SSE Energy Solutions has been named as Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s exclusive strategic energy partner for heat networks, setting the stage for the development of sustainable heating solutions across the city.
This comes as part of a comprehensive Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the two parties which aims to drive forward Stoke-on-Trent’s ambitious energy strategy, focusing on timely decarbonisation while fostering economic growth, job creation, and skills development in the green energy sector.
Under the agreement, SSE Energy Solutions and Stoke-on-Trent City Council will collaborate on mapping out the city’s wider path to net zero, which could potentially encompass a range of initiatives beyond heat networks.
Key areas of cooperation include exploring opportunities in renewable energy generation, such as solar and wind projects, to boost clean power production in the region. The partnership also has scope to investigate the creation of electric vehicle charging hubs across the city and consider innovative heat solutions,
According to recent government figures, heat networks are projected to meet 20% of the country’s heat demand by 2050 and are seen as a crucial component in the UK’s strategy to decarbonise heating, which currently accounts for 37% of CO2 emissions.
Nathan Sanders, Managing Director of SSE Energy Solutions, said:
“Our partnership with Stoke-on-Trent City Council represents a shared vision for a cleaner, greener future. By combining SSE’s expertise in sustainable energy solutions with the Council’s deep understanding of local needs, we’re creating a strong foundation for the city’s energy transition.
“This collaboration extends beyond reducing carbon emissions – it’s about supporting Stoke-on-Trent’s shift to a low-carbon economy. We’re eager to work with the Council to explore innovative energy solutions that will contribute to the city’s sustainability goals and benefit its businesses and communities.”
The agreement expands on SSE Energy Solutions and Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s existing relationship, broadening its remit to include social value initiatives which prioritise local skills development and job creation in the green energy sector, ensuring community benefits from the low-carbon transition.
Councillor Finlay Gordon-McCusker, cabinet member for transport, infrastructure and regeneration, said:
“It’s great to have entered into this partnership with SSE, and comforting to know our vision for a cleaner, greener future is shared. In addition to this agreement to work together, SSE will also commit to helping develop local skills to support the delivery of milestone projects and using local suppliers and workforce.
“As a city, we continuously seek innovative solutions to support residents, businesses and communities with realistic and achievable energy solutions.
This new agreement will also cement our commitment within the green energy sector, and in turn, show how attractive the city is for future development opportunities.”
The MoU sets out a five-year collaboration period, with the potential for extension, underlying both parties’ long-term commitment to Stoke-on-Trent’s sustainable future.
The announcement is part of SSE’s wider commitment to investing in the UK’s transition to net zero. The company is investing £20.5bn in clean energy infrastructure by 2027, working with local authorities and businesses across the country to create sustainable communities and drive economic growth.
