Deal to adopt London heat network part of our wider strategy to lead on innovative green energy projects
In London, we have just signed a 25-year deal to adopt a new heating and cooling system in a high-end development being built by St William Berkeley Homes. Being built over 5 phases, the development includes 1,844 residential units and 6,895 square metres of non-residential floorspace, including a supermarket, swimming pool, spa, gym, offices and retail units.
The low-carbon heating technology installed is a high-temperature air source heat pump, with the entire development’s heating system designed to reduce temperatures and improve system efficiency, ensuring maximum value from the heat pump.
The system also has chillers for cooling, gas boilers for back-up and very large thermal stores to optimise system operation.
Our experience, understanding and operation of this new type of heating system will improve our ability to deliver the other city-wide networks that we are now developing.
It has been a hugely positive experience working with St William to optimise the design and installation of a new low carbon heating and cooling system. Over the years we have had to work together to ensure the new higher standards for heat networks are implemented, including smaller pipes, lower temperatures and optimal plant capacity. We believe all this hard work will ensure the heat pumps will deliver as expected, reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and make Kings Road Park a truly sustainable development.
Neil Turner, Lead Project Development Manager, SSE Heat Networks
We are thankful to SSE for their expertise and partnership in implementing our low carbon Air Source Heat Pump led energy strategy at King’s Road Park which supports our commitments to sustainable and energy efficient development. We look forward to working together to deliver the remaining phases and the long term, ongoing management of the system.
Sean Burke, Operations Director, St William London South Division
At SSE, we see the clear potential for heat networks to play a key role in decarbonising the UK. These networks currently provide about 2% of the UK’s overall heat demand across the domestic, public, industrial, and commercial sectors, but government research suggests that could rise to almost 50% by 2050.
As the UK readies itself for zoning policy to come into play and revolutionise the way heat networks are delivered, we are currently developing district heating schemes in partnership with councils across the country. By delivering these networks to these regions, we can bring affordable, low carbon heating solutions to businesses and communities and help local authorities achieve their net zero goals.
Our long history and experience with managing the delivery, installation, maintenance and operation of such systems means we are well placed to support in the countries need for networks like these and we have a number of such projects underway right now with more announcements coming soon.
