A low-carbon heat network is being planned to keep about 1,000 buildings in the Westminster area of London, U.K., warm. The £1 billion ($1.3 billion) South Westminster Area Network (SWAN) project will offer an effective method of decarbonization compared to individual building air source heat pumps by exploiting waste heat from local sources without relying on imported fuel.

Heat will be tapped from the local sewer network, the River Thames and the London Underground — the subway. The captured heat is to be distributed via underground insulated pipes filled with hot water to power hot water and central heating systems in connected buildings, including the Houses of Parliament. Completion of the SWAN infrastructure is projected to eliminate 5,000 tons/year of carbon dioxide emissions, equivalent to removing 40,000 cars from the roads.

Westminster City Council leader Adam Hug said, “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.”

Construction of SWAN is set to commence in 2026 by heat network developers Hemiko and Vital Energi.

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