Development & Funding Partner to develop the Birkenhead Heat Network

Wirral Council has awarded a contract to VITAL ENERGI UTILITIES LIMITED to develop and fund the Birkenhead Heat Network, a district heating system serving mixed residential and commercial buildings across the Birkenhead 2040 regeneration area. The development partner will work under a Development Agreement to further develop proposals, with potential progression to an approvals gateway; if approved, both parties will become shareholders in an Energy Services Company (ESCo) that will supply heat to public and private sector customers, with the Council holding a Golden Share for control over reserved matters. The project is estimated to generate approximately £200–250 million in revenue (excluding VAT) over the first 40 years and aligns with Wirral's Local Plan priority for district heating and the Government's heat network zoning policy.