Low carbon heating for Westminster

“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.”

“It is fantastic to see that the South Westminster Area Network (SWAN) has taken this critical step forward. The council has been actively supporting the Government through the early stages of this pioneering network and will now take on a principal role to ensure that the project delivers the best outcomes for our residents and businesses.

We know that the gas used to heat and power buildings is one of the biggest contributors to both carbon emissions and air pollution in Westminster. However, these new low-carbon district heat networks will tap into local waste heat sources, delivering clean and affordable energy to those who need it most. The SWAN project will be a crucial piece of our net zero carbon journey in Westminster, leading the way for others and showing what a positive clean energy future could look like.”

“It is great to see some of central London's most well-known buildings taking this step on their decarbonisation journey. Heat networks have an important role to play in helping London achieve net zero carbon by 2030 as we continue working to build a better, greener London for everyone.”

“Using heat from the iconic River Thames and London Underground to heat some of the capital’s most famous buildings is a true story of pro-growth, circular economy in London.

Heat networks are the next big utility in the UK, and we are investing £1bn over the next 6 years into networks that will allow local people and businesses to make use of locally wasted heat. We strive to embed ourselves in the local community, understanding the pressures and opportunities in the area, and figuring out how we can help, such as bringing high-quality green jobs and supply chain opportunities.

“This network will be the flagship network in the UK, the first new zonal scale network in a market that offers an investment potential the size of the UK offshore wind industry. Steps like this show that the UK heat networks market is open for business.”

“Heat networks are the most cost-effective way to decarbonise our densely populated cities. The Government’s heat network zoning regulations, introduced last year as part of the Energy Act, have now created the right market conditions for private sector investment. 

By combining Hemiko's investment capabilities with Vital Energi's comprehensive expertise in designing, building, operating and owning energy infrastructure, the SWAN Partnership will deliver the first zonal scale heat network and demonstrate a model that other towns and cities will seek to replicate.”

“The South Westminster Area Network partnership represents a transformative milestone in our progress toward a net-zero future, both for London and the entire UK. It’s an ambitious project that demonstrates our commitment to supporting the delivery of green energy while creating jobs and boosting the local economy.

Located in London Heritage Quarter, this project has the potential to provide heat to some of the capital’s most iconic landmarks, including the Houses of Parliament and the National Gallery, helping to reduce costs, minimise CO₂ emissions, and make meaningful strides toward the UK’s Net Zero goals. By working with our partners to support implementing SWAN, we’re establishing an affordable, low-carbon energy network that will benefit communities and serve as a blueprint for towns and cities across the UK, helping shape a sustainable energy landscape for years to come.”

“Heat networks are crucial to the UK’s energy transition. We need to move away from fossil fuels, work towards energy independence and enable growth in our buildings and places, and heat networks are a vital part of the solution. They will not only help the UK reach its 2050 net zero target, providing homes and businesses with low-carbon heat, but also provide other vital benefits like improved air quality to our communities.   

The size and ambition of SWAN demonstrates how to drive decarbonisation at a city-scale, and it is a trailblazer for how our cities can operate more sustainability. Westminster is one of the most recognisable locations in the world and through SWAN, the political engine of the UK is going to be supplied almost entirely with low-carbon heat for the first time.   

Since SWAN's inception, we’ve worked in partnership with DESNZ to commercialise the scheme and accelerate private investment. Reaching today’s milestone with the appointment of Hemiko and Vital Energi is a proud moment for our team and an important step forward for this ambitious project that is helping to secure a low-carbon future for London.” 

“Somerset House Trust is committed to reducing its carbon footprint and demonstrating that heritage buildings can be sustainable when equipped with the right technologies. SWAN aligns perfectly with this vision by providing a low-carbon heating solution where more conventional options are limited."