Tuesday 25 February 2020

Peterborough to undergo ‘largest smart city regeneration project in the UK’

Peterborough is to undergo the 'largest smart city regeneration project in the UK' on its journey towards net zero.

As the leader of the partnership planning the upgrade, Peterborough Council has unveiled plans for the £2 million scheme to cut energy bills and provide green heat, electricity and transport for residents.

The Peterborough Integrated Renewables Infrastructure project (PIRI) will see partners SSE Enterprise, Element Energy, Cranfield University, Smarter Grid Solutions and Sweco UK work together to put electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure into place alongside the installation of a large heat network and power grid.

The scheme has now been granted funding and is expected to unlock major social and economic value for the entire urban area from 2022.

Marco Cereste, Cabinet Member for the Environment at Peterborough City Council, said: “This exciting announcement will give Peterborough the opportunity to use its own green, locally-produced electricity and heat to benefit residents.

"It's a landmark step in our aim to be carbon-neutral by 2030 and will be the most exciting and innovative clean, green energy project the city and indeed the country has ever seen."

Minister for Business, Energy and Clean Growth, Kwasi Kwarteng, added: “Every corner of the UK has a part to play as we eliminate our contribution to climate change entirely by 2050.

"This innovative project in Peterborough will deliver energy savings and reduce carbon emissions – a win-win for communities and the environment.”