Islington Council's ambitious plans to expand its low-carbon heat networks have attracted significant private sector investment, with an initial business case aiming to secure £180 million for the South Islington network. The council is actively working with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero as a pilot for Heat Network Zones, a government priority initiative aimed at decarbonising the borough's energy system.
The Environment, Climate and Transport Scrutiny Committee heard on Tuesday 10 March 2026 that the council is undertaking detailed analysis and modelling of various scenarios to guide this energy transition. The key benefits of this approach include reducing carbon emissions, improving long-term energy costs for residents and businesses, and providing cleaner and more reliable heat and power.
The overall estimated investment required for Islington to achieve net zero is projected at £3,455 million, with heat networks forming a substantial part of this figure, accounting for £1,694 million. The expansion of the Bunhill Heat and Power Network (BHPN) to connect City Forum and Telfer House, and the procurement for a new Energy Pavilion to supply the Harvist Estate, are key projects underway.
While specific projected carbon emission reductions for the overall heat network expansion are not yet quantified, the decarbonisation of social housing, which includes heat interface unit installations linked to communal Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHP), has already saved approximately 91.1 tonnes of CO2e. The expansion of the BHPN is intended to further reduce carbon emissions and improve long-term energy costs.
Further details on the council's energy strategy can be found in the Public reports pack for the Environment, Climate and Transport Scrutiny Committee meeting on 10 March 2026. Public reports pack
