Barking and Dagenham Council has commissioned a £1.5 million environmently friendly heating system.
The Becontree Heat Network will provide businesses and homes with one source for hot water and heating and is designed to reduce carbon emissions.
The system will use excess heat generated from creating electricity to supply those on the network.
The network, designed and installed by energy company Vital Energi, will connect the Becontree Leisure Centre, the Coventry University London campus in Dagenham’s old Civic Centre, and 170 new homes.
The network is being funded by the government’s Heat Network Investment Programme (HNIP), which has given almost £25 million to nine pilot projects.
The government’s HNIP currently provides heat to 5,000 domestic customers and 50 non-domestic buildings, and by 2021, aims to support around 200 projects.
Phase one of the Becontree scheme, which is almost completed, has installed around two kilometres of pre-insulated pipes which will last for at least 50 years. The network has been designed so that further connections can be added later, enabling local schools to join in the future.
Councillor Dominic Twomey, cabinet member for finance, performance and core services, said: “The network is a great example of how we are delivering on our ambition to become the green capital of London. This is about investing in the future of Barking and Dagenham and providing energy for generations to come.
“Our residents deserve cost-effective, cleaner alternatives, and by reducing emissions the Becontree Heat Network is going to do just that. I am proud to be a part of this innovative project as we continue to build more homes and welcome business into the borough.”
Vital Energi will also build five sub-stations to act as heat interfaces – bridges between central boilers and individual homes – with the buildings.
Ashley Walsh, operation director for Vital Energi, said: “Major district heating projects like this one are years in development and planning and they require wide-spread commitment and dedication.
“One of the truly exciting things about this scheme is that it is designed to grow and develop throughout the borough, allowing more customers and buildings to access low-carbon heat, becoming more efficient and driving down emissions even further.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here