A one billion pound plan to heat government buildings and museums using heat generated by London’s underground network has been unveiled.
Ten Downing Street and the National Gallery were two of the sites named for the project, operated by Hemiko and Vital Energi, which will use Westminster’s heating infrastructure in what will be the first of a series of planned ‘heat network zones’.
Once complete, the network will run from Victoria to Temple and deliver hot water via underground insulated pipes with The Thames and the capital’s sewer system identified as other potential sources of low-carbon power.
Miatta Fahnbulleh, Minister for Energy Consumers, said: “Taking waste heat from the River Thames and the London Underground to heat such iconic places as the Houses of Parliament and the National Gallery exemplifies our journey toward low-cost, low-carbon heating.”
The government added that 75,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide per year would be saved while the scheme would create 500 jobs and improve air quality.
Investment in the project will be in stages with £100 million spent within the next three years, £500 million within the next 10, and £1 billion by 2050.
Westminster’s network is expected to be a blueprint for other schemes across the UK.