UK Power Networks Launches Sustainable Community Heating Trials

Hello, Champions of Net Zero!

In a groundbreaking initiative that promises to revolutionise the way we heat our homes and buildings, King’s Cross in the heart of London is set to become a living laboratory for decarbonising heat this winter. This ambitious project, known as Heatropolis, is spearheaded by UK Power Networks and aims to establish a sustainable blueprint for heating that utilises clean energy sources.

UK Power Networks has enlisted the help of several esteemed partners, including Metropolitan, Passiv UK, and Guidehouse, each contributing invaluable expertise to propel this initiative forward. This four-year project focuses on how heat distribution systems can be innovatively designed to optimise the synergy between heat and electricity networks. Central to this endeavour are three winter trials scheduled from 2025 to 2027, encompassing three distinct building models: a low-density residential heat network, a multi-occupancy building, and a large mixed-use site, with King’s Cross serving as a benchmark for the latter.

King’s Cross is not just an ordinary location; it is one of London’s largest and most ambitious redevelopment projects. The area has transformed from an industrial site into a vibrant hub, now home to major corporations like Google, Meta, and Universal Music. Additionally, the rejuvenated landscape is dotted with public squares, parks, restaurants, homes, schools, and even a university. With an increasing number of households transitioning to electric heating, Heatropolis is poised to find innovative solutions for managing the additional demands on local electricity networks in the most cost-effective manner.

The project’s goal is to reduce the financial burden associated with connecting and operating electrical heat networks. By leveraging ‘flexibility’ in the system, Heatropolis aims to effectively manage peak and trough periods in supply and demand, ultimately leading to significant carbon savings. It is estimated that the initiative could prevent around 3,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions by reducing the need for extensive electricity network reinforcement, translating into an impressive financial benefit of £70 million by 2050 through deferring or avoiding unnecessary grid upgrades.

Heatropolis is part of a broader effort, being one of three UK Power Networks projects that have successfully secured Beta funding from the Strategic Innovation Fund, an Ofgem programme managed in collaboration with Innovate UK. The launch of the Heatropolis ‘Beta’ phase saw staff from UK Power Networks and partner companies gather at the picturesque Camley Street Natural Park, marking a significant step forward in this innovative journey.

Luca Grella, the head of Innovation at UK Power Networks, expressed his enthusiasm for the physical rollout of Heatropolis. “This project presents a unique opportunity to ensure that the way we heat our homes and buildings is both sustainable and future-proof,” he stated. “By integrating low-carbon technologies with advanced flexibility and control systems, we can significantly reduce peak demand on electricity networks. This reduction will not only lead to lower energy costs for consumers but will also contribute to a more sustainable energy future.”

Bruce Geldard, the engineering director at Metropolitan, echoed Grella’s sentiments, highlighting the importance of their partnership with UK Power Networks. “We are thrilled to take the next step in our collaboration for the Heatropolis project. This partnership allows Metropolitan to advance our efforts in delivering sustainable, low-carbon heating solutions,” he said. “Through this initiative, we are not just creating a blueprint for decarbonising heating; we are driving forward the transformation of the energy system across the UK to meet our carbon reduction goals.”

As the world grapples with the pressing challenges of climate change, projects like Heatropolis are crucial in demonstrating how collaborative efforts and innovative technologies can pave the way for a greener and more sustainable future. By focusing on the integration of low-carbon technologies and the optimisation of existing infrastructure, we can move closer to achieving our net-zero ambitions.

Stay tuned for updates as the Heatropolis project unfolds, and join us in championing the transition to a sustainable energy landscape that benefits both our planet and future generations. Together, we can make a difference and lead the charge towards a net-zero future.

This article appeared in the May 2025 issue of Energy Manager magazine. Subscribe here.

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