A proposal to build a data centre in East London could potentially provide sustainable heat for thousands of homes in Canning Town. The data centre, planned to be constructed on a large scrap metal site next to the River Lea, aims to utilize the heat generated by the servers to warm residential properties in the area.
The design of the data centre, clad in metal cladding to resemble a giant tin, will be located near existing pylons and the West Ham substation. A new tunnel will connect the pylons to the data centre, with potential plans to remove the overhead pylons in the future.
In addition to providing electricity, data centres also produce a significant amount of heat. The proposal includes directing this excess heat to an energy centre and pump house building, which will then be distributed through a district heating network under construction. This network is intended to serve the wider area, with the Bidder Street Data Centre being a key heat source for Newham.
To test the feasibility of the project, the neighbouring Crown Wharf development may act as a pilot scheme, supplying heat and hot water to local homes using excess heat from the data centre. If successful, the project could expand to include 13 more heat pump energy centres and over 4.5km of heat network pipework, providing heat to a total of 13,000 homes and commercial spaces in Newham and Tower Hamlets.
Furthermore, the development of the data centre could open up the riverside area, currently inaccessible due to the scrapyard, to the public. This could potentially create a riverside walk connecting to Cody Dock, pending access to the neighboring estate.
The planning application for the data centre will undergo review by the Newham Council’s Meeting of Strategic Development Committee, with a recommendation for approval. The project aims to not only provide sustainable heat for homes but also to contribute to the overall development and revitalization of the area.
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