of Justice to include Maidstone Prison in the project, as well as to the project’s officers for winning significant central government funding. 

2.         Mr Baggs gave a presentation which outlined the project scope and developments, a copy of which is an appendix to these minutes. It was explained that: a new energy centre would be built; each property in the network would be linked by pipes; the River Medway would be used as the network’s water supply; and gas backup boilers would be operated if necessary. A breakdown of the properties benefitting from the project was given and the overall project aim, to create a renewable heat centre for Maidstone explained. It was noted that the decarbonisation of KCC’s heat network was an important factor for achieving carbon net zero by 2050. Members were reassured that the project met new government criteria set out as part of the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS). Mr Baggs confirmed that KCC had been awarded £20.6m from the scheme and received a further £1.2m for KCC schools.

3.         Mr Booth asked whether a tariff had been negotiated for the use of water from the River Medway. Mr Baggs confirmed that the project was not currently at the point of negotiating tariffs with the Environment Agency.

4.         Members asked to what extent heat extraction affected water temperature in the River Medway and whether there would be an impact on biodiversity. Mr Baggs verified that the water returning to the River Medway would be 3°C cooler and would not affect the overall temperature of the river. Further assurance was given that safeguarding advice from the Environment Agency would be sought and considered, despite existing studies indicating a negligible impact on biodiversity.

5.         Mr Whybrow asked what proportion of the buildings heating requirements were met by the proposed heat network and for the scope of expansion. Mr Baggs stated that modelling had indicated that 75% of heating requirements would be covered by the low carbon source. It was confirmed that an extension of the network north and south was possible and that local partners had cooperated.

6.         Mr Brazier asked whether the local electricity supply required an upgrade and who would fund the upgrade if needed. Mr Baggs confirmed that a minor local electricity upgrade would be required and was to be provided from the solar scheme.

7.         Mr Baggs agreed to circulate future project updates to Members and provide briefings if requested.

RESOLVED that the progress of the Maidstone Heat Network and initial steps being undertaken to secure funding for the project via two large capital grants be noted.