Alternative Energy: Paths towards net zero

Guests from Brighton Energy Co-op, Worthing Heat Network and Shoreham Port will be forming an insightful panel discussion on alternative energy projects in the local area. These range from solar panels and wind turbines, to marine and ground source heat pumps. You will hear about the benefits of each technology, alongside how they work and what it takes to install them. These projects are a central part of local decarbonisation, as well as ensuring fuel security.

Brighton Energy Co-op

As an Eco Port, Shoreham Port hosts 8 of Brighton Energy Co-op’s community energy projects. We’ll be taking a deep dive into this winning partnership to fully understand the extra community benefits it provides. Brighton Energy’s unique business model puts 3% of revenue from these 8 projects into BEC's Community Fund which pays for free energy education in local schools.

In 2024 Brighton Energy installed the first community energy project in Newhaven. Newhaven Port now hosts one of their largest solar installations and its hoped that a similar long-term relationship can be established there. We all want local action on climate change so come along to find out about the community energy revolution

Worthing Heat Network

The Worthing Heat Network is a pioneering £500 million initiative aimed at delivering low-carbon heating to every building in Worthing by 2050. Spearheaded by Worthing Borough Council in partnership with Hemiko, the project utilizes centralized heat sources—initially three large air source heat pumps—to supply heating and hot water through a network of underground pipes. This approach is projected to reduce heating emissions by approximately 90% compared to traditional gas boilers.

Construction commenced in July 2024, with the first phase connecting major public buildings, including Worthing Town Hall, Worthing Hospital, and the Connaught Theatre, by summer 2025. This phase alone is expected to cut over 3,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually and create around 40 local jobs.

Shoreham Port

Shoreham Port has implemented alternative fuel technologies to reduce carbon emissions and increase efficiency. These include a 11,000 panel solar array, Marine source heat pump, wind generation, and electric fleet.

Speakers

Max Nixon, Sustainability Manager, Worthing Heat Network

Matt Nixon holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering and brings a diverse background spanning the transport, automotive, and utility sectors. He now leads the development of the Worthing Heat Network, applying his technical and project management expertise to deliver this ambitious low-carbon infrastructure in a historic setting. In his current role, Matt is able to align his professional work with a deep personal passion for environmental sustainability and local community development—reducing carbon emissions while creating new opportunities for local businesses and residents

Matt Brown, New Project Developer & Atlanta Cook, Community Fund Manager, Brighton Energy Co-op

Matt Brown joined Brighton Energy Co-op (BEC) in 2013 as head of New Project Development. Since then he’s overseen most of BEC’s 120 community funded solar projects. He has been a project manager for many years across various technical businesses. Matt, like the rest of the BEC team, is committed to the concept of community energy and helping BEC’s Members advance towards Net Zero with greater community ownership of renewable energy production.

In 2020 Atlanta Cook joined BEC’s team to keep their Members and supporters up to date with their famously punchy newsletter, manage web content, liaise with the press and engage with BEC’s 13 Solar Schools to redevelop an Energy Education Programme funded by BEC’s Community Fund. As a long-time eco educator, campaigner, event organiser and charity fund-raiser, she brings a wealth of community knowledge to their table. Her renewables experience comes from being a conference organiser for SUSTAIN – World Sustainable Energy Fair.

Brian Rousell, Director of Engineering & IT, Shoreham Port

Brian is a Director and Chartered Civil Engineer with extensive experience across a broad range of sectors within the construction industry.

More information

We welcome visitors to the Port to come and experience our unique environment and learn more about us. While enjoying your time here, please be aware that this is a working Port and moving vehicles, uneven ground and deep water all feature within our footprint.

Please be careful as you explore; keep away from the water’s edge and bear the weather conditions in mind. While here you must follow any instructions provided by our team, and stay on marked walkways at all times.

Please make sure you wear suitable footwear and weather-appropriate clothing.

How to get here

With sustainability in mind, we are a short walk from the train station at Southwick, right on the Stagecoach 700 bus route, and have a lot of room for cycles. If you choose to drive, there are a limited number of parking spaces available at Shoreham Port, including disabled spaces.

We ask that attendees ensure to allow plenty of time to get to where you need to be, for most events we would advise arriving 10 minutes before the advertised start time. There is no need to print tickets, please just give your name to a member of the team at the entrance.