The excess heat generated by the Northern Line on London’s Underground will be harnessed and used to heat hundreds of homes in Islington thanks to a new renewable energy scheme.

Heating generated from a renewable source

A large number of council homes, schools and a leisure centre in Islington are already heated via Bunhill Energy Centre, who produce electricity, but this new scheme will see a further 450 homes powered in a similar way. If successful, it’s hoped the project will be the first of many to use the underground to help heat property across London in an affordable and sustainable way. According to the Greater London Authority (GLA), there is enough wasted heat energy in London to keep 38% of the capital’s homes toasty warm. 

This project is one of many happening around the UK whose aim is to utilise otherwise wasted heat energy sources that are generated by such places as factories, power plants, rivers and even mine shafts. Councils in select locations are also turning to alternative sources of heat, including a sugar factory in Norfolk who pipe their excess heat generated from cooking syrup directly into a 45-acre greenhouse that grows plants for medicine. To make it even more environmentally friendly, the factory also pumps some of its carbon dioxide emissions into the same greenhouse for the plants to convert to oxygen. 

Alternative heating systems

Perhaps a surprising source of geothermal energy is found at the very bottom of disused mine shafts. Trapped hot water deposits act as a kind of huge thermal battery that can be used to heat other water before it reaches our homes. Stoke city council has invested heavily into utilising this eco-friendly heat source and estimate it could slash their local carbon emissions by a whopping 12,000 tonnes a year.
 
Unfortunately, this renewable energy scheme is not available to Greenstar customers in Dorset, Hampshire and Wiltshire, but we can supply alternative and eco-conscious ways to heat your home. To learn more about our quality boilers and central heating systems, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with the team today on 01202 355 344.