Combined heat and power (CHP) and district heating infrastructure delivered the majority of London’s emissions savings in 2010 and have the greatest potential for future deployment, according to a review of the capital’s energy policies published last week by the Greater London Authority (GLA).
The report reveals that CHP accounted for 50% of CO2 savings last year, with 30% due to end-user efficiency and a further 10% from renewable energy. Overall, new CHP projects have led to annual CO2 savings of 36,392 tonnes, equivalent to retrofitting cavity wall insulation in approximately 56,500 semi detached homes.
Analysis of the future potential for decentralised energy published alongside the review shows that energy supplies on heat networks offer the greatest possibilities and could provide up to 27.5% of London’s energy demand in 2031. GLA modelling found that compared to centralised renewables, decentralised energy provides cheaper energy, at a lower capital cost, while saving the most carbon per pound spent.
As well as enabling economies of scale in existing low carbon heating technologies, the report also notes that heat networks are necessary to open up the possibility of other energy sources such as surplus heat from industry, biomass CHP and energy from waste. Without heat networks, 90% of biomass feedstock reserves are expected to go unused, compared to 13% if networks are built.
Commenting on the publications, CHPA Director, Graham Meeks, said:
“This analysis conclusively demonstrates the importance of taking an integrated approach to decarbonising our urban areas. Greater use of district heating will allow the UK to reduce energy costs and carbon emissions for more homes and businesses, while enabling the most efficient and effective use of valuable renewable energy supplies.”