Last week, as part of our monthly drop-in sessions, residents were invited to learn more about Brent Cross Town’s future Main Energy Centre, its role in the development’s heat network, and how it will help us to meet our net zero carbon ambitions.

The session, which took place at our award-winning Visitor Pavilion, kicked off with an informative introduction by Related Argent’s Sustainability Director, Jamie Quinn, on Brent Cross Town’s vision to becoming a net zero carbon neighbourhood. This was followed by a presentation from Vattenfall experts who are designing and operating the heat network, explaining how the Main Energy Centre will provide low carbon heating and cooling to Brent Cross Town’s residents and businesses.

It was great to see both new and familiar faces join in the discussion, with audience members asking thoughtful questions, finding out more about the environmental benefits and how the heat network will work in practice.

The Main Energy Centre is expected to be complete in 2027 and is set to be one of the largest fully electric main energy centres in Europe. It will use air-source heat pumps, e-boilers, heat recovery chillers and thermal stores to generate heat.

You can watch a video about the benefits of heat networks here.

Councillor Alan Schneiderman, Barnet Council Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change and Cricklewood Ward Member said: “Thank you to the Vattenfall and Brent Cross Town team for an informative presentation on how the Main Energy Centre and heat network will shape the future of our area. It’s important we understand how and why we have these innovative systems in place, and I look forward to seeing the development of the centre in helping to cut emissions and create a sustainable environment.”

Brent Cross Town’s heat network will help the development achieve its pledge to reach net zero carbon by 2030. It is set to be one of the largest in the UK and will provide low carbon heat to the entire development, as well as cooling to some buildings.

If you missed this session but have a question about Brent Cross Town’s heat network or Main Energy Centre, please email community@brentcrosstown.co.uk.

For more information on the Main Energy Centre and heat network, click here.