Skip Navigation

Home > Research projects > London Carbon Scenarios

GLA London Carbon Scenarios

In February 2006, Carbon Descent delivered a report for the London Energy Partnership assessing how London could meet its carbon reduction targets for 2026. The study included the development of an energy and carbon model of London, an analysis of a range of different technologies from large-scale combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT) CHP to ground source heat pumps and a detailed cost analysis of the five possible scenarios.

The five scenarios were:

  1. Large-scale CHP led
  2. Micro-CHP led
  3. Renewables led
  4. Insulation and Energy Efficiency led
  5. Hybrid, a combination of the above scenarios

All of the scenarios involved persuading private householders to make changes to their homes. Scenario five was identified as the preferred scenario as it was considered the easiest to implement. However, the initial development of heat networks will most likely be in the areas of new build and existing social housing where it is easier to influence outcomes. Once these have a track record of providing reliable and affordable heat, these could be rolled out to existing stock.

Central to achieving the target is selecting sites within London for a large CCGT plant and developing heat networks around that plant. Two CCGT CHP schemes are already being planned in London, at the Barking Power Station extension and the Tilfen Land scheme in Plumstead. Whilst these schemes are still at the planning stage this at least gives an indication that a CCGT based CHP approach is not only feasible but economically viable.

You can download a copy of the report here:
http://www.london.gov.uk/mayor/environment/energy/partnership-steering-group/docs/energy-scenarios.pdf