Delivering sustainable Heat Solutions at MediaCityUK
Operating a state-of-the-art trigeneration centralised Energy Centre
Heat
MediaCityUK
Manchester, UK
The challenge
To meet the energy needs of this dynamic community, Leep Utilities developed, owns, and operates a state-of-the-art trigeneration centralised Energy Centre.
MediaCityUK, a 200-acre mixed-use development in Salford, Greater Manchester, has established itself as one of Europe’s leading creative, technology, and digital hubs. The development integrates residential, public sector, leisure, and office spaces.
The facility we operate simultaneously produces heat, cooling, and electricity, delivering sustainable and efficient energy to over 50 commercial entities—including studios, universities, and hotels—as well as nearly 900 residential customers.
200 acres
Mixed-use development
50
Commercial entities
900
Residential customers
4.5/5
Trustpilot rating
The Heat Network: Delivering sustainability and value.
At the heart of the Energy Centre is a 2MW Combined Heat and Power (CHP) gas engine, supported by gas boilers and an absorption chiller. These components represented innovative, low-carbon technology at the time of installation. Annually, the facility delivers approximately 16GWh of electricity (via a private wire), 13GWh of heat, and 6GWh of cooling, contributing significantly to the development’s achievement of BREEAM Sustainable Community status.
Leep Utilities operates under direct energy supply agreements with each customer, with contracts extending until 2057. Despite the lack of exclusivity obligating customers to connect, Leep has consistently demonstrated compelling value, fostering ongoing connections and customer satisfaction.
The solution
Delivering through-life value for money
Leep Utilities focused on delivering through-life value for money for both the developer and customers. The design of the Energy Centre was carefully balanced to avoid being over-specified or “gold-plated,” ensuring affordability while maintaining efficiency and reliability. A key strategy to reduce upfront investment was implementing a phased plant build, ensuring assets were not deployed significantly ahead of heat load demand. The Energy Centre includes space and connection points for expansion, minimizing high initial costs and ensuring seamless supply continuity.
Leep’s experienced team applied a robust sourcing strategy across its utility projects. Preferred suppliers are identified for services such as design, and their performance is regularly reviewed to ensure quality and competitiveness. This approach is complemented by keeping abreast of market developments, identifying new entrants capable of delivering high-quality and cost-effective services.
Operational excellence and lifecycle replacement
Leep assumed full responsibility for the operation and maintenance of the Energy Centre and heat network, including lifecycle replacement of assets up to the network’s interface points. Over the 50-year lease term, most of the plant will be replaced, ensuring ongoing reliability and efficiency.
The CHP’s exceptional operational performance—achieving over 8,150 full-load hours per year (equivalent to 94% availability)—demonstrates Leep’s commitment to asset management and operational excellence. Since commissioning, there have been no material interruptions to heat supply, underscoring the system’s reliability.
Performance risk and reviews
Leep took full responsibility for system performance across the heat, electricity, water, and wastewater networks. The company manages all performance risk without passing costs to customers, ensuring tariffs remain competitive and free from unnecessary contingencies. Regular performance reviews and ongoing optimisation projects further enhanced operational efficiencies.
Currently, Leep is undertaking an optimisation project for the MediaCity Energy Centre, targeting a 15% reduction in gas usage and carbon emissions. Additionally, a co-funded study with customers is assessing opportunities to optimise secondary systems, particularly supply and return temperatures.
Future-focused development
Leep is actively working on Phase 2 of the MediaCityUK development, which includes over 2,500 additional residential units and expanded office, retail, and leisure spaces. This extension will incorporate innovative low-carbon technologies, such as water source heat pumps utilizing the Manchester Ship Canal and heat recovery from local sewers and wastewater treatment plants.
Additionally, Leep is pursuing two key projects to enhance the heat network:
- Expansion into Salford: Aligning with forthcoming zoning rules to extend the network’s benefits to a broader community.
- Optimisation and Decarbonisation: Targeting a 15% reduction in fuel use and carbon emissions.
Customer-focused approach
Leep’s Salford-based customer service team provides end-to-end support, ensuring accurate metering, billing, and customer interactions. With a Trustpilot rating of 4.5, Leep’s dedication to customer satisfaction is evident through transparent processes, flexible payment options, and robust support for vulnerable customers.
What we delivered
Design and Build: A collaborative approach.
Leep partnered with Vital Energi for the detailed design and build of the Energy Centre. This collaboration ensured access to the latest industry innovations and tailored solutions. The phased plant build approach minimized upfront investment and allowed for scalable expansion aligned with heat load growth.
Sustainability
The heat network contributed to MediaCityUK’s BREEAM Sustainable Community status.
Operational efficiency
High availability and optimised plant performance ensure reliable energy delivery.
Customer value
Tariffs are guaranteed to remain below a defined counterfactual, ensuring affordability.
Integrated multi-utility solutions
Heat, cooling, electricity, water and wastewater services are provided through a one-stop shop.
Future-ready solutions
Expansion plans incorporate cutting-edge low-carbon technologies to meet evolving regulatory and sustainability goals.
Customer care
Exceptional service delivery, backed by transparent communication and robust support systems.
The results
The MediaCityUK heat network exemplifies Leep Utilities’ expertise in delivering dependable, cost-effective, and sustainable energy solutions.
By outsourcing utilities to a specialist partner, the developer has:
- Met stringent planning and regulatory requirements.
- Secured a scalable and flexible energy solution for ongoing development.
- Reduced risk and operational burden.
- Provided reliable and affordable energy to a diverse customer base.
Leep Utilities continues to drive innovation and sustainability at MediaCityUK, ensuring that the development remains a benchmark for mixed-use, low-carbon communities in the UK and beyond.
Your trusted partner for last mile solutions
At Leep Utilities, we’re more than just a utility provider – we’re your partner in building the future. With proven delivery, innovative multi-utility solutions, and an unwavering focus on customer satisfaction, we ensure every project is a success.
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