University of East London Teams Up with Siemens to Harness Thames Heat for Major Campus Decarbonization

University of East London Teams Up with Siemens to Harness Thames Heat for Major Campus Decarbonization

(IN BRIEF) The University of East London is expanding its strategic partnership with Siemens Smart Infrastructure by installing a state-of-the-art water source heat pump that harnesses thermal energy from the River Thames. This pioneering system, set to replace gas boilers at key campus buildings including the Docklands Campus Library and the Royal Docks Centre for Sustainability, is projected to cut CO₂ emissions by 258 tons annually. The project not only supports UEL’s goal of achieving the lowest carbon emissions per student by 2026 and net zero by 2030, but also aligns with London’s broader sustainability ambitions under Mayor Sadiq Khan’s vision.

(PRESS RELEASE) ZUG, 13-Mar-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — In a decisive step toward a greener future, the University of East London (UEL) is expanding its strategic collaboration with Siemens Smart Infrastructure to design and install a state-of-the-art water source heat pump (WSHP) that taps into the natural heat of the River Thames. This innovative system, destined to be the largest of its kind in any UK university, will serve the Docklands Campus Library and the Royal Docks Centre for Sustainability by replacing outdated gas boilers and reducing annual CO₂ emissions by 258 tons.

Installed in a closed-loop configuration within the Royal Albert Docks, the WSHP uses an intricate network of pipes to extract thermal energy from the river without depleting its water resources. This scalable solution not only paves the way for future installations across UEL’s campus—the only Enterprise Zone in London—but also reinforces the university’s commitment to achieving the lowest carbon emissions per student by 2026 and reaching net zero by 2030.

UEL’s progressive sustainability strategy, which already includes decarbonization measures such as solar photovoltaic systems, advanced building management systems, and electric vehicle charging infrastructure deployed by Siemens, has generated significant savings exceeding £500,000 annually and cut emissions by over 1,000 tons. This project aligns with the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan’s vision for a sustainable capital, as it exemplifies the innovative use of natural resources to drive clean energy solutions across the city.

Professor Amanda Broderick, UEL’s Vice-Chancellor & President, stated, “Our enhanced partnership with Siemens is pivotal in transforming our campus into a living laboratory for sustainable innovation. By leveraging the renewable energy of the River Thames, we are setting new benchmarks for environmental responsibility and operational efficiency.” Constantin Ginet, Executive Vice President for Sustainability at Siemens Smart Infrastructure, added, “This collaboration is a stellar example of how academic institutions and industry partners can jointly tackle the challenges of climate change through technology and data-driven insights.”

Siemens Smart Infrastructure (SI) is shaping the market for intelligent, adaptive infrastructure for today and the future. It addresses the pressing challenges of urbanization and climate change by connecting energy systems, buildings, and industries. SI provides customers with a comprehensive end-to-end portfolio from a single source – with products, systems, solutions, and services from the point of power generation all the way to consumption. With an increasingly digitalized ecosystem, it helps customers thrive and communities progress while contributing toward protecting the planet. Siemens Smart Infrastructure has its global headquarters in Zug, Switzerland. As of September 30, 2024, the business had around 78,500 employees worldwide.

Siemens AG (Berlin and Munich) is a leading technology company focused on industry, infrastructure, mobility, and healthcare. The company’s purpose is to create technology to transform the everyday, for everyone. By combining the real and the digital worlds, Siemens empowers customers to accelerate their digital and sustainability transformations, making factories more efficient, cities more livable, and transportation more sustainable. Siemens also owns a majority stake in the publicly listed company Siemens Healthineers, a leading global medical technology provider pioneering breakthroughs in healthcare. For everyone. Everywhere. Sustainably.
In fiscal 2024, which ended on September 30, 2024, the Siemens Group generated revenue of €75.9 billion and net income of €9.0 billion. As of September 30, 2024, the company employed around 312,000 people worldwide on the basis of continuing operations. Further information is available on the Internet at www.siemens.com.

Media Contact:

Maike Wagner
Siemens Smart Infrastructure
+41 79 448 9214
maike.wagner@siemens.com

SOURCE: Siemens