Ice Sheffield, English Institute of Sport Sheffield and Utilita Arena Sheffield, have renewed their partnership with E.ON, to receive supply of reliable, local, low-cost, low-carbon heat from the Blackburn Meadows district heating network.
Together, the venues use around 4,400 MWh of heat each year, with Blackburn Meadows providing the heating and hot water needed to support everything from elite sports training and community activities to major live events.
The renewed agreements demonstrate the long-term value E.ON and Blackburn Meadows continue to deliver to customers and Sheffield alike, providing reliable heat, a low price guarantee and significant carbon savings through a locally generated energy source.
Instead of relying solely on costly individual gas boilers, the venues use heat generated at E.ON’s Blackburn Meadows renewable energy plant. In 2025, every kWh of heat supplied to the district heat network was associated with 14.2g of CO₂.
Vijay Tank, Chief Commercial Officer for E.ON said: “Blackburn Meadows is a strong example of how local energy infrastructure can deliver practical benefits for a city. For many years, the plant has supplied affordable, reliable and cleaner energy to some of Sheffield’s best-known venues and businesses. These renewed agreements allow us to continue supporting those organisations and the communities they serve.
“By connecting local customers, reusing local resources and investing in the city’s energy infrastructure, we can help Sheffield build a more affordable, resilient and sustainable future, making new energy work for everyone.”
The agreements build on the important role Blackburn Meadows already plays in Sheffield as a trusted source of heat source. The existing 8 kilometre network supplies nine buildings across the Lower Don Valley, providing cleaner, more affordable heat and supporting the city’s shift to a smart, decentralised energy system.
The new agreements reflect growing confidence in district heating as a practical solution for organisations seeking lower-cost, reliable energy supplies while supporting long-term sustainability ambitions. E.ON is working with cities and businesses to make new energy work in practice: delivering practical, low-carbon energy solutions for cities and businesses to help Sheffield reduce carbon, strengthen resilience and support local businesses and communities.
Lorenzo Clark, Everyone Active partnership manager, said: “Ice Sheffield and English Institute of Sport Sheffield are major community and elite sports venues, vital to the training of national athletes and community alike.
“As a large energy consumer, being able to reduce carbon emissions across our facilities whilst relying on dependable heating and hot water are fundamental to our day-to-day operations. Reducing what we spend on energy allows us to maintain world class facilities for athletes such as Team GB boxer Teagn Stott, professional ice hockey player Liam Kirk, British Para table tennis player Fliss Pickard and badminton Paralympics GB star Jack Shephard.
“Renewing our agreement secures a consistent local heat supply with a carbon footprint less than 10% of natural gas, helping reduce the facilities’ environmental impact.”
Learn more https://www.eonenergy.com/
