Leep Utilities (Leep) is a UK-based last-mile multi-utility company. It provides network adoption for electricity, water and wastewater, heat networks, cooling and hot water services, working in partnership with developers, land owners, and project delivery partners on residential, commercial, and mixed-use developments.
The funding will enable Leep to progress the commercialisation phase of the project, including further development of the technical, commercial and regulatory arrangements required to demonstrate the scheme’s viability. Subject to the successful completion of this stage, and the securing of all relevant consents and approvals, Leep would then look to progress the project into construction.
The proposed scheme builds on Leep’s established role as owner and operator of the existing MediaCity heat network. The concept under development would use water source heat pumps, extracting renewable heat from the Manchester Ship Canal, to supply a new low-temperature heat network intended to serve buildings planned as part of MediaCity Phase 2. This approach makes use of a local, naturally replenished heat source and has the potential to significantly reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
In later phases, and subject to further approvals, the existing MediaCity heat network could be progressively decarbonised and integrated with the new water source heat pump network. This phased approach is intended to allow new developments to connect to low-carbon heat in the near term, while providing a pathway for existing buildings to transition in a controlled and cost-effective manner, maintaining continuity of supply and minimising disruption to customers.
GHNF funding has been awarded to support both commercialisation activities and construction, recognising the phased nature of the project. The scheme benefits from an existing energy centre with capacity for expansion, established infrastructure associated with the Manchester Ship Canal, and long-standing operational arrangements already in place at MediaCity, all of which provide a strong foundation for further development.
If successfully progressed, the expanded network could provide a scalable platform for future growth, enabling additional buildings and major heat users to connect over time and supporting wider heat decarbonisation objectives in Salford and Greater Manchester.
“The award of Green Heat Network Fund support allows us to take the next step in developing proposals to decarbonise and expand the MediaCity heat network. The funding will enable us to work through the commercialisation phase, demonstrate viability and secure the necessary consents, before moving forward to construction. Using renewable heat from the Manchester Ship Canal has the potential to provide a practical, scalable pathway to lower-carbon heat for both new and existing customers.”
Ieman Barmaki – Director of Heat, Leep Utilities
You can read the press release here: Connecting heat networks to 2026: GHNF kicks off the new year with £47 million to 4 projects – GHNF