West Holborn Renewable Energy Network (WHREN)

Overview

The West Holborn Renewable Energy Network (WHREN) project is the Council's most ambitious energy scheme to date.

It aims to generate renewable energy by using heat from abandoned flooded mines and the River Tyne.

The network could provide renewable energy to Council-owned and other public sector buildings in South Shields.

It is anticipated that the total cost of the scheme will exceed £20m, however, the Council is working with Government departments to maximise any external funding opportunities.

Benefits

The scheme is a major component in the Council's drive towards becoming carbon neutral by 2030.

It has the potential to:

  • save 2,436 tonnes of carbon a year
  • cut annual carbon emissions by 22 percent
  • save more than £800k a year