The South Westminster Area Network (SWAN) is a low carbon heat network being developed by Hemiko and Vital Energi (the SWAN Partnership) on behalf of the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero. London Heritage Quarter are working with the SWAN Partnership to drive the business and community engagement on the project. SWAN has the potential to harness waste heat from local sources and deliver low carbon heating to all significant buildings and estates across Pimlico, Victoria, Whitehall and Strand.
For buildings in the area identified on this map, connecting to SWAN should be the most cost-effective way to decarbonise heating, according to the Energy Department’s National Zoning Model.
September 2025
On Thursday 21 August 2025, the SWAN Partnership welcomed over 40 local leaders to a Partner Update session, providing a strategic overview of the project and its next steps. The discussion focused on progress within the commercialisation phase, supported by the Government’s Green Heat Network Fund, and highlighted opportunities to deliver greater social value across the community. The strong turnout and lively engagement reflected growing momentum behind the project, with participants sharing ideas and showing keen interest in shaping its future impact.
Connections Engagement Event Autumn 2025
Looking ahead, the SWAN Partnership is planning a wider Connections Engagement Event in early Autumn 2025, where businesses and public sector organisations will have the opportunity to hear more about the SWAN project and explore the potential for connecting to the network. At this event, organisations can learn more about how low carbon heat can support their sustainability goals and contribute to the city’s net zero ambitions. Further details will be shared closer to the date.
Development of the network progresses
The SWAN Partnership has identified two starting points for SWAN, one around the Strand, and one around Millbank and St James’ Park. Buildings in these areas can connect to the heat network from 2028. Both parts of the network are planned to be supplied by water source heat pumps, drawing heat from the River Thames.
The SWAN Partnership are now meeting with interested buildings to discuss Indicative Connection Offers. Several landmark buildings are supportive of the growth of the network and looking at connection, including Somerset House and the London Transport Museum. By working together and with the SWAN team, organisations like these are making the heat network a reality, helping to save carbon, improve air quality and drive growth into Westminster.
August 2025
Partner Update August 2025
The SWAN Partnership is hosting a Partner Update from 10am-11am on Thursday 21st August 2025. This session is open to local leaders and will provide strategic updates on the project. We’ll share progress on the commercialisation phase of the project, which has received support from the Government’s Green Heat Network Fund. To request further details on the event, please contact Richard.Drew@hemiko.com.
Connections Engagement Event Autumn 2025
Looking ahead, the SWAN Partnership is planning a wider Connections Engagement Event in early Autumn 2025, where businesses and public sector organisations will have the opportunity to hear more about the SWAN project and explore the potential for connecting to the network. At this event, organisations can learn more about how low carbon heat can support their sustainability goals and contribute to the city’s net zero ambitions. Further details will be shared closer to the date.
Upcoming supply chain event
The SWAN Partnership will soon be hosting a virtual supply chain event to engage local suppliers who could support the delivery of our network. If your business is interested in attending, please email ProjectSwan@london-hq.co.uk. Further details and timings for the event will be released imminently.
Summer 2025
Development of the network progresses
The SWAN Partnership has identified two starting points for SWAN, one around the Strand, and one around Millbank and St James’ Park. Buildings in these areas can connect to the heat network from 2028. Both parts of the network are planned to be supplied by water source heat pumps, drawing heat from the River Thames.
The SWAN Partnership are now meeting with interested buildings to discuss Indicative Connection Offers. Several landmark buildings are supportive of the growth of the network and looking at connection, including Somerset House and the London Transport Museum. By working together and with the SWAN team, organisations like these are making the heat network a reality, helping to save carbon, improve air quality and drive growth into Westminster.
Additional funding announced for the network
The SWAN Partnership has been awarded £21 million by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero from the Green Heat Network Fund. This grant funding will support the development and construction of the heat network, unlocking significant private investment into the project and helping make the network more affordable for customers.
Upcoming supply chain event
The SWAN Partnership will soon be hosting a virtual supply chain event to engage local suppliers who could support the delivery of our network. If your business is interested in attending, please email ProjectSwan@london-hq.co.uk. Further details and timings for the event will be released imminently.