A Braintree couple, Terrence, 76, and Lesley Bridges, 75, have successfully reduced their monthly heating cost to just £40 through a new energy scheme trial. They replaced their gas boiler with a data center comprising over 500 computer banks located in their shed. This innovative system generates heat, which is then transferred to their hot water system.
Formerly spending £375 monthly to heat their two-bedroom bungalow, the Bridges now report bills ranging from £40 to £70 after having the data center installed in December 2024. Terrence Bridges, a retired RAF sergeant, expressed relief at being able to comfortably heat their home without financial concerns, especially given his wife’s health condition.
The HeatHub data center, developed by Thermify as part of UK Power Networks’ SHIELD project, aims to assist low-income households in transitioning to net zero energy consumption. The Bridges also had solar panels installed on their roof as part of the scheme.
Thermify’s CEO, Travis Theune, emphasized the company’s mission to address fuel poverty by providing affordable and clean energy solutions. Daniel Greenwood from Eastlight Community Homes highlighted the positive impact of the Thermify Heat Hub in reducing carbon emissions and heating costs.
UK Power Networks’ innovation program manager, Jack McKellar, underscored the importance of initiatives like SHIELD in enabling vulnerable households to benefit from low-carbon technologies. The project aims to expand its reach to support more households in the near future.
By leveraging data center technology like the Thermify Heat Hub, the initiative not only improves living conditions but also contributes to achieving energy efficiency targets. The program’s goal is to scale up to benefit a significant number of households annually by 2030, ensuring no one misses out on the advantages of sustainable technologies as the UK transitions to a greener future.