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40-year ESCo at new Plumstead West Thamesmead development

Vital Energi is delighted to announce it has been awarded a 40-year Energy Services Company (ESCo) contract to provide renewable heating for residents and businesses at Lombard Square, in Plumstead West Thamesmead, which is being delivered through a collaboration between Berkeley and Peabody. Built on the site of the former Arsenal Football Club stadium, Lombard Square will deliver 1,913 much needed homes in Thamesmead The development forms part of Peabody’s long term plan to improve, grow and look after the town for the long-term.

The low carbon development will also deliver 47,000 square feet of high quality employment, industrial and community space to support the area’s economic revival and bring more jobs and opportunities to the area. This will be in addition to a new 1.8 acre four seasons park.

Part of the contract will see Vital Energi construct the entire energy system, from energy centre and district heating network to the in-home Heat Interface Units.  Vital will also provide a full customer services package to ensure connected residents and businesses enjoy the best possible customer experience with us.

The primary source of heat for the energy centre is an innovative low-carbon, open-loop ground source heat pump (GSHP) which will extract water from aquifers below the surface via 140m deep boreholes harnessing geothermal heat.   This will be one of the first brownfield residential developments in the UK to be served by a GSHP heating network, demonstrating a commitment to sustainable and environmentally conscious practices.

Paul McIver, Vital Energi’s Community Energy Director explains: “In addition to the significant environmental benefits, Lombard Square’s ESCo Concession Agreement prioritises the customer experience, crucially including protection of consumers throughout the 40-year term of the contract. The agreement safeguards residents from excessive energy costs, ensuring that they can reap the benefits of renewable energy without facing financial strain. Moreover, Vital Energi is committed to providing high-quality services that meet the evolving needs of the community, ensuring that residents have access to reliable and efficient energy solutions.

“This new contract demonstrates dedication to fostering a sustainable and equitable energy future for residents. By embracing innovative technologies and prioritising consumer welfare, collectively Berkeley, Peabody and Vital Energi are setting an example for other developments seeking to transition towards a more environmentally conscious energy landscape.”

“At Lombard Square, we aren’t just building homes, we are building a vision for a sustainable future. From the ground up, the entire design is centred around a cutting-edge Open Loop Ground Source Heat Pump solution, ensuring low carbon emissions. Berkeley Group has always strived to create not just living spaces, but places that thrive in harmony with the environment, Lombard Square embodies this commitment falling directly in line with The Berkeley Group Sustainability Policy, showcasing how innovative design can contribute to a brighter future for generations to come."

Karl Whiteman, Divisional Managing Director Berkeley East Thames

“Peabody is committed to making its homes and neighbourhoods greener – in Thamesmead and beyond. Constructing a renewable energy system at Lombard Square is a prime example of this happening at scale. We look forward to a strong partnership with Vital Energi, who bring significant expertise in running sustainable heat networks on large developments.”

Matt Foulis, Peabody’s Project Director for Thamesmead
Lombard Sq Plumstead 1 Extra Small
Solution detail
Lomboard Sq Plumstead 2 Extra Small
Solution detail

Vital Energi will adopt the entire energy system and take responsibility for operation and maintenance, ensuring the system continues to perform reliably and efficiently.

Whilst the energy centre was designed to initially serve the 1,913 homes on the development, the energy centre is capable of meeting the demand of over 2,400 homes and businesses, ensuring it can meet the growing needs of the area for years to come.