A decade of powering change: what’s next for Blackburn Meadows?

Blackburn Meadows has always been a place of transformation. Once home to the iconic Tinsley Towers - landmarks along the M1 before their demolition in 2008 - the site has evolved into something even more powerful: a renewable energy hub shaping Sheffield’s greener future. The land, which once fuelled industry with coal-fired power, now drives progress with sustainable energy solutions, proving that change is not just possible but essential.

Since 2014, our biomass-fuelled Combined Heat and Power (CHP) plant has been turning 200,000 tonnes of recycled waste wood into 30MW of electricity and up to 25MW of thermal energy. That heat doesn’t just vanish into thin air, it powers some of Sheffield’s most recognisable landmarks, including IKEA, Ice Sheffield, Sheffield Arena, and Forgemasters’ Steel Works, cutting carbon emissions by up to 65% compared to natural gas.

And, just two years after launch, we installed an innovative battery storage system capable of responding to grid demands in under a second, stabilising the UK’s energy network and ensuring resilience in an increasingly electrified world.

The next 10 Years: bigger, bolder, greener

So, what’s next for Blackburn Meadows? We’re not just resting on our renewable laurels - big things are coming.

We’ve already announced plans to expand our heat network by 10km, connecting even more homes and businesses in the Lower Don Valley. This couldn’t come at a more critical time - Sheffield is set to become one of England’s first official Heat Network Zones in 2025. As part of a national strategy to decarbonise urban heating, we’re ensuring Sheffield is ahead of the curve, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and future-proofing the city’s energy infrastructure.

We’re also exploring the power of hydrogen through the HYDESS project, (Hydrogen Decarbonisation of Sheffield Steel), positioning Blackburn Meadows as a hub for low-carbon industrial energy. Since 2022, this pioneering initiative has brought together industry leaders, academics, and local authorities to assess how hydrogen can help decarbonise the steel industry - one of the most energy-intensive sectors in the UK. So far, the project has made huge strides. Hydrogen could play a critical role in replacing fossil fuels in steel production, significantly cutting CO₂ emissions while keeping Sheffield at the forefront of green manufacturing.

On top of that, we’re also exploring AI, automation, and data-driven decision-making to make our site smarter, safer, and even more efficient. These innovations will help us optimise energy use, enhance predictive maintenance and further reduce our environmental impact.

Beyond energy: building a sustainable Sheffield

Over the next decade, we’re committed to making a real difference in Sheffield’s communities:

• Creating over 2,000 jobs during the construction phase of the heat network expansion - ranging from project managers to welders and electricians.
• Developing local skills by partnering with further education providers and creating a city-wide green supply chain.
• Enhancing the urban landscape with new cycle paths, better drainage, more trees for biodiversity and shading, and improved public spaces.
• Supporting future generations through our sponsorship of Skills Street, which will inspire over 16,000 young people every year with hands-on learning experiences in green energy and technology.

A future worth powering

Blackburn Meadows has always been about transformation - from a coal-fired past to a renewable future. As we enter our next decade, we’re not just generating energy - we’re generating opportunities, innovation, and a cleaner, greener Sheffield.