Coventry University - PSDS-Energy Network

Coventry University has successfully secured funding from the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS round 3c) to connect several of its major buildings to a local existing low-carbon district energy network and install ancillary energy efficiency improvements. The university has made the strategic decision to engage Bring Energy, trading as Coventry District Energy Company (CDEC), for the comprehensive design, supply, and installation of this innovative decarbonisation project.

The project will connect five groups of university buildings to the existing district energy network for the supply of hot water for space heating and the provision of domestic hot water, with the potential for the subsequent future connection of nearby university buildings.

The university has chosen to award the project to CDEC due to the following compelling reasons:

• Unique expertise and existing infrastructure: Bring Energy (CDEC), formerly known as Equans, holds an exclusive 25-year concession agreement awarded by the local authority in 2012 to operate the Coventry District Energy Network (CDEN). Their network-specific expertise and operation of the established network infrastructure in Coventry are key factors in ensuring the success of this project.
• Integration and minimal disruption: CDEC's expertise and experience in the operation of the existing CDEN ensures that the connection of university buildings can be achieved in an efficient and timely manner, minimising potential disruption during the construction phase and in the case of any future maintenance requirements.
• Time critical delivery: the university has set stringent timelines for the project completion (design commencing August 2024, phased installation from February 2025 to February 2026) to ensure compliance with the PSDS funding requirements. CDEC's familiarity with the local network and expertise in district heating projects significantly reduces design, permitting, and construction timelines when compared to an alternative supplier without specific knowledge of the existing district energy network.

As a result of the above Bring Energy trading as Coventry District Energy Company are considered to be the only contractor able to meet the needs of this project brief within the timeframe and provide the end-to-end solution and added value to this critical projec