Updates from the Bristol heat network in Bedminster

The Bristol heat network, owned and operated by Vattenfall Heat UK since 2023, continues to expand across the city, delivering low carbon heating to new homes and businesses. Here’s the latest from the heat network being constructed in Bedminster.

What is the Bristol heat network and how does it work?

The Bristol heat network is a citywide energy infrastructure project being delivered as part of Bristol City Leap, a partnership that is supporting Bristol City Council’s decarbonisation targets.

Heat networks deliver heating and hot water to connected buildings through underground pipes, using centralised low carbon energy sources, called energy centres. Energy centres replace the need for individual buildings to generate their own heat through burning fossil fuels.

The heat network is now owned and operated by Vattenfall, who are European leaders in delivering large scale heat network. Vattenfall took over ownership of this project from Bristol City Council in 2023. By 2050, Vattenfall have a vision that over half of all Bristolians will live, work or learn in a building that is heated by the Bristol heat network.

Where is the Bedminster heat network?

The map below shows where the Bedminster heat network is currently installed, where energy centres are located and where future pipe could be installed. Please note, the ‘Phase 2’ route (shown in yellow) and the location of the permanent energy centre is subject to approval and may change.

Construction updates on the Bedminster heat network

• Windmill Hill City Farm – The installation of the heat network pipe through the perimeter of the Farm (via the allotments) has been completed, and this is now joined to the existing heat network pipe at the Whitehouse Lane/Philip Street junction and in Whitehouse Lane. Now, enhancements to the farm will be delivered this winter which will include resurfaced paths, new walkways, fencing and gates.
• Interim Energy Centre – An energy centre is being set up at 39 Whitehouse Street between November 2025 and January 2026. This will include a lane closure on Whitehouse Street and the diversion of the pedestrian walkway and cycle lane. From January, the energy centre is planned to be operational, supplying heat to nearby student accommodation.
• Bedminster Green – Ground investigations have been completed to check the viability of future installation of heat network pipe in this area. The route is now being designed.
  Future works on the Bedminster heat network
• Plot 1 (Pring and Hill site, Malago Road) – New heat network pipe will be installed to supply heating to the new development along Malago Road. Works are expected to begin from late November 2025.
• Phase 2 (York Gate) extension – The route is being assessed to understand which new developments coming forward require heating and hot water.
• Permanent energy centre – The design for the permanent low carbon energy centre is underway. Currently, the team is targeting a planning application submission in 2026.

Delivering social value

Vattenfall works in partnership with Bristol City Leap, who have committed to investing £61.5 million in social value, including: £50 million spend with local suppliers, the creation of 1,000+ new local jobs, funding £1.5 million to community energy projects and delivering £2.7 million of community benefit.

Funding for community-led energy projects can be accessed via the Bristol City Leap Community Energy Fund, which helps groups explore ways of reducing their environmental impact through building improvements and sustainable energy generation. Find out more here.

Stay connected

To receive updates on regeneration activity in Bedminster, including the heat network visit www.eastbedminster.com/bedminster-green/bedminster-green-project-news. You can also email at bristol.enquiries@vattenfall.com or follow @BristolCityLeap.