Energy in London

Some key facts and figures

  • London is responsible for 8% of the UK's CO2 emissions.
  • 56% of London's CO2 emissions come from gas-fired heating.
  • More than half of London's houses have badly insulated solid walls.
  • Only 3% of London's heat comes from efficient community heating schemes, compared to 60% in Stockholm.

The way forward for London

“The way we use energy in London has huge implications for our environment, for economic regeneration and in terms of social equity. Of the six billion people living on this planet, the richest billion use 25 times more energy than the poorest two billion. As one of the world’s wealthiest economies, London contributes to this inequity of energy use. We need to take a lead in being more responsible and thereby ensuring a sustainable future in London and beyond.”
The Mayor’s Energy Strategy, March 2004

The Mayor’s 2004 Energy Strategy sets out proposals for change in the way energy is supplied and used within London until 2010 and beyond, against a long-term vision of a sustainable energy system in London by 2050. Its main objectives are to:

  • Reduce London’s contribution to climate change by minimising emissions of carbon dioxide from all sectors through energy efficiency, combined heat and power, renewable energy and hydrogen
  • Help to eradicate fuel poverty
  • Contribute to London’s economy by delivering sustainable energy

In 2007, the Mayor published a Climate Change Action Plan to further strenghten action in this area. The Plan aims at achieving a 60% cut in CO2 emissions by 2025. The core message of the Climate Change Action Plan is that Londoners do not have to reduce their standard of living for London to play its part in tackling climate change, but we do all have to change the way we live.

The London Energy Partnership was established to provide co-ordination and synergy between the many groups, organisations and networks working on energy issues in London, and to provide a mechanism for the delivery of the Mayor’s strategic policies.

Other organisations whose work relates to energy and climate change in London, include the London Hydrogen Partnership, the London Climate Change Partnership, which deals with adaptation to the impacts of climate change, and the London Sustainable Development Commission.

More information about renewable energy

Renewable energy funding and installation