Project overview
Our vision is to create an Energy Superloop through a network of underground pipes between Black Peak Solar Farm, a new local data centre, and homes across Melbourn. Think of it as a district heat network with the added benefit of ultra-fast broadband.
As part of the project, we’d replace residents’ current heating system with a new heat pump — installed for free or at a discount, depending on the home. These heat pumps would be extremely cheap to run, as excess heat produced by the data centre would be redirected through the network to make them more efficient.
The entire network would be powered by electricity from the solar farm (with back-up power from the grid on standby), reducing carbon emissions and drastically increasing Melbourn’s energy self-sufficiency.
Register your interestHow it would work
Building an energy network takes time and careful planning, we expect the entire project to take around 1–2 years to complete. Here’s what each stage could look like:
1. Community consultation
To gauge interest within the village for a project like this, we’ll host a number of community events, followed by a public consultation, before any decisions are made.
2. Planning submission
If there was enough interest in the project, we’d submit a detailed planning application to South Cambs District Council. The application would be for the data centre and underground pipes as the solar farm already exists.
3. Construction
If planning permission is granted, construction on the data centre and pipe network would begin. To minimise disruption, power, heat, and fibre broadband would be installed simultaneously, with work progressing one road at a time to maintain access wherever possible.
4. Heat pump fittings
While construction is underway, you would meet with a heating specialist to see where your new heat pump (which would replace your boiler) and hot water cylinder could go. We’ll work with you to find the best solution for your home.
5. Final installation
It will take about 2–3 days to swap out your old boiler for your new heating system. Then, once complete, your savings on your energy bill begin!
More about the heat pump
To take advantage of Melbourn’s Energy Superloop, you’d need to replace your existing heating system with a Kensa Shoe-box heat pump and hot water cylinder.
These award-winning heat pumps work by passing warm water through a compressor, raising the temperature enough to use throughout your home. They’re compact and quiet, and will likely be compatible with your existing radiators.
When connected to the Energy Superloop, the heat pumps use less energy to run because the water that’s passed through them has already been warmed by heat from the data centre.
See it in action
Reasons to make the switch
Low maintenance
Once installed, your heat pump won’t need servicing and requires minimal maintenance over its 20-year lifespan.
Subsidised installation
Through the government-funded Boiler Upgrade Scheme, you could get £7,500 taken off the installation cost of your heat pump and hot water cylinder. If your property requires work that costs more than this, we’ll offer a financing solution so you don’t have to pay anything up front.
Efficient and green
Even without additional heat from the data centre, heat pumps deliver more heat than they consume in electricity — making them among the most efficient heating options on the market.
Cheaper bills and increased home value
We’re confident that your total energy bills (including repayment of the financing, if required) will be lower than they are today — and you will have likely increased the value of your home through this upgrade.
More about the data centre
Data centres house powerful computers and servers used to store and process data for businesses and online services. Despite being small, these machines generate a large amount of heat that would normally go to waste. Our proposal is to build a data centre near Melbourn that captures this otherwise wasted heat and redirects it through the Energy Superloop.
The data centre would also support increased internet capacity, meaning that the fibre broadband installed as part of this project would most likely be faster and more reliable than your current connection.
Answering your questions
Where would the data centre be located?
How much room would it take up?
What would it be used for?
How would it be powered?
Your voice matters
This is an opportunity to explore a greener, more sustainable future for Melbourn, and we want you to be part of the process. Share your thoughts and help us understand what matters most to you.
Share your feedbackAbout us
Melbourn’s Energy Superloop is a collaborative project powered by Octopus Energy Generation, Kensa, Deep Green, and aql.
Our mission is to decarbonise homes through innovative, community-scale energy networks. We believe local projects are the most cost-effective way to deliver clean, sustainable energy directly to households. Together, we’re combining our expertise and resources to create lasting energy solutions that benefit both people and communities.