Kingston’s proposed District Heat Network named as ‘key growth project’ for the future of London
Kingston Council is continuing its work with Thames Water to create England's first district heat network to use waste heat from sewage treatment.
The scheme has been highlighted by London Councils as one of the capital’s key infrastructure projects needed to secure “a more prosperous, inclusive, and sustainable” future.
Following feasibility studies and detailed design work, the council is taking the project to the next stage of commercialisation and construction.
The current plan is for the network to connect and supply heat to over 2000 new homes as part of the regeneration of the Cambridge Road Estate, Kingston Hospital, Kingston University, and new leisure complex, with the ambition to grow the network into the town centre, and connect to other public and private buildings.
While reducing carbon emissions, the District Heat Network will create energy security and combat fuel poverty.
Councillor Ian Manders, Portfolio Holder for Environment and Sustainable Transport said:
“Kingston is proud to be leading on new ways to remove carbon emissions from heating, and working to achieve our ambitious targets of council carbon neutrality by 2030.
We are in advanced discussions about external funding for the project, and will have further information on this shortly, as we work on next steps for this exciting scheme that will deliver a truly green and sustainable energy source for our residents both now and for future generations.”
To find out more about the work the council is doing on climate action visit: www.kingston.gov.uk/climate.