Transforming Urban Sustainability: Sydney Street’s Groundbreaking Heat Network Project
Image: Planning in London
Project background
In collaboration with partners Sydney Street District Residents' Association, Kensa Utilities, and Cagni Williams Associates, we’ve just completed a comprehensive feasibility study for a mixed-use ground source heat pump (GSHP) network on Sydney Street, London. This project is redefining what sustainable, urban living can look like in the UK.
The Sydney Street project centres around a planned ambient loop network, a system of boreholes and ground source heat pumps. This network will deliver carbon-free heating and cooling directly to homes and businesses, offering a cleaner, quieter, and more sustainable alternative to traditional heating systems. By utilising the renewable energy beneath our feet, this model demonstrates how urban communities can dramatically reduce their reliance on fossil fuels.
This project is expected to serve approximately 75% of the area’s dwellings, significantly reducing local greenhouse gas emissions and providing long-term economic and environmental benefits to residents. With an infrastructure lifespan of over 100 years and minimal maintenance requirements, the system is a sustainable win for current and future generations.
How we got involved
Our team conducted a thorough desktop analysis of Sydney Street’s geology, evaluating layers like clay, flint, sand, and peat to ensure feasibility. The specific geological data we provided indicates favourable conditions for both open loop and closed loop system installation, with steady thermal conductivity supporting efficient energy transfer.
No geological or hydrogeological barriers to construction at the required depths were identified, giving the green light for this project.
Our GSHP system design consultancy provided a detailed borehole plan, accommodating up to 174 boreholes at 10m spacing, while ensuring seamless utility coordination. By employing advanced techniques like Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), we identified and avoided conflicts with existing gas, water, and power lines, ensuring an efficient and conflict-free installation process.
We delivered
Estimation of Heating Demand: 1,743 kW peak load
A Borehole Plan: Up to 174 boreholes at 10m spacing
Utility Coordination
1,743kW peak load
•
174 boreholes
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1,743kW peak load • 174 boreholes •
“We are getting more and more enquiries for community-based schemes leveraging various grants. With the infrastructure lasting over 100 years once installed, with very little maintenance requirements, it’s a win for residents and future generations. Ground Source Heat Pumps (twice as efficient as Air Source Heat Pumps) are installed inside the property and are super quiet and efficient. Congratulations to the team at Cagni Williams for their vision and enthusiasm for this project.”
-Richard Davis, Genius Energy Lab CEO