London, UK - Nesta has responded to the UK government announcing the London Strategic Heat Main, a low carbon heating project which will see 650,000 homes in London heated by recycling excess heat from sources like data centres or factories.

Andrew Sissons, director of sustainable future at Nesta, said:

“London has seen the fastest growth in heat pump uptake in Britain over the past three years and adding this major heat network could make London a clean heat frontrunner. It’s important that people who live in flats and city centres are not left behind and heat networks will play a key role in heating urban areas in future.

“The London Strategic Heat Main is a great example of the role heat networks can play in helping people who live in flats and denser housing switch to cleaner and cheaper heating. The government should build on this by helping mayors and city authorities all over the country identify more opportunities for shared heating infrastructure."

Notes to editors

1. For more information on the analysis or to speak to one of the experts involved, please contact Kieran Lowe, Senior Media Manager, on 020 7438 2576 or [email protected]. Spokespeople are available for broadcast interviews.

About Nesta

Nesta is a research and innovation foundation that designs, tests and scales solutions for the biggest challenges of our time.

Driven by a vision to improve the lives of millions of people, our focus up to 2030 is on three missions: breaking the link between family background and life chances, halving obesity and cutting household carbon emissions.

We work with partners to develop high-potential solutions and test them as they evolve, drawing on expertise in qualitative and quantitative research, data science, behavioural science and design.

Once confident in the effectiveness of a solution, we take it to scale. We create national policy proposals, develop consumer-facing products and services, build and spin out commercial ventures and harness the power of the arts.

We work with two specialised units: BIT applies a deep understanding of human behaviour to help clients achieve their goals. Challenge Works designs and runs challenge prizes to spark innovation in science, technology and society. Find out more at nesta.org.uk