The UK-based construction firm Mace has completed the first geothermal borehole for the ground source heat pump system in the City of London. The system is part of the Salisbury Square development scheme, which will create a new 18-courtroom legal facility called the City of London Law Courts and a City of London police headquarters, according to an article from the platform New Civil Engineer. Salisbury Square is in the Square Mile, one of London’s financial districts.
More than 60 boreholes are planned. The geothermal system, which reaches a depth of 240 metres, uses consistent temperatures underground and is the most energy efficient method of heating and cooling using electric solutions, writes the article. Any excess heat is rejected via the ground using a dry air cooler system.
Mace project director Jeremy Eavis said in the article: “This network of 60 deep geothermal boreholes will mean the Salisbury Square Development will be off the gas grid, dramatically reducing its operational carbon.” Salisbury Square is one of the first schemes in London’s financial district to use standalone closed loop cooling and heating, according to the article.
Salisbury Square is described as a “new civic hub”. Valued at 300 million British pounds, it is funded by the City of London Corporation. As well as the legal facility and police headquarters, it will include office accommodation and public areas. The City of London Corporation is commited to net zero by 2040. ce/em
