Data Centre
The proposed data centre would contain computer servers, cooling equipment, electrical equipment, monitoring systems and heat recovery equipment. It would not be a large industrial facility. The current concept is for a small, quiet, secure building containing a limited number of server racks using immersion cooling. The heat produced by the computers would be captured and used as part of an ambient heat network.
The project will not be designed around a short-term AI boom. The aim is to select an operator with a long-term commercial interest in running computing equipment in a sustainable way. The legal and commercial agreements would need to include protections for the community, including minimum operating periods, maintenance obligations, exit arrangements and options to bring in a replacement operator if needed. We would not want the village heating system to depend on an operator who could simply walk away without consequences.
This is one of the key issues being considered in the design. The data centre provides useful heat and income to the network, so if it stopped operating it would affect the financial model. However, heating resilience would come from the shared boreholes, ground loop and individual ground-source heat pumps, meaning properties would still have a heat source. The project would only proceed if there is a robust plan for backup operation, replacement operators and financial reserves so residents are not exposed to sudden large bill increases.
The final amount will depend on the operator, the computing equipment, cooling system, grid connection and building design. We are currently seeking information from potential operators to understand the level of investment required and the best commercial model. The intention is that the specialist data centre equipment would mainly be funded by the operator or commercial partners, rather than by householders.
The current concept is for a small micro data centre of around 100kW, housed in a discreet building designed to fit with the local landscape. Earlier design work has considered a building similar in scale and appearance to a small stone outbuilding or the existing Seatoller bus shelter. The final size and design would be subject to planning, landowner agreement and community consultation.
That is exactly why the project is interesting. Seatoller has three things that are valuable together: local renewable electricity from the hydro scheme, full-fibre connectivity, and a local need for low-carbon heat. Most data centres have to spend money getting rid of heat. In Seatoller, that heat could be useful. The project is not trying to turn Seatoller into a technology park; it is exploring whether a small amount of carefully managed computing can help solve a local heating problem.
No. The data centre size would be limited by the available local electricity, grid capacity, and the amount of heat the village can actually use. Electricity North West and other technical specialists are being consulted to ensure the scheme does not create problems for future household needs such as heat pumps or EV chargers. One of the benefits of the project is that computing loads can potentially be adjusted, reduced or shifted to avoid pressure on the local electricity network.
Ambient Heat Network
An ambient heat network is a shared system of underground pipes and boreholes that moves low-temperature heat around a community. Unlike a traditional district heating scheme, it does not send very hot water from one central boiler to each property. Instead, it circulates water at a much lower temperature, drawing heat from sources such as boreholes (for ground heat) and recovered heat from the data centre.
Each connected home would then use its own ground-source heat pump to raise that low-temperature heat to the level needed for space heating and hot water. This approach reduces heat losses through the network, gives households control over their own heating, and allows the village to make better use of local renewable electricity and useful recovered heat.
They are useful together because they solve two problems at once. The data centre needs reliable cooling all year round, including in summer when homes need little or no space heating. The ambient heat network and boreholes can provide a place for that heat to go, so the data processing partner benefits from a stable, efficient cooling route rather than simply rejecting heat to the air.
At the same time, the village benefits because the shared boreholes provide a year-round ambient heat source for the household heat pumps. In winter, recovered heat from the data centre can improve the temperature of the network and help the heat pumps run efficiently. If there is less data processing at any point, the homes are not left without heat: the ground loop and boreholes can still provide low-grade heat for the heat pumps to upgrade for heating and hot water.
In simple terms, the data centre makes better use of its waste heat, and the heat network gives residents a more resilient low-carbon heat supply. The aim is not for one part of the project to depend entirely on the other, but for each to make the other more efficient, useful and financially viable.
The main benefit is that the two parts of the project make each other work better. The data processing equipment produces low-grade heat that would otherwise have to be removed by cooling systems. By putting that heat into the ambient heat network, it can lift the network temperature above the normal ground temperature for at least part of the year. That gives the heat pumps a warmer starting point.
This matters because a heat pump does not generate heat in the same way as an oil boiler. A boiler burns fuel to create heat. A heat pump uses electricity to move heat from one place to another, rather like a fridge working in reverse. The less it has to raise, or "lift", the temperature between the heat source and the heating system in the house, the less hard it has to work.
Combining waste heat with an ambient network can therefore improve heat pump performance, because each household heat pump is starting from ambient-plus heat rather than colder ground conditions alone. In practical terms, that should mean better efficiency, lower electricity use and a more resilient heat source, subject to the final technical design and property-by-property modelling.
There is also a benefit for the data processing partner: the network and boreholes provide a useful route for year-round cooling, including in summer when homes may not need much heat. The aim is to create a balanced system where useful heat is captured, stored or moved through the ground loop, rather than simply wasted.
Ambient Heat Network - Participation, Land and Timing
Landowner engagement is underway and early discussions have been positive, particularly with major stakeholders such as the National Trust. However, not all land agreements, wayleaves or leases have yet been completed. Securing these agreements is one of the main tasks for the next stage. No construction would take place until the necessary land, access and consent arrangements are in place.
The ambient heat network needs enough customers to make it technically and financially worthwhile. If only a very small number of properties wanted to connect, the project may need to be redesigned, phased differently, or paused. The next stage will include more detailed resident engagement so we can understand likely take-up before any final investment decision is made.
This is a really important question, and we know several households may face this decision before the ambient heat network is ready. The Heatoller Project is not yet at construction stage. The next steps are to complete the detailed design, confirm land and planning consents, secure funding, finalise the community ownership model, and agree which homes will connect. Only once those steps are complete can a firm installation timetable be confirmed.
At this stage, residents should not assume the ambient heat network will be available in the immediate short term. If your boiler is unsafe, unreliable, or likely to fail soon, you should take independent advice from your heating engineer and make sure you have a practical heating solution for your home.
However, before committing to a full like-for-like oil boiler replacement, we would encourage you to speak to the project team. It may be possible to consider interim repairs, temporary options, or a decision that keeps open the possibility of joining the ambient heat network later. This is particularly important because some grants for heat pumps are linked to replacing fossil fuel systems, and installing a new oil boiler could affect future choices.
As the project develops, we will aim to give residents clearer information on likely timing, costs and connection options as early as possible, so households can make informed decisions rather than being forced into emergency replacements.
Yes. The project team would be happy to speak directly with landlords, as the benefits are slightly different from those for tenants.
For landlords, potential benefits include replacing an ageing oil heating system with a lower-carbon alternative; reducing reliance on oil deliveries and oil tank maintenance; improving the long-term resilience and attractiveness of the property; improving comfort for tenants and helping protect the building fabric; accessing grant support that may reduce the cost of moving away from fossil fuel heating; and supporting a community-owned scheme designed to keep benefits local.
Landlords will understandably want to understand the costs, responsibilities, disruption, tenancy implications and long-term customer agreement before making a decision. These details will be developed further in the next stage. No landlord will be asked to commit without clear information about cost, ownership, maintenance and future obligations.
Yes. The National Trust is aware of the Heatoller Project and has been involved in discussions because of its role as a major local landowner and hydro scheme operator. Early engagement with the National Trust has been positive, and they have supported further feasibility work to explore whether the project could provide local low-carbon heat while making better use of locally generated hydroelectricity.
However, National Trust support for feasibility work does not mean that every final agreement is already in place. The next stage will still need to confirm land access, leases, technical design, planning, environmental matters and any arrangements affecting National Trust-owned properties.
If you are a National Trust tenant, the project team can help make sure the right National Trust property contacts are involved so that tenant and landlord questions are dealt with together.
The current plan is based on an initial phase that is most likely to be technically and financially viable. If your property is not included at this stage, you can still register your interest. The project team can then consider whether your property could be included in a later phase, whether an alternative route is possible, or whether a standalone heat pump option would be more suitable.
Ambient Heat Network - Household Works and Day-to-Day Use
In practical terms, a homeowner could choose to use another heating system in the future. However, there would be a cost of reinstalling an oil boiler afterwards; grants such as the Boiler Upgrade Scheme are explicit in terms of needing to replace oil with an approved heat pump and exclude hybrid heat pumps; and the heat pump may use some of the space occupied by the old boiler, so it is not practically easy to keep both systems installed.
If you sign up to the ambient heat network there may be a customer agreement covering notice periods, standing charges and connection arrangements. These terms have not yet been finalised and will be shared clearly before anyone is asked to commit. The aim is to make the ambient heat network attractive enough that people do not feel the need to go back to oil.
The final household cost has not yet been confirmed. The project is looking at a funding package that may include community investment, social investment, grant funding, Boiler Upgrade Scheme support and income from the data centre operator. Each property will also need its own heat pump and connection works. Detailed property surveys will be needed before individual costs can be confirmed. The aim is to keep upfront costs as low as possible and to ensure bills are competitive with, or better than, existing heating options over the lifetime of the system.
Yes. Each connected property would have its own heat pump and heating controls, so you would still control the temperature in your own home. The shared ambient heat network provides low-grade heat to the property, but your own heat pump raises that heat to the temperature needed for your heating and hot water.
No, not in the traditional sense. Your oil boiler would be replaced by a ground-source heat pump. This would usually sit inside the property, often in a utility room, cupboard, plant room or similar space. It would connect to your radiators, hot water cylinder and heating controls.
Just thinking about how much space I will need, how big will the heat pump be compared to my oil boiler and tank? Will it go inside or outside the house?
A ground-source heat pump is usually an indoor unit, often similar in size to a large fridge, washing machine or boiler cupboard unit, depending on the model and size. You may also need a hot water cylinder if you do not already have a suitable one. Unlike an oil heating system, there would be no need for an oil tank. The exact location would be agreed following a property survey.
For a typical property, we expect the household installation works to take around one week with contractors on site. This would include installing the heat pump, making the connection to the ambient heat network, and carrying out any agreed upgrades to radiators, pipework, controls or hot water systems.
The exact time will depend on the layout of the property, the existing heating system and whether additional works are needed. Ahead of the works taking place, there will be a full technical survey and a plan agreed with the household. However, it is best if the homeowner, or someone authorised to make decisions, is available during the works. There are often practical decisions to make on site about pipe routes, equipment location and how to minimise cost, disruption and visual impact. When work starts, there can be unforeseen issues and the installers will manage these best with the cooperation of the householder.
Not necessarily, but some properties may need radiator upgrades. Heat pumps work best at lower flow temperatures than oil boilers, so larger radiators or improvements to insulation may be recommended in some homes. A property survey will be carried out to check whether your existing radiators are suitable. The aim will be to reuse as much existing equipment as possible while ensuring the system works properly.
Not necessarily. You do not automatically need new double glazing or a fully insulated home to take part. However, heat pumps work best when homes can stay warm using lower-temperature heating than a traditional oil boiler. This means some homes may benefit from practical improvements such as better loft insulation, draught-proofing, radiator upgrades or controls in order to reduce energy costs. However, what is most important is that the heating system is designed to heat your home using radiators running at a lower temperature.
The project will not assume that every home has to be brought up to a modern new-build standard. Many properties in Seatoller are older buildings, and any recommendations will need to be realistic, affordable and appropriate for the building.
Each property would need a survey before connection. That survey would look at heat loss, heat demand, existing radiators, insulation, windows, hot water requirements and the likely heat pump size. Some houses may need very little work; others may need targeted improvements to make the system perform well and keep running costs down.
The aim is to design a system that works for real homes in Seatoller, not just for ideal textbook properties.
Potentially, yes, but it may involve more work than for a property that already has a wet central heating system. A ground-source heat pump normally supplies hot water to radiators, underfloor heating or a hot water cylinder. If your home currently only has storage heaters, you may need new radiators, pipework and a hot water system. This will be assessed property by property.
Possibly. Many heat pump systems use a hot water cylinder designed to work efficiently with the heat pump. If your current hot water cylinder is unsuitable, too small, or in poor condition, it may need to be replaced. This would be assessed during the property survey.
If you replace your oil boiler, the oil tank may eventually become redundant. Removal, cleaning or decommissioning of the oil tank will need to be considered property by property. This cost has not yet been confirmed and should be included in the household survey and cost plan.
Ground-source heat pumps are generally quiet because they do not have the outdoor fan unit associated with air-source heat pumps. There will still be some sound from pumps and compressors, similar to other household heating equipment, but the system should be designed so that noise is not intrusive.
Possibly. Heat pumps often work best when they run steadily for longer periods, rather than being turned on and off in short bursts like some oil boilers. The house should still be warm and controllable, but residents may need guidance on the most efficient way to use the system. Clear user instructions and support will be provided before the system goes live.
Ambient Heat Network - Costs, Billing and Support
The charging structure has not yet been finalised, but most ambient heat networks include a fixed standing charge as well as a usage-based charge. This is because the network, boreholes and pipes have to be maintained all year round, whether a property is occupied full-time or not. A steady supply of low-temperature ambient heat may also help maintain the building fabric, so the system could be well suited to buildings that are empty for part of the year.
This will be confirmed once equipment suppliers are selected. In general, a ground-source heat pump should need regular servicing, but it does not require oil deliveries, oil tank inspections or combustion safety checks in the same way as an oil boiler. We expect annual servicing costs to be broadly comparable with, and potentially lower than, maintaining an oil boiler system, but confirmed figures will be provided before residents are asked to decide.
The project will need a clear maintenance and support arrangement before it goes ahead. This would include who to contact if there is a fault, expected response times, annual servicing, and what is covered by warranties. The intention is that residents should not be left trying to manage a specialist system without support.
This will depend on the manufacturer and installer selected. Before residents are asked to commit, the project team will confirm the warranty period, what it covers, and what maintenance is needed to keep the warranty valid.
The project is mainly focused on low-carbon heat rather than becoming an electricity supplier. Electricity supply is heavily regulated, and at this stage we are not proposing to replace residents' normal electricity suppliers. However, the project is exploring how local renewable electricity can be used more effectively to support the data centre and local properties . Future phases may look at wider local energy benefits, but this is not guaranteed at this stage.
The final cost will depend on your property, heat demand, heat pump size, electricity use and the final ambient heat network tariff. The intention is that residents should have a lower-carbon heating system with running costs that are competitive with oil, LPG or direct electric heating. The data centre helps by providing useful low-grade heat and income to support the network. Detailed comparisons will be produced for residents before anyone is asked to sign up.
One of the big advantages of using a heat pump is it will reduce your dependence on oil and your exposure to rapid increases in oil prices.
The billing model has not yet been finalised. It is likely to include a fixed charge for access to the shared network and a separate cost for the electricity used by your own heat pump. However, you would continue to buy your electricity through your preferred electricity supplier as you currently do. The project team will provide clear worked examples before anyone signs up, so households can compare likely costs with oil, LPG, direct electric heating or other options.
The heat pump in your property will use electricity, and this would usually be paid for through your normal household electricity bill. The shared network provides useful low-grade heat, which means the heat pump should need less electricity than it would if it were working from ambient ground temperature alone. Final modelling will show expected electricity use for each property type.
For the ambient heat supply to your heat pump, probably not in the same way. An ambient heat network is normally owned by one party, because the pipes and boreholes are shared infrastructure. However, the intention is that the network would be community-owned or community-led, with transparent pricing and local accountability. You would still keep your normal choice of electricity supplier for your household electricity unless a separate arrangement is developed in future.
If your property is connected to the ambient heat network, the connection agreement would normally need to transfer to the new owner, similar to other property service arrangements. The exact legal structure has not yet been finalised, but it will need to be clear and acceptable for future buyers, mortgage lenders and solicitors.
The property owner would normally be responsible for deciding whether to connect to the ambient heat network and for agreeing any property works. The tenant or guest may benefit from improved comfort and lower-carbon heating, but billing and responsibility will need to be agreed between the landlord and occupier. The system can be a real plus for eco-conscious tourists and many systems can be controlled online, reducing visits to manage temperamental oil systems. The project team can speak directly with landlords where helpful.
The current plan is for the shared ambient heat network infrastructure, such as the boreholes, underground pipework and main network equipment, to be owned by a new community benefit society or similar community-owned organisation. Individual household equipment, such as the heat pump and any internal heating upgrades, may be owned by the property owner. The exact ownership and maintenance responsibilities will be confirmed before residents are asked to sign up.
This is being assessed as part of the system design. Like most modern heating systems, heat pumps, pumps and controls need electricity to operate, so the heat pump would not work normally during a power cut unless backup power is provided.
Many homes in Seatoller already have wood burners or other secondary heat sources, and these may continue to be important for resilience during short power cuts or severe weather. The project team is also looking at local power resilience, backup options and how the data centre, hydro scheme, and ambient heat network (including boreholes) could be designed to reduce the impact of outages.
Before the project goes ahead, residents will be given clearer information about what happens during a power cut, what backup arrangements are proposed, and whether any household-level backup heating is recommended.
Ambient Heat Network - Technical Approach and Construction Disruption
Air source heat pumps may work well in some places, but they are not always the best option for a sensitive rural village like Seatoller. They can have visual and noise impacts, their efficiency can fall during cold weather, and they do not take advantage of the local hydro scheme, data centre heat or shared borehole storage. The proposed ambient heat network is designed to make better use of local renewable energy and provide a more efficient shared solution.
The boreholes are needed to store and balance heat. They allow surplus heat from the data centre to be stored in the ground and used later, helping the system work across different seasons. Most of the disruption would be temporary during drilling and trenching. Once installed, most of the infrastructure would be underground, with very little visual impact and would have an expected lifespan of around 100 years. Managing disruption carefully will be an important part of the construction plan.
Some disruption is likely during construction, particularly where trenching is needed for the ambient heat network. The project team will work with Cumberland Council highways teams and other relevant bodies to plan any road closures or traffic management carefully, and to avoid the busiest tourist periods wherever possible.
The design will also aim to work with households and landowners to avoid digging in the highway where practical, for example by using gardens, verges or private land routes where these are agreed and technically suitable.
That said, a project involving pipework, boreholes and property connections can never be completely free of disruption. The aim will be to keep disruption short, well-planned and clearly communicated, with residents informed in advance about timings, access arrangements and any temporary impacts.
The heat from this type of data centre is useful, but it is not normally hot enough to go straight into radiators and hot water systems in every home. The network is designed as an ambient-temperature heat network, meaning it moves lower-temperature heat efficiently through the village. Each property then uses a heat pump to raise that heat to the temperature needed for heating and hot water. This reduces heat losses and allows each home to control its own heating.
It also means homes will not be dependent on the data processing for their heating, as the ground source heat pump will be able to heat their home even if there is no data processing to do.
No. Traditional district heating usually sends hot water from a central plant room to multiple buildings. The proposed Heatoller system is different because it is an ambient-temperature network. Lower-temperature heat is moved around the village, and each property has its own heat pump to raise the temperature when heat is needed. This reduces heat losses and gives each household more control.
For homes, cooling is not expected to be a main requirement in Seatoller. The construction of the houses, with thick stone walls, tends to keep indoor temperatures comfortable, and the priority is reliable, affordable low-carbon heat. Ground-source systems can sometimes support household cooling or heat balancing, but whether this is possible or appropriate will depend on the final design, property systems and environmental assessments. This is separate from the data processing partner’s need for year-round cooling, where the ambient network and boreholes could provide a useful route for moving heat away from the equipment, including in summer when homes need little or no space heating.