We have now proudly opened our new state-of-the-art LPG depot in Boroughbridge - a major milestone in Northern Energy's journey. This new depot in Boroughbridge is located in North Yorkshire and has been highly anticipated.
Following several years of sustained growth, increasing customer demand, and the need for greater operational capacity, we began exploring locations for a new depot in the summer of 2020. After an extensive search, planning approval for Boroughbridge development was granted in January 2023, marking a significant step toward transforming our long-term vision into reality.
This exciting development marks a new chapter for our independent, family-run business, which has proudly supplied homes and businesses for over 90 years. From our humble beginnings to today’s modern operation, our focus remains the same: reliable energy, exceptional service, and genuine care for our customers and communities.
The move reflects not only our expanding LPG storage and distribution requirements but also our ambition to create a modern working environment that supports more jobs, improved technology and stronger connections with the people and places we serve.
A strategic move for the future
Our new site, located near Boroughbridge adjacent to the A1, provides excellent access to key transport routes. This strategic location allows fuel to be bridged efficiently from refineries and distributed across the region, helping us continue to meet the growing energy needs of our customers.
The Boroughbridge depot complements our eight other fuel depots across the country, enhancing our wider operational network and reinforcing our ability to deliver energy safely, efficiently, and on time.
Having outgrown our historic home in Hampsthwaite, near Harrogate, where Northern Energy began nearly a century ago, the move to Boroughbridge reflects both our continued growth and our long-term investment in the future. While we will always have fond ties to our roots, this new site represents a forward-looking step towards a more sustainable and resilient energy landscape.
Building capacity and resilience
The state-of-the-art depot is designed with the future firmly in mind. The facility is equipped with three large bulk LPG storage tanks, capable of holding up to 360,000 litres of fuel. Importantly, one-third of this total capacity has been purpose-built to accommodate renewable liquid gases in the future – a crucial step towards a lower-carbon energy future.
This significant investment not only boosts our storage capacity but also enhances our ability to futureproof operations, strengthen energy security, and respond swiftly to supply challenges. Whether it’s maintaining steady deliveries during peak seasonal demand or preparing for future shifts in fuel supply, our Boroughbridge depot positions us to meet customer needs with confidence and reliability.
James Illingworth, Commercial Director of Northern Energy, said: “The new infrastructure means we can seamlessly blend renewable liquid gases into our fuel mix, as customer demand grows. As an independent family business supplying mostly off-grid areas, Northern Energy plays an important role in rural energy resilience. This expansion will allow us to continue doing just that, with sustainability in mind.’
Supporting the transition to renewable energy
While LPG is already the lowest-carbon traditional fuel, renewable liquid gases (RLG’s) such as bioLPG and rDME are the next major step in reducing emissions across the UK’s off-grid energy sector.
These renewable alternatives are produced from sustainable feedstocks, including waste oils, plant matter, and food industry by-products, and have the potential to cut carbon emissions by up to 90% compared to oil.
A key advantage of renewable liquid gases is compatibility: they’re chemically identical to traditional LPG. This means they can be used in existing boilers, appliances and bulk LPG storage tanks without the need for costly infrastructure upgrades. For rural and off-grid homes and businesses, this offers a simple, affordable, and effective pathway to decarbonisation, helping communities transition towards cleaner energy without disruption.
Our commitment to the environment
At Northern Energy, we believe in leading by example. Our new Boroughbridge depot is not just a hub for energy distribution, it’s a reflection of our wider commitment to environmental responsibility, and a showcase of state-of-the-art, future-ready infrastructure.
As part of our long-term sustainability strategy, we are currently measuring our Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions across the business to better understand and reduce our overall carbon footprint. The Boroughbridge site will play a significant role in this journey. With efficiency measures and modern environmental systems far beyond those of our Hampsthwaite depot, it represents a major step forward in lowering our operational emissions.
The site incorporates a range of advanced environmental technologies, including on-site-solar PV installations to generate clean renewable electricity, electric vehicle charging stations, and a specialist water treatment system designed to protect local waterways and minimise environmental risk. We also actively offset the fuel used by our vehicle fleet, ensuring that every delivery we make has a reduced environmental impact.
By combining efficiency improvements, investment in renewable-ready infrastructure, and sustainable business practices, we’re working hard to minimise our carbon footprint and contribute positively to the environment we all share.
Industry recognition
Our investment in the new Boroughbridge depot has been warmly welcomed by Liquid Gas UK, the trade association representing the LPG and renewable liquid gas industry.
CEO, George Webb, commented ‘The development of Northern Energy’s new depot is a prime example of how industry is preparing to meet the future energy needs of rural people and businesses, whilst integrating sustainable energy solutions. Investment in renewable-ready infrastructure not only builds resilience for today, but for the future.’
This recognition underscores the important role that forward-thinking businesses like Northern Energy play in supporting rural energy resilience and the UK’s broader journey towards Net Zero.
Built for tomorrow
Construction at our new Boroughbridge site began in May 2023, with our trusted partners at The HACS Group leading the build.
Today, we’re proud to see our vision brought to life - a modern, efficient, and environmentally responsible hub that strengthens our presence across the North, complements our other depots across the UK, and puts us at the forefront of rural energy supply.
Designed to act as the central backbone of our wider logistics network, the Boroughbridge depot will enable us to move product more efficiently north, south and west, enhancing national resilience and ensuring continuity of supply even in the face of industry-wide challenges or supply shocks. Its strategic location, modern infrastructure, and proximity to key transport routes means it plays a critical role in supporting our UK-wide operations.
While this investment will most certainly support even greater reliability for our customers, it’s important to recognise that trust and dependability have always been core to who we are. We were exceptionally reliable before, and this new depot simply allows us to continue meeting – and making easier – the delivery of the high standards we set for ourselves. It enhances our ability to deliver energy safely, on time, and with the exceptional level of service our customers expect.