Dalkia Selected by the British Museum to Deliver Major Low-Carbon Energy Infrastructure Modernisation Programme

Dalkia Selected by the British Museum to Deliver Major Low-Carbon Energy Infrastructure Modernisation Programme

(IN BRIEF) Dalkia has been appointed by the British Museum as Principal Contractor for the Energy Centre Programme, a key component of the Museum’s long-term redevelopment Masterplan. The project will modernize the Museum’s energy infrastructure by replacing fossil-fuel-based systems with low-carbon technologies including large air-source and water-source heat pumps and an electric backup boiler. The programme will also include extensive upgrades to electrical infrastructure and building services to improve efficiency and resilience. The new system is expected to reduce carbon emissions by around 1,700 tonnes per year while ensuring reliable energy supply for the Museum’s operations. The project strengthens Dalkia’s position as a provider of low-carbon energy infrastructure solutions and supports the British Museum’s long-term sustainability goals.

(PRESS RELEASE) LONDON, 25-Feb-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Dalkia has been selected by the British Museum to deliver the Energy Centre Programme, a major element of the Museum’s long-term Masterplan aimed at modernising its facilities for the future. The project will play a key role in transforming the Museum’s energy infrastructure by reducing reliance on fossil fuels while improving operational efficiency and long-term resilience.

Acting as Principal Contractor, Dalkia will manage all aspects of the works across the Museum estate. The programme includes civil engineering works, architectural modifications, and the complete renewal of existing energy infrastructure. The project will replace ageing systems with a modern and highly efficient energy solution designed to meet the Museum’s needs for decades. Dalkia will also deliver the full mechanical, electrical and public health (MEP) package for the base build of the Energy Centre, working alongside Sir Robert McAlpine to establish a robust low-carbon energy facility.

Environmental performance is at the core of the Energy Centre Programme. The project will remove the Museum’s existing gas-fired boiler plant and replace it with a new low-carbon system that includes a 5.1 MW air-source heat pump and a 7 MW water-source heat pump. A 900 kW electric boiler will provide additional resilience and backup capacity. These improvements are expected to reduce carbon emissions by approximately 1,700 tonnes each year, supporting the Museum’s sustainability objectives.

In addition to heating system upgrades, the project will introduce major improvements to the Museum’s electrical infrastructure. Planned enhancements include installation of a new high-voltage ring main, development of low-temperature hot water distribution systems, replacement of electrical sub-mains, and relocation of the high-voltage intake substation. These measures are intended to strengthen the reliability and efficiency of the Museum’s energy systems across the entire estate.

Colin Brunton, Regional Managing Director at Dalkia, highlighted the importance of the project and the company’s experience in delivering large-scale energy infrastructure in complex operational environments. He noted that the programme will combine advanced engineering solutions with careful planning to ensure the Museum continues to operate throughout the construction period.

Judith McNicol, Managing Director of the British Museum, emphasized that modernising the Museum’s energy infrastructure is an essential step in the broader Masterplan. The Energy Centre Programme is expected to reduce environmental impact while supporting the long-term preservation of the Museum’s collections and facilities. Dalkia’s experience in delivering low-carbon infrastructure solutions is expected to support the successful implementation of the project.

The Energy Centre Programme represents a major investment in sustainable infrastructure at the British Museum and demonstrates Dalkia’s role in delivering energy solutions that contribute to the United Kingdom’s transition toward low-carbon energy systems.

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