Stoke-on-Trent has entered into a partnership with the Swedish city of Helsingborg to work together on developing energy systems for the future – and maximise economic opportunities for both areas.
Representatives from the two cities met at the Swedish Embassy in London earlier today, to establish the Smart Energy Alliance alongside the Swedish Energy Agency, which reports to the country’s Ministry of Environment and Energy. The event was also attended by a number of key partners including Siemens, Heatnet and Nordic Heat, VenturaNext, Solarplicity, Staffordshire and Keele Universities, who are all backing the partnership.
The partners are working to deliver a range of energy solutions which will improve the resilience and affordability of energy in Stoke-on-Trent. Siemens are working in the city to deliver energy efficiency measures and collaborate in the development of pioneering energy solutions for business. Solarplicity are hoping to provide significant solar power opportunities and savings for residents in the city, and VenturaNext are looking to provide next generation fibre optic data services.
Last month Stoke-on-Trent City Council started installation of the first of four kilometres of piping in its innovative district heat network, to bring a network of sustainable, low carbon and low cost heat energy to the city. The proposals, which won multi-million pound investment through the government’s City Deal, will go on to see 18 kilometres of piping laid underground across the city. Helsingborg, one of the fastest growing cities in Sweden, expects its population to grow by 40,000 by 2035 and is placing itself at the forefront of Sweden’s environmental and climate-related issues. The city has over 50 years’ experience in the field, and the alliance will ensure Stoke-on-Trent maximises the benefits and minimises any potential problems with its district heat project. The alliance, agreed at an event as part of MIPIM UK, will see both cities extend their close and successful cooperation related to heat networks, with the goal of acting as a catalyst for economic growth and attracting further investment in the region, as well as developing new areas for innovation and education.
Councillor Anthony Munday, cabinet member for greener city, development and leisure, said: “It’s a very exciting time for the city right now with the first pipes being laid in our pioneering heat network. We are fast becoming a centre of excellence for energy systems development, and are leading the way in the delivery of affordable energy and clean growth. We want to transform the city over the next 30 years with an energy revolution that will support site development, skills, innovation, new homes and new jobs.”
Councillor Abi Brown, deputy leader of the city council, said: “The fact that we are joining an alliance with Helsingborg and the Swedish Energy Agency, who are at the forefront of developing sustainable energy systems in Scandinavia, shows how far we have come with our work in Stoke-on-Trent and the high regard for what we are doing here is viewed at an international level.
“By joining forces, we will be able to share ideas, learn from one another and promote investment opportunities. As our projects progress, there will be fantastic opportunities for local companies to get involved in the supply chain.”
Ann-Sofi Gaverstedt, senior advisor for international affairs at Swedish Energy Agency, said: “To be able to transform our Swedish energy system into a low carbon system we need to work internationally. We need to share experiences, bring back new ideas and innovation and create partnerships across academia, businesses and the public sectors to make the shift happen.
“We have identified Stoke-on-Trent as one of the frontrunners in the UK when it comes to transforming your own energy system. We also share the same vision around creating opportunities for the growth of the economy and jobs.
“We are keen to work with Stoke-on-Trent to follow and learn from their development, bring back new innovations and to create new partnerships for low carbon economic growth. I hope that the cooperation so far between Sweden and Stoke-on-Trent in developing heat networks and the launch of an energy alliance are only some of the first steps towards a closer cooperation in other areas. I also look forward to more cities and organisations joining our alliance.”