The decision to promote a community heating system for the site, using energy from waste, is based to a large part on the rural location of the site, and need for self sufficiency in the long term.
The community heating system will be planned, constructed and managed by the Owenstown’s Energy Services Company (ESCo). Its development will include the Private Wire distribution Network (PWN) for energy and the super-insulated pipes for the heating.
This will be installed at the same time as the roads and services infrastructure to minimise cost. The private distribution will allow the heating and power to be supplied at a discount to the open market (a legal agreement will link charges to the market to ensure a fair deal for the end user) while still providing a premium to the operator. This premium will be used to recoup capital costs and be reinvested in the town.
The plant is to be developed as one of the initial infrastructure developments within Owenstown, effectively to be operational from day one. The capacity will gradually be scaled up as the number of buildings on site increases.
It is anticipated that the provision of cheap heat and power will be a major incentive to encourage individuals and businesses to locate in Owenstown.
The further benefit of discounted heat and power within the Rural Investment Area will be to combat fuel poverty, which will be completely eradicated within Owenstown, when combined with the specification of energy efficient homes.