The Role of Decentralised Energy in London

A DE system that uses CHP technology is one which produces both heat & electricity near to where it is used. The heat produced is channelled through underground DH networks to heat buildings and provide hot water.

The main source of carbon reduction by decentralised energy is anticipated to be through locally generated Combined Heat and Power (CHP) systems and district heating networks
- they have the potential to save 2.2 million tonnes p.a. of CO₂, over 10% of the total targeted carbon savings across London
Following the Mayor’s plan, energy supply through CHP will become the norm in new developments in London
- The Mayor has introduced mandatory use of CHP in developments of 500+ dwellings through planning guidelines. CHP is also technically viable for mixed use developments of 250+ dwellings
However the bulk of carbon savings are anticipated to come from converting the energy supply of existing building stock to CHP, through either:
- connection to district heating networks laid down by new developments
- connection to district heating networks with the CHP system located in high heat load density public sector facilities such as hospitals, universities and government buildings
- installation of smaller scale CHP systems within buildings
CHP with district heating is the source of carbon reduction and means of decentralising energy that the DEMaP Programme will focus on, as it has the greatest potential for CO₂ savings