UK government reveals 90m plan to warm homes with data center waste heat,
with 750,000 homes getting cheaper heating

Date:
Tue, 29 Sep 2026 05:00:00 +0000

Description:
Waste heat from data centers could generate cheaper hot water as part of a clean heat initiative in the UK, which also involves piping hot water for Londoners through a tunnel under the Thames.

FULL STORY ======================================================================Copy link Facebook X Whatsapp Reddit Pinterest Flipboard Threads Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter 90 million is being allocated toward using excess heat from UK data centers In London, around 650,000 homes will receive cut-price heating via a mega heat project The project is described as delivering clean heat to London The UK government plans to heat around 750,000 homes as part of a new 90 million project that will include supplying hot water heated by data centers. The Department for Energy
Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) is funding the building of new heat networks
and improving existing infrastructure to pipe hot water from data centers across parts of London, including under the Thames.

The initiative is part of a national project to reduce heating bills, with London, Manchester, Newport and Abergavenny in Wales, Solihull in the Midlands, and Bradford in Yorkshire all benefitting. Similar waste-heat projects have been running in Copenhagen, Amsterdam, Vienna, and Berlin for several decades. In London alone, 650,000 homes will benefit, although the project has drawn ridicule for the cited use of electric barges to transport hot water 25 kilometers along the River Thames, while the subterranean pipe system is installed. Latest Videos From TechRadar Watch full video here: 5 billion unlocked Diverting heat from data centers into water is the core of the 90 million in government funding, but the mega heat project in London relies on unlocking 5 billion in investment, which will also generate jobs.

Alongside roles in river transport, the money will support construction and engineering projects. The mega heat project under the Thames is expected to distribute heated water from a data center, where enough excess heat is generated to provide enough for homes across London. You may like This new UK domestic 'data furnace' from Heata can convert cloud computing waste heat
into free hot water Finally, some good usage this Danish data center is providing heat to power thousands of household radiators Industry trade board warns UK government over data center thirst for resources

While 41 million of the funding goes to the capital, 9.7 million will be invested in extending the citys original heat network. Heat networks were common in the industrial north in the mid-20th century, although Bradfords network is a more recent project, commencing in 2024. The projects in Greater Manchester (Gorton and Levenshulme) will replace legacy heating systems in social housing blocks. The electric barges While initial reaction to the news of London's mega heat project has been positive, the use of electric barges
to transport water along the River Thames has inspired some derision.
However, the 41 million heat project is planned to start as soon as possible. Are you a pro? Subscribe to our newsletter Sign up to the TechRadar Pro newsletter to get all the top news, opinion, features and guidance your business needs to succeed! Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands Receive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

The barges (which will cover 25 kilometers a day) are heated, with the water temperature sustained until it is deposited into insulated riverside tanks mounted . Expected to launch in 2028, the barges will remain in operation until the new hot water distribution system is completed.

Clean power and clean heat benefits communities across our country," noted
the UKs Minister for Local Energy and Jobs Martin McCluskey.

"Building the infrastructure to deliver it is reindustrialising the UK and rolling out cutting-edge energy technology so families can benefit from lower bills, good jobs and energy security. And for those already using heat networks, we are upgrading inefficient systems to make sure people get the high-quality, low-cost, reliable heating they deserve. Follow TechRadar on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our expert news, reviews, and opinion in your feeds.



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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/pro/uk-government-reveals-gbp90m-plan-to-warm-homes- with-data-center-waste-heat-with-750-000-homes-getting-cheaper-heating


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