Barking and Dagenham Council have broken ground on a major energy infrastructure project which will bring the borough another step closer to becoming the green capital of the capital. The project, which has received over £9m of government grant funding will put the borough firmly on the map as being a leader in the delivery of low carbon energy schemes.

Currently, over 500 homes across two networks in the borough benefit from B&D Energy. Works have now commenced, as part of an 8-month programme, to connect a further 8,000 homes and 65,000 square metres of commercial space over 15 sites across Barking Town Centre, so that even more residents can benefit from low carbon energy.

B&D Energy was set up by the council as part of an ambition to create a greener borough. It’s different to most energy companies in that it supplies affordable, low-carbon energy that’s generated locally through a district heating network.

Plans are also being developed to move the network from low to nearly zero carbon over the coming years, underlining the borough’s commitment made when it declared its Climate Change Emergency in 2020, its ambition to become a carbon neutral council by 2030, and a carbon neutral borough by 2050. 

The network in Barking Town Centre follows a pilot in Becontree, with a number of other low carbon networks already in development including one truly smart integrated energy scheme.

Councillor Cameron Geddes, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Social Housing, said: “This massive landmark project is another major step on our journey to becoming the green capital of the capital and demonstrates our commitment to decarbonising the borough for the benefit of local people. Not only does this support our vision for a greener borough for all, but it will also mean residents can benefit from fair priced, low carbon energy that’s generated locally.”

Councillor Andrew Achilleos, Member Champion for Climate Change, said: “The expansion of B&D Energy is just one of the many exciting projects we’re rolling out to ensure our ambition of a carbon neutral borough by 2050 comes to fruition. This will continue to be a big priority for us and one that we know our residents and future generations will benefit from.”

For more information and a full list of sites where the district heating network installs are taking place, visit www.lbbd.gov.uk/bd-energy.