River Thames to help power UEL campus

The University of East London (UEL) is expanding its strategic partnership with global technology powerhouse Siemens to implement a groundbreaking Water Source Heat Pump (WSHP), as part of its commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2030. 

The WSHP will be the largest of its kind fitted at any university and is set to power UEL’s Docklands Campus Library and Royal Docks Centre for Sustainability, replacing the existing gas boilers, meaning that by 2026 UEL will generate the lowest carbon emissions per student nationally. 

Designed with sustainability at heart, the submerged closed-loop system will utilise a network of pipes to extract natural heat from the River Thames. This innovative heating solution is projected to considerably reduce annual CO2 emissions by 258 tonnes while maintaining the river’s ecosystem by avoiding the removal of significant water volumes. The project has received strong support from the Mayor of London, as it aligns with his vision for a greener, more sustainable capital and the city's ambitious net zero goals.

UEL Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Amanda Broderick, commented on the significance of this initiative. She said, 

We are committed to driving forward sustainable innovation that not only reduces our environmental impact but also creates a living laboratory for the next generation of climate leaders. This Water Source Heat Pump demonstrates how universities can be at the forefront of the green energy transition, harnessing our natural surroundings to drive real change. Through our strategic partnership with Siemens, we are accelerating towards our 2030 net zero targets, delivering cutting-edge solutions that will benefit all the communities we serve, and the planet.

The scalability of the WSHP allows for future implementations across the campus and within the wider Royal Docks area, the only Enterprise Zone in London, an area with huge potential to be an exemplar for sustainable urban innovation in the capital and beyond. This initiative aligns with Siemens’ ongoing support of UEL’s transition toward net zero. Since forming this strategic partnership in 2022, Siemens has already deployed a range of decarbonisation technologies across the university campus, including solar photovoltaic panels, building management systems, and electric vehicle charging infrastructure. In addition, Siemens is using its Building X technologies and data analytics to allow UEL to better understand its energy consumption and drive research and enterprise programmes. 

Andrew Smyth, Head of Sustainability for Smart Infrastructure Buildings at Siemens UK and Ireland, explained the critical role of the WSHP in UEL's sustainability goals: 

“Decarbonising heating systems is a critical step towards achieving net zero carbon emissions. The University of East London has a fantastic resource in the Thames, right on its doorstep. Harnessing renewable power from the water allows it to take huge steps towards its net zero goals. The investment is underpinned by our long-term strategic partnership and demonstrates how data-led insights of buildings and energy consumption provide heightened confidence in deploying large-scale renewable technologies like Water Source Heat Pumps. The programme is setting the blueprint for how sustainability can be a catalyst for fantastic collaboration and innovation between businesses and universities.” 

The partnership offers a replicable model for sustainability, saving UEL over £500,000 annually in utility costs and reducing emissions by more than 1,000 tonnes each year. Moreover, it has facilitated a host of green employability, enterprise, and research initiatives including student internships, MSc sponsorships, hackathons, and the establishment of a ‘Living Lab’ dedicated to sustainability. 

This project supports the Mayor of London’s vision for a greener and more sustainable capital, aligning with his dedication to cleaner air, renewable energy, and achieving net zero by 2030. 

Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan, remarked,

London is leading the way in the fight against climate change, and projects like this pioneering partnership between the University of East London and Siemens are key to our city’s transition to a greener, more sustainable future. By harnessing the power of the River Thames to heat university buildings, this initiative demonstrates how innovation and collaboration can drive real progress towards net zero. It not only reduces carbon emissions but also sets a powerful example of how London’s institutions can embrace cutting-edge, clean energy solutions to build a better, fairer, and greener city for all Londoners.