Dalkia to deliver new sustainable Energy Centre at British Museum

As Principal Contractor, Dalkia will oversee all works within the Museum estate, including civil engineering, architectural fit-outs and a complete overhaul of the existing infrastructure. This modernisation will replace ageing systems with a highly efficient energy solution. Alongside this, Dalkia will deliver the full MEP package for the base build of the Energy Centre, supporting Sir Robert McAlpine, providing a facility designed to secure resilient, low-carbon energy provision for decades to come.

Sustainability is central to the programme. The scheme will replace the Museum’s gas-fired boiler plant with a state-of-the-art system combining a 5.1MW air-source heat pump, a 7MW water-source heat pump and a 900kW electrical boiler providing resilient backup. These upgrades are expected to reduce carbon emissions by 1,700 tonnes annually, significantly advancing the Museum’s decarbonisation goals. The programme also includes major electrical infrastructure enhancements, including a new high-voltage ring main, low-temperature hot water primary services, rewiring of sub-mains and the relocation of the HV intake substation to strengthen resilience and improve efficiency across the estate.

The Energy Centre Programme represents a landmark investment in the future of the British Museum, combining modern energy technologies with a commitment to environmental responsibility. It reinforces Dalkia’s position as a leader in delivering innovative, low-carbon infrastructure solutions that support the UK’s transition to a greener, more resilient future.