#United Kingdom #Leeds #Heat Pump #Star Refrigeration #Vital Energi

Star Refrigeration and Vital Energi: Leading the Charge for Sustainable Heating

Star Refrigeration, a leader in industrial refrigeration and sustainable heating solutions, is set to showcase its innovative water source heat pump projects in collaboration with Vital Energi at the upcoming UK Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) 2025. This important event will be held in Leeds from May 20-22, 2025, gathering thousands of industry professionals from the real estate, investment, and infrastructure sectors.

During the forum, Professor Dave Pearson, Director of Sustainable Development at Star Refrigeration, will participate in a key panel discussion. Along with Nick Gosling, Group Sales and Strategy Director at Vital Energi, they will address the topic titled "City-Wide Clean Heat: A Real Estate ESG Savior or an Investment Pipe Dream?" This session is scheduled for May 21, from 12:45 PM to 1:45 PM, and will delve into the significance of river source heat pumps and district heating networks in meeting the UK's ambitious Net Zero goals.

The Growing Importance of Heat Networks

The panel aims to highlight the role of heat networks as a cleaner alternative to gas heating solutions. With heat supply in the UK from these networks currently sitting at less than 3%, there is a pressing need for significant acceleration in deployment to achieve the government's goal of 20% by 2050. Prof. Pearson emphasizes that the rollout of such networks in urban areas and large developments needs to at least quadruple in the next five years to stay on track for these targets.

"The expectation for large buildings to incorporate clean energy solutions is rapidly rising, and district heating, powered by advanced water source heat pumps, is not just a forward-thinking idea—it's a proven and effective solution ready for implementation today," stated Prof. Pearson.

Successful Collaborations and Future Outlook

Star Refrigeration and Vital Energi have forged a successful partnership, leading to the execution of some of the UK's most remarkable and technologically sophisticated district heating initiatives. These include high-capacity installations such as the 5.2MW twin water source heat pumps at the Queens Quay development in Clydebank, a 3MW project at Castle Park in Bristol, and the ongoing £2.5 million Mersey Heat project in Liverpool, which utilizes heat extracted from the Leeds-Liverpool Canal to power a new 6km heat network.

Each of these projects, designed and delivered collaboratively, aims to reduce carbon emissions while also driving economic growth in local communities. Their groundbreaking work has earned recognition from the European Heat Pump Association for excellence in scale, environmental impact, and technological innovation.

Prof. Pearson noted, "This event presents an invaluable opportunity to demonstrate that the transition away from gas heating is not a distant goal—it's already in motion. Partnering with organizations like Vital Energi allows us to validate that river source heat pump technology meets the demands of modern urban infrastructure at a large scale."

Embracing Sustainable Practices

The focus now shifts towards the growing market for sustainable buildings, which are increasingly recognized as lower-risk investments that deliver higher asset values, improved financing options, and enhanced public health outcomes. Star Refrigeration sees a significant chance to team up with developers to expedite decarbonisation initiatives while averting potential 'ESG meltdowns' triggered by inadequate sustainability practices.

Prof. Pearson firmly believes that successful decarbonisation through clean heating systems will not only cut emissions but also elevate asset value and boost investor trust. As the UKREiiF 2025 approaches, over 16,000 professionals across government and industry sectors are expected to convene at the Royal Armouries Museum, emphasizing investment and regeneration in the UK's property landscape.

For those attending the forum, a complimentary lunch will be provided, adding a highlight to the informative sessions available. To find out more and register, visit UKREiiF 2025. For insights into Star Refrigeration's pioneering water source heat pumps for district heating, check out neatpumps.com, and for an overview of Vital Energi's involvement in district heating networks, visit vitalenergi.co.uk.

Star Refrigeration, which has been operating since 1970, has established its reputation not only for pioneering technologies but also for vigorously promoting sustainable practices within the industry. The company has been at the forefront of several landmark projects, including the world’s largest 90°C natural ammonia district heat pump in Norway and the UK's largest high-temperature water source system in Bristol. As they prepare to showcase their initiatives at UKREiiF 2025, both Star Refrigeration and Vital Energi continue to illustrate that sustainable and innovative heating solutions are the future of urban infrastructure.