EDMONTON WASTE TO ENERGY FACILITY TO SUPPLY NEW DISTRICT HEATING SCHEME IN LONDON

A new project to provide low carbon heating from North London Waste Authority’s waste to energy at Edmonton EcoPark has been launched today

The ‘Lee Valley Heat Network’ it intended to create an energy solution for the Lee Valley through a system of pipes that moves heat in the form of hot water from the waste to energy plant, to where it is needed.

The project is being executed by Enfield Council and the Mayor of London, and was outlined today at City Hall.

Enfield Council explained that the first phase of the city-scale scheme will focus on its flagship £1.5 billion Meridian Water development.

With North London Waste Authority’s Edmonton EcoPark nearby, the scheme was said to offer the potential to supply low carbon heat to 5000 new homes at Meridian Water, as well as to businesses in the Lee Valley. A further 1800 homes on the Ladderswood, Alma and New Avenue estates could also benefit.

“For the first time, we will be providing our communities with low carbon energy from local heat sources, while creating hundreds of jobs in the process. This will revolutionise the way we heat our homes and provide energy to business,” commented Enfield Council’s cabinet member for economic development, Councillor Alan Sitkin.

"We are also setting ourselves up as an ‘ethical operator’ in what is currently an unregulated heat market, helping protect local consumers by ensuring a fair price for their heat,” continued Sitkin. “We plan to work with other authorities to roll out this exciting model across the capital in years to come.”

Councillor Clyde Loakes, chair of the North London Waste Authority added: “Providing heat for a network is technically feasible and we are working with the London Borough of Enfield to develop the commercial positions needed. We’re also discussing the design of the plant, pipework and buildings necessary to deliver the Heat Network project.”

Matthew Pencharz, the Mayor of London’s energy and environment advisor, said: “These important energy plans are part of major regeneration work set to transform the Lee Valley area.”

"We need to do everything possible to create a more secure, cost-effective and sustainable heat and power supply across London,” commented Pencharz. “We know that supporting schemes like this using locally sourced energy can reduce bills, increase our energy security, lower carbon emissions and create jobs.”

According to Enfield Council, the Lee Valley Heat Network will reduce the carbon footprint of homes heated by the network by an estimated 50% compared with conventional fuels.

The Council added that the heat network complements its work to bring enhanced transport infrastructure to the area too, with improved rail and cycling facilities to the borough.