Iconic London buildings in the heart of the capital to be heated by new low-carbon heat network, expected to create 500 jobs and save 75,000 tonnes of CO2 every year.
Just days after the UK Government revealed an Autumn Budget that included significant infrastructure investment plans, a new £1bn low-carbon infrastructure project has been launched in Westminster, signifying a major step towards driving investment and creating well-paid, secure jobs.
Unveiled today, this large new heat network in Westminster will become one of the UK’s first ‘heat network zones’ – places where heat networks are the cheapest and best way to decarbonise compared to each building having its own air source heat pump. On average, heat networks are 40% cheaper for customers than building level heat pumps.
The heat network will supply low carbon heating, sourced from within the local area. The heat will need to come from innovative sources such as the London Underground, the Thames, and the sewer network. It might even be brought down the river on barges.
For the buildings identified on this map, connecting to SWAN should be the most cost-effective way to decarbonise heating, according to the Energy Department’s National Zoning Model.
One of the core benefits of heat networks, is the ability to harness waste heat from within the local area and make use of it. This makes them low-carbon, efficient and resilient, not relying on imported fuel.
Heat will then be distributed via a network of underground, insulated pipes filled with hot water. The zone will stretch from around Victoria Station, up to Temple Underground Station near the Strand, bounded by St James’ Park.
Over time, this significant new investment is expected to save 75,000 tonnes of CO2 every year, create 500 jobs, improve local air quality by reducing nitrogen oxides emissions by 99%, and create 100 opportunities for UK businesses.
The South Westminster Area Network (SWAN) was brought to life by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, and Westminster City Council. To deliver the network, they have brought in the SWAN Partnership, a joint venture between Hemiko and Vital Energi, two of the leading heat networks developers in the UK, who were appointed last month. London Heritage Quarter and AECOM have also been key partners, supporting the network’s growth.
Miatta Fahnbulleh, Minister for Energy Consumers at the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, said:
“Taking waste heat from the River Thames and London Underground to heat such iconic places as the Houses of Parliament and the National Gallery is a really exciting example of what lies ahead on our journey to low-cost, low-carbon heating.
“This project will help support hundreds of jobs and make bold new strides towards boosting our energy security, as one of seven heat network zones we’re backing with over £5million funding.”
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