Major Heat pump installation Penryn Campus | ZLC Energy wins FX Plus contract
Liskeard, September 4, 2026
ZLC Energy has been formally awarded a new contract by Falmouth Exeter Plus (FX Plus), following a competitive procurement process.
FX Plus is a joint venture between Falmouth University and the University of Exeter, established to deliver the shared Higher Education (HE) services and infrastructure across their campuses in Cornwall.
The contract will see ZLC Energy replace their energy inefficient gas boilers at the Penryn Campus Sports Centre with a 120kWth Mitsubishi Electric air source heating system.
This project marks the next phase in the campus’s long term decarbonisation programme and reinforces Penryn Campus as one of the South West’s leading examples of structured, multi technology net zero delivery.
A major step in campus heat decarbonisation
Heat decarbonisation is one of the most challenging aspects of campus energy transformation. Replacing fossil fuel boilers with high efficiency heat pumps are essential for reducing emissions, stabilising long term operating costs, and meeting institutional climate commitments.
The Penryn Campus, managed by FX Plus, has already achieved significant carbon reductions through a coordinated programme of solar PV, heat pump pilots, energy resilience planning and private wire generation. This new contract continues that momentum.
ZLC Energy
“We’re proud to continue our long-standing partnership with FX Plus. Over the past six years we’ve worked together to build one of Cornwall’s most successful campus decarbonisation programmes, and this new contract is the next step in removing gas heating from the estate.” Mark Smith, Managing Director, ZLC Energy.
FX Plus
“We are pleased to award this contract to ZLC Energy following a competitive procurement process. The Sports Centre heat pump installation is a key step in removing out-dated gas heating from the estate and further reducing our carbon footprint.” Chris Piper, Head of Estates FX Plus.
Unique challenges
Decarbonising a sports centre is technically demanding. These buildings have high and highly variable heat demand, large volumes of hot water, long operating hours and ventilation loads that change minute to minute. Replacing gas boilers therefore requires technology that can deliver reliable, high efficiency heating and hot water without fossil fuels.
For this project, FX Plus selected Mitsubishi Electric air source heat pump technology because it is designed for complex commercial environments and integrates cleanly with existing building management systems.
The systems are smart grid compatible and can be remote monitored, giving the campus far better visibility and control over energy use. The installation represents a practical, future proof step in removing gas heating from the estate.
ENDS
About ZLC Energy
Founded in 2012, ZLC Energy is a Cornwall-based company delivering honest, high-quality renewable energy solutions for commercial and public sector clients across the UK. The company specialises in solar PV systems, solar carports, battery storage, heat pumps, and combined heat and power (CHP), helping businesses reduce costs, lower carbon emissions, and build a more sustainable, resilient energy future.
Media contact
Mark Smith, Director, ZLC Energy
[email protected]
Tel: 01726 390 390
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