A pioneering new eco system harnessing the energy of the Thames to heat 137 new homes and a hotel in Kingston is officially up and running.
Kingston and Surbiton MP Edward Davey was the special guest at the launch of the groundbreaking new system that will provide hot water and heating to residents living in the Kingston Riverside complex using thermal energy from the Thames.
The heat-pump system will draw up to 13 million litres of water from the Thames each day, harvesting low grade heat before boosting the temperature using technology designed by Mitsubishi Electric.
Developers NHP claim the scheme will save almost 500 tonnes of CO2 a year, and slash residents’ annual heating bills.
Mike Spenser–Morris, managing director of NHP, said: “If we had fitted gas boilers then the site would be dumping around 500 additional tonnes of carbon into the atmosphere each year.
“In addition, because of the system’s exceptional energy efficiency, the equivalent heating cost for a couple living in a one bedroom apartment would be 18 per cent more.
“For an average home this would mean hundreds of pounds extra.”
MP Edward Davey starts the pump
When finished, the Kingston Riverside development will be split between 56 affordable homes known as Kingston Heights, and 81 luxury apartments called River Walk.
A 142-bedroom Hilton Hotel will also be completed by the end of next year. All will receive heating from the Thames.
An artist's impression of the new riverside development
The complex is being built on the former site of Kingston Power Station, and is the first UK building project to encase an electrical substation in order for surrounding land to be developed.
United House chief executive Jeffrey Adams said: “Kingston Heights is delivering a number of firsts – a ground-breaking new way to harness heat for homes from the Thames and building over a substation to provide new homes, without disrupting the power supply.
Jeffrey Adams, chief executive of construction firm United House, said: “Kingston Heights is delivering a number of firsts – a ground-breaking new way to harness heat for homes from the Thames and building over a substation to provide new homes, without disrupting the power supply.”
Energy Secretary Edward Davey addresses the audience at the launch of Kingston Riverside's pionerring new heating system
Energy secretary Mr Davey said: “Kingston Heights is a great example of how sustainable solutions can help power entire communities.
“I want to see a community energy revolution where projects like this are the norm, not the exception.”
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