A next-gen heat pump powered by warmer water two meters down in the Thames is fed through filters and heat exchangers, raising its temperatures from 50 F to 113F, suitable for hot water. This is a first. Until now heat pumps were not able to generate hot water. The pumps used a small amount of solar-power electricity, making it essentially carbon-neutral.
This is at a really early stage, but it is showing what is possible. You never have to buy any gas – there are upfront costs but relatively low running costs.”
The government plans to map the entire UK looking for other suitable locations. Deeper water in the Thames stays at 45-50 F year round, making the heat pump feasible.