A new underground heat network will deliver low-carbon heating and hot water to more than 1,400 homes in Hackney.
It comes as part of Hackney Council’s four-year Climate Implementation Plan, which aims to cut emissions and protect residents from the impacts of climate change.
The network will supply homes in the Colville and Britannia developments, as well as the Britannia Leisure Centre, City of London Academy Shoreditch Park, and Shoreditch Park Primary.
Cllr Jacob Cable, Hackney Council’s cabinet member for climate, clean air, energy, and transport, said: “The climate emergency is already changing life in Hackney, from homes that become dangerously hot in summer to the disruption caused by flooding and the risks to people’s health and the services they depend on.”
“The next four years are crucial for preparing our residents, buildings, neighbourhoods, and streets for these challenges. This plan uses all the tools available to us as a council, like the planning and infrastructure for the Colville heat network, to make the borough a healthier and more sustainable place.”
The network will be powered by large air source heat pumps, which will save more than 100,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent over 40 years compared with the earlier design using combined heat and power and gas boilers.
Gas boilers will still be available for backup, and consumer heating charges will be protected to make sure they’re no higher than the costs of running conventional individual gas boilers.
The project is part of the Colville Estate regeneration and will be delivered by Vital Energi under a contract with the council. The first homes are expected to be connected in early 2028.
Mike Cooke, managing director of Vital Energi, said: “We’re proud to be working with Hackney Council to deliver a heat network that will bring lower-carbon heating to homes, schools and community facilities across the borough.”
