Heat pumps part of £11m university decarb project
12th May 2025
UK: The installation of heat pumps to replace gas-fired equipment is part of an £11m decarbonisation project announced for the University of Wolverhampton.
The university has joined forces with Vital Energi to deliver the multi-technology energy solution, which also includes solar PV and a heat network, at its Walsall Campus. The project is expected to reduce emissions by over 1,000 tonnes of CO2 per year.
The gas-fired equipment and end of life boilers will be replaced with a 1400kW air-to-water cascade heat pump system to provide heating and hot water to campus buildings.
To enhance the overall efficiency of the heat pump system, Vital Energi will recover chilled water from the heat pumps, in a plan to eliminate the need to run the chillers during the summer months.
Solar photovoltaics systems will be installed across a number of rooftops to allow for on-site renewable electricity generation. Other energy efficiency measures include air conditioning controls, pipework insulation, and improved heating and cooling controls and an updated BMS system.
An underground heat network will also be installed to supply low carbon heat to five campus buildings.
A ‘living lab’ will also be established, which will allow academics, researchers, and students to study the impacts of the heat pump technology, solar, and energy conservation measures.
It is said that the lab will offer real-life research opportunities for students and researchers, evidence-based recommendations for operational staff, and opportunities for research impact for academics.
“This is one of many great initiatives the university is committed to including the Green Innovation Corridor and a partnership with UNITAR to provide student education backed by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals,” said the university’s CFO Dr Pete Cross.
The project was made possible thanks to funding from the Phase 3c of the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme totalling £8.6m, which is delivered by Salix Finance on behalf of the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.
The project will be delivered by March 2026.
