Spanning more than 20km, East London Energy (ELE) is one of the UK’s largest heat networks and a cornerstone of East London’s long-term infrastructure. The network supports thousands of homes and businesses as well as serving the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and surrounding communities in Stratford.
Location: Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
Size: 20km
Benefits:
Delivering for customers
Community benefits
Operated by Bring Energy in partnership with the London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC) the network supplies 108 GWh of heating and 47 GWh of cooling to over 100 commercial premises and 8,000 dwellings. Connections include University College London, the London Legacy Development Corporation, the London Aquatics Centre and Westfield Stratford shopping centre.
Heat is generated through combined heat and power (CHP) units, water source heat pumps (WSHP), biomass boilers and gas boilers. Cooling is provided via electric chillers, with additional low-carbon heat pumps planned for future integration. The system’s design supports the London Plan’s objectives for local decarbonisation and network expansion.
The baseload is provided by the heat pump, CHPs and an on-site biomass boiler housed in the Grade II-listed Kings Yard Energy Centre. Biomass is sourced within 200 miles of London, and all ash is recycled to minimise waste. Backup supply is provided by gas-fired boilers, supported by three × 750 m³ thermal-storage tanks that enhance network flexibility and resilience.
Since commissioning in 2012, the network has continued to expand, connecting new customers year-on-year and consistently meeting its carbon-reduction targets. Recent Green Heat Network Fund investment will further support decarbonisation and facilitate new heat-pump installations, ensuring the scheme continues to lead the UK in sustainable urban energy delivery.
Strategic importance
ELE demonstrates how heat networks can underpin large-scale urban regeneration. By embedding energy infrastructure at the heart of development, the network enables:
- Coordinated, place-based decarbonisation
- Reduced reliance on imported gas
- Enables the transition away from individual gas boilers.
- Long-term infrastructure investment aligned with growth
- The project also reflects the type of dense, mixed-use environment where heat networks deliver the greatest value – aligning closely with Government ambitions under the Warm Homes Plan zoning policy.
Local impact
- Provides reliable heating and hot water to thousands of residents
- Supports regeneration of a globally recognised urban district
- Enables future connections as the area continues to grow
“East London Energy shows what can be achieved when heat networks are planned as core infrastructure from the outset. It provides a scalable, long-term solution that supports both regeneration and decarbonisation, while delivering reliable heat to local communities.”
Mark Raymond, Regional Director, London, Bring Energy
More case studies in this series can be found in ‘Better Connected: Unlocking heat network potential’:
- Find out how heat networks work, the types available and the current market
- Learn how they benefit customers, communities and the energy system
- Discover the projects already being delivered by Energy UK members
