Back in June new plans were unveiled for the redevelopment of Battersea Power Station on the banks of the river Thames in London. The proposal which includes a new power plant fed with biofuels and waste and who’s only emissions will be water vapour will sit next to massive office and housing development which will be naturally ventilated by a striking 300 metre tall chimney.
The transparent eco dome structure if built would double as a solar powered ventilation system, as air heats up in the dome it rises and pressure draws it up and out the top of the chimney. Cool air is then drawn into the dome at ground level thus maintaining a naturally temperature controlled environment. The architect behind the plans reckons it will decrease energy demands by 67% and be the UK’s first truly carbon zero development.
The site has been open to the public during August and we paid a visit yesterday to have a look for ourselves. The power station is colossal and it’s a real shame the structure has been allowed to fall into the poor state that currently exists. In order for the redevelopment to take place the famous towering chimneys are going to have be knocked down and rebuilt which is worrying particularly as some groups have voiced concern over whether that would actually happen were the redevelopment to go ahead. The plans are however very impressive and it would be amazing to see this neglected area of the capital transformed into a revitalised landmark and one which could be a leading light for future carbon neutral developments across the country. You can see the plans for yourself by visiting the Battersea Power Station website where a number of films take you through the history and the vision for redevelopment.
