The multidisciplinary Clean Heat team at independent UK law firm Burges Salmon has advised the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) on a landmark £1 billion heat network project in Westminster. This initiative aims to deliver low-carbon heating to some of London’s most iconic buildings and is poised to become one of the UK’s largest heat networks.

The firm guided DESNZ in selecting a development partner for the ambitious scheme, reinforcing its commitment to advancing sustainable energy solutions.

The project, initiated by DESNZ and Westminster Council, in collaboration with its delivery partner the South Westminster Area Network (Swan) Partnership, could provide the Houses of Parliament, Downing Street and the National Gallery with the opportunity to switch to low carbon heating without affecting the aesthetics of historic, listed and World Heritage Site buildings.

The network would stretch from Grosvenor Bridge in Pimlico and Victoria Station to Temple Underground Station near the Strand and bounded by St James Park, enabling buildings from Tate Britain to Somerset House to access the low carbon heat in the network, as well as Westminster Council-owned property. Construction of the project is due to begin in 2026 with the Swan Partnership planning to invest £100 million within three years, £500 million within 10 years and £1 billion by 2050.

With market-leading expertise in the clean heat sector and a reputation for advising on nationally significant projects, Burges Salmon acts for Government, investors, developers, landowners and the supply chain on every part of the clean heat cycle, from funding models, procurement and planning through to compliance and evolving regulations. The Burges Salmon team advising DESNZ on this landmark project was led by director Charles Robson and associate Aviva Hoekstra.

Charles Robson comments: “To meet ambitious Net Zero targets by 2050, the UK needs to act quickly to find alternatives to the many carbon intensive activities that we currently rely upon. It’s fantastic to see zonal-scale projects like the Westminster heat network now being developed, giving London the opportunity to showcase on the global stage the tremendous net zero opportunities presented by heat networks with an invisible infrastructure that decarbonises buildings whilst preserving their historic and authentic nature. Our experience in clean heat and energy regulation means we’re well positioned to advise on large scale developments, and it’s been a pleasure to work with DESNZ and its partners on such a landmark scheme in the heart of the capital. We look forward to continuing to support these ambitious projects and the contribution they are making to the decarbonisation of heat across the country.”