Landmark renewable heating scheme cuts costs for Flagship residents

A £1.4m landmark renewable heating project for housing association Flagship Homes, in Felixstowe has dramatically cut heating bills and carbon emissions for more than 100 homes. The new six-phase communal ground source heat pump system – the largest in the region – has been installed by renewable heating expert Finn Geotherm in partnership with Gasway Services.

Managed by Flagship Homes, the 113 houses, flats and bungalows on Runnacles Way, plus two private residences, had previously been heating their homes using expensive and inefficient electric storage heaters. Having successfully completed two other award-winning district heating schemes for Flagship, Finn Geotherm was appointed to undertake its largest heat pump project to date, to transform the way residents heat their homes and receive hot water.

Finn Geotherm installed six large scale district heating schemes for this project, which generate a total output of over one megawatt of heating. The schemes each use a central ground source heat pump system to generate all the heat and hot water required for one section of the estate – around 20 homes. Heat is collected from the ground using bore holes – a total of 14,000 metres was carefully installed by Finn Geotherm underneath parking and grass areas. Finn Geotherm also installed underground, highly insulated primary distribution pipes to the individual houses. Gasway then connected each home to the primary distribution and installed new radiators. Each phase of the project has a standalone plant room, which enables the heat pump system to be monitored and serviced centrally, without the need to disturb any of Flagship’s customers.

Customers at Runnacles Way are now enjoying cheaper energy bills – costing around 70% less than before. Energy use has also been cut by 70%, making a significant impact on carbon emissions and providing a more affordable and efficient living environment.

Madeleine Jefferies, head of housing at Flagship Homes said:

“Fuel poverty is a serious issue which can affect the wider community, and we’re always looking at ways to make our customers’ homes more affordable. Our customers in Felixstowe have already seen a difference in their prices and we’re delighted we can help to make a difference.”

Guy Ransom, commercial director for Finn Geotherm, said:

“We are pleased to complete this installation that demonstrates district heating schemes using ground source heat pumps can be installed for existing housing stock. This has been our biggest and most challenging project to date, but we are delighted with the result, which proves just how smart and effective district heating schemes are.”

Key benefits:

• Heating bills reduced by 70%
• Carbon emissions cut by 70%
• Central plantrooms for easy maintenance
• Qualifies for 20-year Non-domestic RHI
• Positive impact on residents’ health and wellbeing

Watch a short video on the project.

WINNER! This installation won Non-domestic Ground Source Project of the Year at the National ACR & Heat Pump Awards 2021.