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New public sector energy company launched in Devon

A new public sector energy company will be launched to deliver sustainable heat and power in Devon.

Dextco is the first Exeter-based energy company in 70 years and will develop sustainable projects to provide environmentally-friendly energy with plans already in place for the first project in Exeter.

Founding members and shareholders of the company are The Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust (RD&E), the University of Exeter, Devon County Council, Exeter City Council and Teignbridge District Council.

Dextco will finance and build a new network designed to transport heat generated at the RD&E’s Wonford Hospital to consumers across the city. Feasibility studies for the project, which would increase energy efficiency and reduce costs, have identified that the scheme is achievable. Dextco will now lead the procurement of a private sector partner, which if successful, could mean building work beginning in 2018.

RD&E’s business development director Dave Tarbet said: “The heat network will enable the Wonford site to generate most of the electricity it uses on site which will help cut our energy costs and carbon dioxide emissions providing more resource for patient care.”

The company has earmarked future projects including a high-level involvement in distributing heat from the Marsh Barton Energy Recovery Facility in the south-west of the city.