Colloide Awarded Contract to Decarbonise Bloomsbury Heat and Power Network : Colloide

Colloide Awarded Contract to Decarbonise Bloomsbury Heat and Power Network

Colloide, a leading process engineering company specialising in sustainable solutions, has been awarded the contract to undertake the first phase of upgrades to the Bloomsbury Heat and Power Network (BHPN). This initiative is a collaborative effort between the University of London, University College London (UCL), and SOAS University of London, aiming to decarbonise the Bloomsbury estate by 99%.

The Bloomsbury Heat and Power Network (BHPN), which has been operational for over 80 years, currently serves more than 50,000 students across the participating institutions. The existing gas- and oil-fired systems will be replaced with low-carbon air source heat pumps and electric boilers. This project is expected to drive a substantial reduction in emissions, significantly advancing the universities’ net-zero carbon goals.

A £7.2 million grant from the Green Heat Network Fund (GHNF) will partially fund this project, supporting the transition to sustainable heating solutions. The GHNF is a government-backed initiative aimed at developing low and zero-carbon heat networks across England.

The Bloomsbury project is scheduled for completion by 2030. Participating universities are also reviewing further decarbonisation opportunities through building fabric improvements and estate upgrades.

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Stacey Drennan, Business Development Director at Colloide, commented:

“At Colloide, we’re passionate about delivering projects that make a real difference. The Bloomsbury Heat and Power Network is a fantastic example of how we can modernise essential infrastructure while dramatically cutting carbon emissions. It’s inspiring to work with institutions that share our commitment to sustainability, and we’re excited to bring our expertise to a project that will benefit both the environment and the thousands of students and staff who rely on this network every day.”

Our Experience in Energy

Viking Energy Network Jarrow

Colloide was the principal contractor for the Viking Energy Network, a pioneering renewable energy project in Jarrow, South Tyneside. This UK-first initiative spearheaded by South Tyneside Counsel extracts heat from the River Tyne to supply 11 buildings, cutting carbon emissions by around 1,035 tonnes annually and saving approximately half a million pounds in fuel costs.

The network integrates three renewable technologies: a river source heat pump, a 1-megawatt solar farm, and a combined heat and power (CHP) system. Colloide designed and constructed a cutting-edge energy centre at Jarrow Staithes, which extracts and heats water from the river, then distributes it via buried district heating pipes. This facility is set to operate near carbon-neutral during the summer.

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Bunhill Heat and Power District Heating Network

Colloide was appointed as the principal contractor for the groundbreaking Bunhill Energy Centre and phase 2 of the district-wide heat network. This pioneering project, the first of its kind in Europe, recovers heat from the London Underground. Funded by Islington Council, Bunhill Ward, and the EU CELSIUS research project. It provides heating and hot water to more than 1,350 homes, a school and two leisure centres in Islington.

The project included an extended heating network, a state-of-the-art energy centre, and the upgrade of 12 plant rooms. It involved installing over 1,600 meters of underground pipework and navigating complex routes through four live sites. The Energy Centre features innovative technology such as heat pumps, combined heat and power (CHP) units, and a centralised SCADA system, marking a significant advancement in sustainable energy solutions.

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About Colloide

Colloide is a highly skilled process engineering company with specialist expertise in water treatment, energy, environmental, and facilities engineering solutions. With over 20 years of experience, Colloide operates across Ireland and the UK, driven by a passion for creating sustainable solutions, delivering exceptional customer service, and technical excellence. The company undertakes roles as principal contractor, specialist sub-contractor, or equipment supplier, offering services ranging from design through to construction, installation, commissioning, maintenance, and overall project management.

Learn more on Colloides Energy Solutions >

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Note: This press release is based on information available as of 21 March 2025

Sources: https://tp-heatnetworks.org/additional-34m-brings-total-ghnf-investment-to-over-380m-boosting-low-carbon-heat-networks-across-england/

https://www.london.ac.uk/news-events/news/going-underground-new-university-heating-system-will-decarbonise-bloomsbury-estate-99

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