{"id":1621,"date":"2026-04-09T08:40:29","date_gmt":"2026-04-09T08:40:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vitalenergi.creativespark.co.uk\/?p=1621"},"modified":"2026-04-09T08:40:29","modified_gmt":"2026-04-09T08:40:29","slug":"government-backs-major-london-heat-network-as-21m-grant-funding-awarded","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vitalenergi.creativespark.co.uk\/?p=1621","title":{"rendered":"Government backs major London heat network as \u00a321m grant funding given"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>\ufeff<\/p>\n<p><meta name=\"viewport\" content=\"width=device-width, initial-scale=1, shrink-to-fit=no\"><meta http-equiv=\"X-UA-Compatible\" content=\"IE=edge\"><meta name=\"format-detection\" content=\"telephone=no\"><meta charset=\"utf-8\"><title>Government backs major London heat network as \u00a321m grant funding awarded<\/title><meta name=\"description\" content=\"\"><meta name=\"keywords\" content=\"\"><meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index,follow\"><meta name=\"googlebot\" content=\"index,follow\"><meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary\"><meta name=\"twitter:title\" content=\"Government backs major London heat network as \u00a321m grant funding awarded\"><meta name=\"twitter:description\" content=\"\"><meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"website\"><meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.vitalenergi.co.uk\/media\/press-releases\/government-backs-major-london-heat-network-as-21m-grant-funding-awarded\/\"><meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Government backs major London heat network as \u00a321m grant funding awarded\"><meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"\"><\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"rich-text-case-study rte\">\n<div class=\"wrap rich-text-case-study__wrap\">\n<p>Today, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero has awarded \u00a321m to the South Westminster Area Network (SWAN). This major infrastructure project is set to slash carbon emissions and improve air quality in Westminster.<\/p>\n<p>SWAN, which will drive \u00a31bn investment into the capital by 2050, is progressing, with construction planned to start next year. This investment will drive growth across Westminster and create a wave of high-quality jobs in the local area.<\/p>\n<p>Today, the SWAN Partnership, who are developing the heat network, have provided a first look at the scheme.<\/p>\n<p>SWAN will develop out from two centres, one around the Strand, and one around Millbank and St James&#8217; Park. Buildings in these areas can connect to the heat network from 2028.<\/p>\n<p>To accelerate development of the scheme since they took on the role of developer in September 2024, the SWAN Partnership has engaged over 170 buildings in the Westminster area. Most of these buildings are now working through the process to get planned into and connected to the network.<\/p>\n<p>Several landmark buildings are planning to connect to the heat network, including Somerset House and the London Transport Museum. These buildings have set ambitious plans for decarbonisation which they will put into action. By working together and with the SWAN team, organisations like this are making the heat network a reality, helping to save carbon, improve air quality and drive growth into Westminster.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"quote\">\n<div class=\"wrap quote__wrap\">\n<div class=\"swiper-container js-simple-quotes\">\n<div class=\"swiper-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"swiper-slide\">\n<div class=\"quote__holder\"><span class=\"quote__icon\"> <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"36\" height=\"28\" viewbox=\"0 0 36 28\"><g fill=\"#F58220\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\"><path d=\"M12.319 0h3.648a2 2 0 0 1 1.838 2.788l-10.286 24A2 2 0 0 1 5.681 28H2.033a2 2 0 0 1-1.838-2.788l10.286-24A2 2 0 0 1 12.319 0zM30.319 0h3.648a2 2 0 0 1 1.838 2.788l-10.286 24A2 2 0 0 1 23.681 28h-3.648a2 2 0 0 1-1.838-2.788l10.286-24A2 2 0 0 1 30.319 0z\"><\/path><\/g><\/svg> <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"quote__holder\">\n<p class=\"quote__text\">\u201cIt is great to see some of central London&#8217;s most well-known buildings taking this step on their decarbonisation journey. Heat networks have an important role to play in helping London achieve net zero carbon by 2030 as we continue working to build a better, greener London for everyone.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"quote__author\">Mete Coban, <span class=\"quote__position\"> Deputy Mayor of London for Environment and Energy<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"swiper-slide\">\n<div class=\"quote__holder\"><span class=\"quote__icon\"> <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"36\" height=\"28\" viewbox=\"0 0 36 28\"><g fill=\"#F58220\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\"><path d=\"M12.319 0h3.648a2 2 0 0 1 1.838 2.788l-10.286 24A2 2 0 0 1 5.681 28H2.033a2 2 0 0 1-1.838-2.788l10.286-24A2 2 0 0 1 12.319 0zM30.319 0h3.648a2 2 0 0 1 1.838 2.788l-10.286 24A2 2 0 0 1 23.681 28h-3.648a2 2 0 0 1-1.838-2.788l10.286-24A2 2 0 0 1 30.319 0z\"><\/path><\/g><\/svg> <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"quote__holder\">\n<p class=\"quote__text\">\u201cSWAN has the potential to support decarbonisation of historic buildings in central London, providing some of Westminster\u2019s most recognisable landmarks with clean heat. This will help us to meet the target of becoming a net zero carbon city by 2040 and achieving World Health Organisation guidelines for air quality.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"quote__author\">Adam Hug, <span class=\"quote__position\"> Westminster City Council Leader<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"swiper-slide\">\n<div class=\"quote__holder\"><span class=\"quote__icon\"> <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"36\" height=\"28\" viewbox=\"0 0 36 28\"><g fill=\"#F58220\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\"><path d=\"M12.319 0h3.648a2 2 0 0 1 1.838 2.788l-10.286 24A2 2 0 0 1 5.681 28H2.033a2 2 0 0 1-1.838-2.788l10.286-24A2 2 0 0 1 12.319 0zM30.319 0h3.648a2 2 0 0 1 1.838 2.788l-10.286 24A2 2 0 0 1 23.681 28h-3.648a2 2 0 0 1-1.838-2.788l10.286-24A2 2 0 0 1 30.319 0z\"><\/path><\/g><\/svg> <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"quote__holder\">\n<p class=\"quote__text\">\u201cHeat networks will play an important role in our mission for clean power by 2030, helping us to achieve energy independence and lower bills. \u201cThat is why this government is backing inventive projects, such as using heat generated by sewers or the River Thames to provide heating to connected businesses and homes, through the Green Heat Network Fund.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"quote__author\">Miatta Fahnbulleh , <span class=\"quote__position\"> Minister for Energy Consumers<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"swiper-slide\">\n<div class=\"quote__holder\"><span class=\"quote__icon\"> <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"36\" height=\"28\" viewbox=\"0 0 36 28\"><g fill=\"#F58220\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\"><path d=\"M12.319 0h3.648a2 2 0 0 1 1.838 2.788l-10.286 24A2 2 0 0 1 5.681 28H2.033a2 2 0 0 1-1.838-2.788l10.286-24A2 2 0 0 1 12.319 0zM30.319 0h3.648a2 2 0 0 1 1.838 2.788l-10.286 24A2 2 0 0 1 23.681 28h-3.648a2 2 0 0 1-1.838-2.788l10.286-24A2 2 0 0 1 30.319 0z\"><\/path><\/g><\/svg> <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"quote__holder\">\n<p class=\"quote__text\">&#8220;Westminster is showing a voracious appetite for clean, decentralised heating. We find organisations who are committed to decarbonising, reducing air pollution, and doing this in a way that is sensitive to the heritage of the area. Using the Thames as a heat source allows us to invest in infrastructure that provides buildings access to the locally wasted heat resource, without individual buildings having to invest in complicated, visually disruptive solutions to decarbonise their heating.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"quote__author\">Toby Heysham, <span class=\"quote__position\"> Director, SWAN<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"rich-text-case-study rte\">\n<div class=\"wrap rich-text-case-study__wrap\">\n<p>The intended heat source for the first phase of the network will be natural heat from the River Thames. A water source heat pump would recover energy from the river to generate heat for the network. The heat pump then uses electricity to upgrade the temperature of that heat to around 80<sup>o<\/sup>C. For the buildings in the area, this is a big benefit, because many of their systems already operate at around 80<sup>o<\/sup>C meaning that the swap to low carbon heat is easier.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<p>The team behind SWAN has identified and worked up a number of heat source options which will be brought forward over time to allow the network to expand. This includes looking at other waste heat sources such as heat from the tube and the sewer. Over time the network will expand to serve the whole zone, including, eventually, some homes.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<p>The \u00a321m grant funding announcement by DESNZ will support the development and construction of the heat network, helping make the network more affordable for customers. Funding is provided by the Green Heat Network Fund which is administered by Triple Point Heat Networks Investment Management.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<p>Buildings within or near the area are being encouraged to join the network by emailing <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vitalenergi.co.uk\/cdn-cgi\/l\/email-protection#aaf9fdebe4eac2cfc7c3c1c584c9c5c7\"><span class=\"__cf_email__\" data-cfemail=\"99caced8d7d9f1fcf4f0f2f6b7faf6f4\">[email\u00a0protected]<\/span><\/a> to request an Indicative Connection Offer.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"quote\">\n<div class=\"wrap quote__wrap\">\n<div class=\"swiper-container js-simple-quotes\">\n<div class=\"swiper-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"swiper-slide\">\n<div class=\"quote__holder\"><span class=\"quote__icon\"> <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"36\" height=\"28\" viewbox=\"0 0 36 28\"><g fill=\"#F58220\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\"><path d=\"M12.319 0h3.648a2 2 0 0 1 1.838 2.788l-10.286 24A2 2 0 0 1 5.681 28H2.033a2 2 0 0 1-1.838-2.788l10.286-24A2 2 0 0 1 12.319 0zM30.319 0h3.648a2 2 0 0 1 1.838 2.788l-10.286 24A2 2 0 0 1 23.681 28h-3.648a2 2 0 0 1-1.838-2.788l10.286-24A2 2 0 0 1 30.319 0z\"><\/path><\/g><\/svg> <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"quote__holder\">\n<p class=\"quote__text\">\u201cLow carbon heat networks will be essential infrastructure to decarbonise heat in dense urban areas, and SWAN represents an ideal opportunity to show case this at scale. Our teams are actively exploring a range of low carbon heat generation technologies and energy centre locations, and we look forward to sharing more information on our trail blazing a solution as it becomes available.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"quote__author\">Nick Gosling, <span class=\"quote__position\"> Director, SWAN<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"swiper-slide\">\n<div class=\"quote__holder\"><span class=\"quote__icon\"> <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"36\" height=\"28\" viewbox=\"0 0 36 28\"><g fill=\"#F58220\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\"><path d=\"M12.319 0h3.648a2 2 0 0 1 1.838 2.788l-10.286 24A2 2 0 0 1 5.681 28H2.033a2 2 0 0 1-1.838-2.788l10.286-24A2 2 0 0 1 12.319 0zM30.319 0h3.648a2 2 0 0 1 1.838 2.788l-10.286 24A2 2 0 0 1 23.681 28h-3.648a2 2 0 0 1-1.838-2.788l10.286-24A2 2 0 0 1 30.319 0z\"><\/path><\/g><\/svg> <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"quote__holder\">\n<p class=\"quote__text\">&#8220;Somerset House Trust is committed to reducing its carbon footprint and demonstrating that heritage buildings can be sustainable when equipped with the right technologies. SWAN aligns perfectly with this vision by providing a low-carbon heating solution where more conventional options are limited.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"quote__author\">Jonathan Reekie, <span class=\"quote__position\"> Director of Somerset House Trust<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"swiper-slide\">\n<div class=\"quote__holder\"><span class=\"quote__icon\"> <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"36\" height=\"28\" viewbox=\"0 0 36 28\"><g fill=\"#F58220\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\"><path d=\"M12.319 0h3.648a2 2 0 0 1 1.838 2.788l-10.286 24A2 2 0 0 1 5.681 28H2.033a2 2 0 0 1-1.838-2.788l10.286-24A2 2 0 0 1 12.319 0zM30.319 0h3.648a2 2 0 0 1 1.838 2.788l-10.286 24A2 2 0 0 1 23.681 28h-3.648a2 2 0 0 1-1.838-2.788l10.286-24A2 2 0 0 1 30.319 0z\"><\/path><\/g><\/svg> <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"quote__holder\">\n<p class=\"quote__text\">&#8220;We are delighted DESNZ has committed funding to support SWAN. This significant grant award in the scheme and the interest from landmark buildings across the district shows what can be achieved by working together to drive decarbonisation and innovation, in even the most traditional settings.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"quote__author\">Ruth Duston, <span class=\"quote__position\"> CEO, London Heritage Quarter<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>\ufeff Government backs major London heat network as \u00a321m grant funding awarded Today, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero has awarded \u00a321m to the South Westminster Area Network (SWAN). This major infrastructure project is set to slash carbon emissions and improve air quality in Westminster. SWAN, which will drive \u00a31bn investment into the [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":187,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"ve_media_section":[3],"ve_media_year":[],"ve_sector":[],"class_list":["post-1621","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized","ve_media_section-press-releases"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/vitalenergi.creativespark.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1621","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/vitalenergi.creativespark.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/vitalenergi.creativespark.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vitalenergi.creativespark.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vitalenergi.creativespark.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1621"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/vitalenergi.creativespark.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1621\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vitalenergi.creativespark.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/187"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/vitalenergi.creativespark.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1621"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vitalenergi.creativespark.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1621"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vitalenergi.creativespark.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1621"},{"taxonomy":"ve_media_section","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vitalenergi.creativespark.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fve_media_section&post=1621"},{"taxonomy":"ve_media_year","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vitalenergi.creativespark.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fve_media_year&post=1621"},{"taxonomy":"ve_sector","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vitalenergi.creativespark.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fve_sector&post=1621"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}