UK Data Centre Will Heat Thousands of Homes

Excess heat from large data centres is going to supply heating and hot water to thousands of new homes and businesses across West London due to a £65 million investment from the government. In total, the scheme is expected to deliver 95GWh of heat across five phases between 2026 and 2040.

The project, a first of its kind in the UK is aimed to warm 10,000 new homes and 250,000m2 of commercial space thanks to the government funding for 5 green heating projects across the country. The low-carbon energy source will keep bills low and contribute to the UK’s drive to reach net zero by 2050. The Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation in the London boroughs of Hammersmith and Fulham, Brent and Ealing will be the first of its kind to recycle waste heat from large computer systems storing internet data.

The 5 innovative green heating projects in London, Watford, Suffolk and Lancaster are expected to create thousands of skilled jobs, helping deliver the government’s promise to grow the economy.

”Recycling the huge amounts of wasted heat from our local data centres into heat and energy for local residents, a major hospital and other users is an exciting and innovative example of support for net zero ambitions,” Corporation Chief Executive David Lunt explained.

”We are excited to be leading the way in developing low-carbon infrastructure, supporting current and future generations of Londoners in Old Oak and Park Royal to live more sustainably”