University of Wolverhampton unveils major decarbonisation project

Heat pumps, solar PV, and a heat network are just some of the technologies being introduced at the University of Wolverhampton as part of an £11m project to accelerate their journey to net zero.

The University has joined forces with Vital Energi to deliver the multi-technology energy solution at their Walsall Campus, which will reduce carbon emissions by over 1,000 tonnes each year.

Gas-fired equipment and end of life boilers will be replaced with an air to water source cascade heat pump system, which recovers heat from the air and boosts it to higher temperatures to provide low carbon heating and hot water to campus buildings.

To enhance the overall efficiency of the heat pump system, Vital Energi will recover chilled water from the air source heat pumps, thereby eliminating the need to run the chillers during summer months, which will save more energy.

Solar photovoltaics systems will be installed across a number of rooftops to allow for on-site renewable electricity generation. Energy efficiency measures will also be installed, such as air conditioning controls, pipework insulation, and improved heating and cooling controls.

An underground network of district heating pipes, known as a heat network, will be installed, which will supply low carbon heat to five campus buildings.

A ‘Living Lab’ will also be established, which will allow academics, researchers, and students to study the impacts of the heat pump technology, solar, and energy conservation measures. The Living Lab will offer real-life research opportunities for students and researchers, evidence-based recommendations for operational staff, and opportunities for research impact for academics.

Dr. Pete Cross, Chief Financial Officer at the University of Wolverhampton, said: “At the University of Wolverhampton, we are thrilled to be making great progress towards our sustainability goals and reducing our carbon footprint. This is one of many great initiatives the university is committed to including the Green Innovation Corridor and a partnership with UNITAR to provide student education backed by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.”

Phil Mottershead, Project Development Director at Vital Energi, said: “We’re really pleased to be supporting the University’s journey to a net zero future. This project provides a large step towards full heat decarbonisation at the Walsall campus, with the inclusion of Solar PV and energy conservation measures meaning that year on year energy cost savings will also be delivered.”

The project was made possible thanks to funding from the Phase 3c of the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme totalling £8.6m, which is delivered by Salix Finance on behalf of the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.

Director of public sector decarbonisation at Salix Ian Rodger said:“At Salix every day we’re driven to helping organisations reduce carbon emissions and introduce more energy efficiency measures.

“In the face of climate change we have no time to waste. We’re pleased to support the University of Wolverhampton in the journey to net zero and look forward to seeing the progress made thanks to the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme funding.”

The project will be delivered by March 2026.