A new project to build an underground heat transmission main from an Energy-from-Waste plant has been designated as ‘nationally significant’ by the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero.
The ‘first-of-a-kind’ project will initially draw heat from Cory’s Riverside 1 Energy-from-Waste (EfW) plant, located in the London Borough of Bexley.
The recycling and waste management company states that construction is scheduled to begin in 2028, with heat supply commencing in 2032.
Nationally significant infrastructure projects are large-scale major development projects in England or Wales which fall into the following categories: energy, transport, waste, wastewater, and water.
As this type of development is deemed to be ‘nationally important’, consent for the project needs to be given by the UK Government rather than the local planning authority.
Cory says its operations will produce enough waste heat to meet the entire demand of the City of London, and approximately half of the City of Westminster every year.
It also estimates that the project will be able to supply heat to around 300,000 homes across south-east and central London.
Heat networks have an important role to play in helping London achieve net zero carbon by 2030…
David Carter, Managing Director – Heat at Cory Group, said the project will provide a template for decarbonisation across the country.
“It will promote jobs and drive investment in UK infrastructure at a time when economic growth is a national priority,” Carter said.
A new heat main is set to be built beneath London using underground tunnelling methods similar to those used on the Elizabeth Line and the Thames Tideway project, according to Cory.
The tunnel, stretching from Bexley on the Thames estuary into south-east and central London, will carry hot water to supply homes and businesses. The initiative is designed to harness industrial waste heat, providing both heating and cooling while reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
The heat will be used to warm water, which will then be pumped through tunnels. That heat will then be transferred to distribution networks, which will supply it to individual buildings through a network of smaller hot water pipes.
Commenting on the announcement, Mete Coban, Deputy Mayor of London for Environment and Energy, said: “Heat networks have an important role to play in helping London achieve net zero carbon by 2030, and it’s great to see Cory leading on this to support the green energy transition.
“By capturing waste heat from industrial centres and using it to heat our homes and businesses, we can cut emissions, supply low-carbon heat at a fair cost to consumers and make London more resilient.”