Hackney's climate plan adds low-carbon heat network for 1,486 homes, schools and leisure centre

Hackney Council has published a four-year Climate Implementation Plan that includes a district heat network for 1,486 homes, two schools and Britannia Leisure Centre. The network will run on large air source heat pumps instead of the gas combined heat and power system in the earlier design, and the council says it will cut more than 100,000 tonnes of CO2e over 40 years. Gas boilers stay in place for peak demand, with consumer charges protected so they do not cost more than running individual gas boilers. Vital Energi has the contract to build and operate the network. First homes are expected to connect in early 2028. The wider plan covers building efficiency, transport, green spaces and climate adaptation, and includes more than 300 actions across the borough.