Secondary Heat Study – London’s Zero Carbon Energy Resource

In the context of Government’s 2050 carbon reduction pathways, resource efficiency and resource depletion, the availability and viability of combustion fuels is likely to reduce. Heat networks can and must then begin to make use of alternative sources to facilitate the transition towards near-zero carbon heat. The Mayor has commissioned a study that explores what these alternatives might be and to what extent they can support the Mayor’s energy supply objectives. The study looks at two particular categories of heat, both of which can be termed ‘secondary sources’: waste heat arising as a by-product of industrial and commercial activities; and the heat that exists naturally within the environment (air, ground, water).

The study examines the availability, cost and energy utilisation considerations of secondary heat sources in London and issues associated with their integration with heat networks and with the London building stock. It considers opportunities for operating heat networks at lower temperatures and suggests recommendations for network connections and building heating systems. It’s intention is to inform policy development and to inform the market on the likely technical and economic conditions in which these sources may be viable. It also identifies emerging project opportunities in London. Its headline findings are that, under forecast market and regulatory conditions, about 38% of London’s heat demand could be met by these sources when distributed via heat networks.

Datasets for the study are available on the London Datastore