What is the London Strategic Heat Main?

The London Strategic Heat Main is the UK’s first large-scale heat transmission system – infrastructure which has existed for decades across Europe and Asia. It will transport surplus low-carbon heat, initially from Cory’s facilities at the Riverside campus in Belvedere, Bexley to local heat distribution networks across London that will provide heating and hot water to homes and businesses.

This project is being developed by Cory – a leading recycling and waste management company – in collaboration with heat network developers, and local and national government. It is a priority project under the London Infrastructure Framework – the list of key projects identified by the Mayor of London and London Councils to deliver the London Growth Plan.  

Where will it be located?

The London Strategic Heat Main is a linear project that will transfer heat from sources on the Thames estuary - initially Cory’s energy from waste (EfW) facilities in Belvedere - to areas of high demand across central and east London. At this early stage of the project, the trunk main is over 20km long and will provide heat to 11 London boroughs. 

More about the route
Cory heatmap route - diagram

What are the benefits of the project?

Secure Energy

The London Strategic Heat Main will help to protect Londoners from the volatility of international fossil fuel markets.

Clean Energy

Under the UK Government carbon metrics, the initial source of heat gives a c.95% carbon reduction against gas, and a 60% carbon reduction against heat pumps.

Affordable Energy

The London Strategic Heat Main is expected to supply heat to local heat networks, below the cost of gas.

Local Energy

The waste heat transported by the London Strategic Heat Main has the potential to supply heat to the equivalent of up to 650,000 London homes.

Where will the London Strategic Heat Main go?
The London SHM will start at the Riverside Campus in Belvedere, within the London Borough of Bexley, capturing surplus heat from Cory’s energy from waste (EfW) facilities as its anchor heat source. From there, it will travel westwards with the Transmission Trunk Main passing through Royal Borough of Greenwich, and the London Boroughs of Lewisham, Southwark, Lambeth, City of London, and City of Westminster.
How much disruption will be caused by the construction of this project?
We will work hard to reduce potential temporary negative impacts wherever practicable. There will be temporary disruption to some residential roads and public highways as the pipework and above ground infrastructure is installed. To minimise this, the pipeline network is being built using micro-tunnelling machines, removing the need to dig open trenches along the entire route.
How will I benefit from the London Strategic Heat Main?
The London Strategic Heat Main aims to provide an alternative to gas heating that will be lower cost whilst protecting consumers from the price volatility of international fossil fuel markets. By using locally produced energy from London's waste, the pipeline will help to ensure that energy prices remain stable and affordable over the long term.