Birkenhead heat network plans move ahead
Multimillion pound plans to provide cheaper heating for thousands of homes and many businesses in Wirral are moving a significant step closer.
Wirral Council is set to put forward a recommendation to the Economy, Regeneration and Housing Committee to award the tender for the Birkenhead Heat Network to a preferred supplier. This follows the completion of the procurement process to appoint a development and funding partner for the project.
The aim is to see the development of a new Birkenhead heat network serving existing houses and flats and businesses as well as new homes and new build commercial.
It follows the successful bid for Government funding to start the process of developing a new heat network in the town.
Harnessing waste heat produced as a byproduct from industrial processes is an efficient and sustainable way to decarbonise energy supplies. It can significantly reduce the carbon emissions produced from heating homes, businesses and public buildings, and projects across the country are rolling out technology to recycle waste heat and drive the transition to greener energy solutions.
A report to be presented to the council’s Economy, Regeneration and Housing Committee asks the committee to approve the next steps in appointing a Development Partner, which will be the private sector company that will develop the Heat Network.
The proposed new heat network near Birkenhead town centre is expected to use a Water Source Heat Pump (WSHP) to harness waste heat from the local industrial sources.
Wirral Council is aiming to decarbonise thousands of new homes along with new commercial developments that are part of its plans for Birkenhead. The area in Birkenhead which would be served by the network has been identified as a 'priority district heating zone' in Wirral's Local Plan.
A mix of buildings would benefit from sustainable heating and hot water provision provided by the network which, once operational, could save a total of over 250,000 tonnes of carbon emissions over its lifetime.
It is intended that this project will also be available to those others including sixth form colleges, central government departments (responsible for local offices), higher education organisations and NHS Primary Care bodies.
The decision will be considered when the Economy, Regeneration and Housing Committee meets on March 18 at Wallasey town hall. The agenda and supporting documents for this meeting are available on the council website at Agenda for Economy Regeneration & Housing Committee on Wednesday, 18th March 2026, 6.00 p.m. | Wirral Council
