Waste energy from local plant could generate heating to nearly 3,000 homes in Southwark

The council is working with its waste and recycling partners Veolia Environmental Services, who will play a key role in managing the project.  

The contract would mean both a cheaper and much more energy efficient method of heating some 2,700 homes, and there is potential to bring substantial environmental benefits by reducing carbon emissions by 70% and nitrogen oxides emissions by 90%.  

SELCHP is the South East London Combined Heat and Power facility, and is one of only a few such facilities of its kind in London. 

Councillor Barrie Hargrove, cabinet member for transport, environment and recycling at Southwark Council, said: 

"This scheme has the possibility of providing renewable energy to thousands of homes, in a much more environmentally friendly way than before. Residents will not notice any difference in their heating, except for the knowledge that it will be provided in a cheaper, more local, and more secure manner."  

Notes to editors

The properties that are provisionally being considered for inclusion are situated on five Southwark Council estates: Silwood (Southwark part), Tissington, Pedworth, New Place and Maydew, with the further possibility of Abbeyfield in the future. A detailed study is being undertaken to precisely identify which boiler houses should be connected to optimise the outcomes from this project. 

Background

In February 2005, the Greater London Authority (GLA) commissioned PB Power to produce a report "SELCHP Community Heating Scheme - Options Appraisal" which included analysis of the SELCHP scheme waste to energy plant to supply heat energy to a number of estates in Southwark. The report found that the project has the potential to reduce CO2 emissions by 70% and nitrogen oxides emissions by 90%, contributing to a number of energy and environment related National Indicators. 

Contract procurement process

Southwark Council would expect to contract for this service as an additional services contract to the waste and recycling contract with Veolia Environmental Services.