Brent Cross Town gets approval for London’s first large scale, all-electric energy centre

Planning permission has been granted for London’s first large scale, all-electric energy centre at Brent Cross Town, signalling a landmark moment in the capital’s journey to becoming net zero.

Related Argent and Barnet Council have partnered with Vattenfall to develop the Main Energy Centre at Brent Cross Town, a new park town in north London, which at 180 acres is one of Europe’s largest regeneration projects. Brent Cross Town was awarded over £14m from the Government’s Green Heat Network Fund to help bring forward the project.

Once complete, the centre will be one of the largest of its kind in the UK, connecting 6,700 homes as well as over three million square feet of offices, retail and leisure space to a pioneering heat network that will put community wellbeing at the forefront of the town’s commitment to becoming net zero.  

The implementation of a large, shared system will remove the need for residents and businesses to install and maintain individual boilers and air conditioning units. Instead, they will benefit from reliable comfort all year round, while reducing carbon emissions and saving on running costs.

The all-electric energy centre will efficiently capture and store heat energy from the environment using heat pumps. Heat created during cooling will be recycled to warm Brent Cross Town buildings, while thermal stores will capture energy when electricity is cheapest and store it for later use.  

The first phase of construction is due to begin later this year, delivering heat, hot water and cooling to customers in 2027. The centre will be fully complete in 2032.

Alina Gheorghiu-Currie, Director of London Heat Networks at Vattenfall, said:

"This is a really exciting moment for Brent Cross Town. Together with Related Argent and Barnet Council, we’re proving that communities don’t have to choose between comfort and sustainability. They can have both. This energy centre will make everyday life better for thousands of people, while also showing how growth in London can be achieved without compromising sustainability."

Morwenna Hall, Executive Director and COO of Related Argent said:

“This is a significant moment in London’s journey to becoming net zero and we are proud to be delivering a town that will meet the needs of future generations of Londoners. Critical infrastructure, like the main energy centre, is an integral consideration when designing new towns and developments and must not be delivered in isolation. We need to see more private and public partnerships working together to deliver sustainable, innovative solutions which can unlock future economic growth and housing provision.”

Councillor Alan Schneiderman, Barnet Council Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change and Cricklewood Ward Member said: 

“The impressive Main Energy Centre and vast heat network planned at Brent Cross Town is fundamental to our plans to develop a net zero carbon neighbourhood helping to cut emissions and create a sustainable environment. The approved designs are industry leading and will bring one of the largest fully electric main energy centres in Europe to Barnet.”

Ken Hunnisett, Programme Director for the Green Heat Network Fund, said:

“We are delighted to have helped Barnet Council and Related Argent move one step closer to providing 6,700 new homes with low carbon heating and cooling through GHNF support.

"As the Brent Cross Town heat network nears its construction phase, we are looking forward to seeing how the project progresses. Affordable low carbon heat is now within reach in north London, while the project also supports local long-term green job in the sector.

"The project is a shining example of how heat networks will decarbonise densely populated areas across the country, and we’re delighted to be delivering the financial stimulus that will see them fulfil their potential as a cornerstone of the UK’s energy transition.” 

Notes to editors:

• At full capacity, when complete in 2032, the Brent Cross Town Main Energy Centre will deliver 30 MW of heating and 20 MW of cooling, making it one of the largest facilities of its kind anywhere in the UK.
• Brent Cross Town was awarded over £14m from the Green Heat Network Fund which will support Brent Cross Town’s ambitions towards becoming net zero carbon.

Brent Cross Town

• Brent Cross Town is a 180-acre new park town development being delivered by Related Argent, in partnership with Barnet Council. One of Europe’s largest regeneration projects, this pioneering mixed-use new town will provide up to 6,700 new homes, with a mix of affordable homes, rentals, and homes for sale. A thriving new high street, new parks, squares, sports and play facilities, with brand new buildings for three local schools, as well as 3 million sq. ft. of office space are being created, set alongside 50 acres of open green space, all underpinned by core values of physical and social connectivity, environmental sustainability, and health and wellness.