New boiler for Pimlico

On 15 June, the Pimlico District Heating Undertaking (PDHU) replaced one of three 8MW boilers at the Pump House in Churchill Gardens. The aim of this project was to ensure the work of providing heating and hot water is maintained and continued for the benefit of Westminster’s residents. The boilers provide heating and hot water for thousands of local residents, as well as nearby businesses and schools.

Replacing the old boiler, which was now 16 years old, was carried out in a single day. This was a delicate process, but it went ahead without a hitch thanks to the preparation and coordination of the different teams involved.

A crane arrived on site at 7am, while the new boiler itself arrived shortly before 10am. With the setting up and rigging of the crane in place, the old boiler was first removed onto a low-loader; the burners from the old boiler swapped to the new one and then the new boiler lifted into place over the Pump House building.

The strategy for the two remaining boilers will be part of PDHU’s plans to decarbonise its plant and equipment. PDHU is investigating utilising waste heat from the London Underground’s ventilation shaft in Pimlico and from the river Thames. Early indications show that these plans could result in carbon emissions savings of up to 55%, making it another step towards meeting our climate action aims.