Tunnels are increasingly being used as sources of renewable energy by capturing and reusing waste heat. From London to international projects, energy tunnels are showing how underground space can support a net zero future.
Energy tunnels and waste heat recovery are redefining how underground infrastructure is viewed. By embedding heat exchangers within tunnel linings or capturing waste heat from ventilation shafts, tunnels can supply heating and cooling to nearby communities while also improving underground conditions for passengers and operators.
London has already seen this innovation in action through the Bunhill scheme, which captures heat from the Underground network and delivers energy to thousands of homes. Similar initiatives are being considered for future transport systems, showing that tunnels can serve both mobility and sustainability needs at the same time.
Heat recovery systems use advanced heat pump technology to convert low grade waste heat into a reliable energy supply for buildings, schools, and businesses. This not only reduces reliance on fossil fuels but also helps manage excess heat within tunnels, contributing to a safer and more comfortable underground environment.
Research and pilot projects internationally have confirmed the potential of these systems, with some segmental linings already being designed to function as heat exchangers. Thermal modelling demonstrates that extensive networks of energy tunnels could play a vital role in achieving net zero carbon targets in cities.
The concept of energy tunnels highlights a fundamental shift in how underground space is valued. Beyond their traditional role as transport corridors, tunnels are now seen as active energy assets that can deliver environmental, social, and economic benefits for generations to come.
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Brilliant insight! Energy tunnels truly showcase how underground infrastructure can go beyond transport to support sustainability. The Bunhill scheme is a great example, and scaling such solutions worldwide could be a game-changer for both urban resilience and climate goals.