Law firm advises city council on decarbonisation heat network project

Browne Jacobson’s government and infrastructure team has advised Manchester City Council on the set up of the Civic Quarter Heat Network (CQHN), a sustainable energy project which aims to provide the City of Manchester with an efficient and environmentally friendly heat and power network to power some of its most high profile and historically listed buildings.

The CQHN is owned by the council, in partnership with Vital Energi, a national sustainable energy solutions organisation. It will officially launch early in 2022.

Vital Energi built the energy centre which is located in Manchester City Centre, and are contracted to operate and maintain the network for the next 30 years.

The Browne Jacobson project team included Legal Director Alex Kynoch, partner Stephen Matthew and Senior Associate Angelica Hymers.

Kynock said: “We are delighted to have been involved in this ambitious and significant project for Manchester City Council. The council are passionate and serious about hitting their net zero goals in carbon, waste and climate resilience by 2038 and this impressive energy infrastructure will be imperative in helping them to achieve that and sets the scene for more local authorities and UK cities to follow suit.

“This has been a fantastic opportunity to continue in our own firm commitments of  driving forward the net zero agenda.”

Cllr Tracey Rawlins, Executive Member for Environment for Manchester City Council, said: “The Civic Quarter Heat Network is a trailblazing system which demonstrates Manchester’s determination to cut our carbon emissions.

“As a council we are committed to playing our full part in limiting the impacts of climate change as the city strives to become zero carbon by 2038 – at least 12 years ahead of the national target.

“It’s a complex challenge but ambitious projects such as this network show that we are taking action to rise to it."