Star Refrigeration and Vital Energi join forces to champion large-scale, water source district heat pump projects at UKREiiF 2025

GLASGOW, Scotland, May 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Star Refrigeration will be taking part in the upcoming UK Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) in Leeds from 20^th - 22^nd May 2025, with a focus on large-scale renewable district heating and the central role of river-source heat pumps in the UK's decarbonisation strategy.

Prof. Dave Pearson, Director of Sustainable Development at Star Refrigeration, will join a panel discussion alongside Nick Gosling, Group Sales and Strategy Director at Vital Energi, a long-standing Star customer and collaborator. During the session 'City-Wide Clean Heat: A Real Estate ESG Saviour or an Investment Pipe Dream?' which will take place on 21^st May from 12:45 pm - 1:45 pm, they will explore the pivotal role that river source heat pumps and district heating networks play in achieving Net Zero goals -particularly for cities and large-scale developments.

 The panel will explain in detail the importance of heat networks as an alternative to gas heating, and how developers can future-proof new buildings while supporting government ambitions. With investment potential estimated between £60 billion and £80 billion by 2050, heat networks represent a major opportunity for decarbonisation through the construction of high-value, long-term assets. However, with less than 3% of UK heat currently supplied by heat networks, the pace of deployment must accelerate significantly to meet the government's 20% target by 2050.

"To stay on track, the rollout of heat networks across cities and large-scale developments must at least quadruple within the next five years", said Prof. Pearson. "The expectation for large buildings to integrate clean energy is only growing, and district heating powered by clean water source heat pumps, is no longer a concept for the future. It's a proven, high-value solution that's ready to deliver today."

The collaboration between Star Refrigeration and Vital Energi has already delivered some of the most innovative and technically challenging district heating projects in the UK, demonstrating the potential of public-private partnerships for city-scale decarbonisation. These include the 5.2MW twin water source heat pumps at Queens Quay in Clydebank, a 3MW installation at Castle Park in Bristol, and the ongoing £2.5m Mersey Heat project in Liverpool, where heat is being extracted from the Leeds-Liverpool Canal to serve a new 6km heat network.

These projects, designed and delivered by Vital Energi with engineering and heat pump technology support from Star Refrigeration, demonstrate how government-backed, large-scale low carbon infrastructure can drive real progress in the UK's heating transition while aiding economic growth for local communities and investors. Each has received recognition from the European Heat Pump Association, marking them as exceptional in terms of scale, environmental impact, and technological soundness.

Prof. Pearson said, "This event is an opportunity to show that the shift away from gas is not just possible: it's already happening. By working with partners like Vital Energi, we're proving that river source heat pump technology is ready to meet the needs of urban infrastructure at scale.

"Sustainable buildings are now seen as lower risk, more resilient, and capable of commanding higher prices and better financing terms. With the market shifting, we see a clear opportunity to collaborate with developers to accelerate decarbonisation projects and help stakeholders avoid the looming 'ESG meltdown'.

If we get it right, clean heat won't just reduce emissions – it will improve asset value, investor confidence and public health".

UKREiiF 2025 is a must-attend real estate, property, and infrastructure event taking place in Leeds from 20–22 May at the Royal Armouries Museum and New Dock. Over 16,000 professionals from government, investment, development, and the wider built environment will gather to drive investment and regeneration across the UK's regions. Attendees of the session will also receive a complimentary "grab bag" lunch.

To view and register for UKREiiF 2025, visit https://2025.ukreiif.com/

To learn more about Star Refrigeration's river source heat pumps for district heating, visit https://www.neatpumps.com/

To learn more about Vital Energi's work on district heating networks, visit: https://www.vitalenergi.co.uk/ 

Notes to editors

Founded in 1970, Star Refrigeration is the UK's largest industrial refrigeration and heating engineering company, renowned for its innovative solutions and commitment to sustainability. The company has received widespread recognition for the development of high-profile projects including the world's first and largest 90^oC natural ammonia district heat pump in Norway, England's largest high-temperature water source heat pump in Bristol City and Scotland's largest water source district heat pump in Queens Quay, West Dunbartonshire.

SOURCE Star Refrigeration