Future-proofing The British Museum: EDF Group to Deliver Major Low-Carbon Transformation

The British Museum has chosen to partner wih Dalkia, part of the EDF Group, as its Principal Contractor to undertake one of the most significant cultural estate transformations in the UK.  

As part of its long-term Masterplan, the Museum is delivering a major new Energy Centre Programme to modernise its infrastructure and become more resilient, energy-efficient and sustainable for future generations.

Sustainability Challenges for a Major Heritage Estate

A key challenge facing the British Museum, and many UK public sector estates, is how to modernise its ageing energy systems whilst safeguarding a globally-significant heritage environment.

Specific challenges for the Museum include:

• Replacing a large gas-fired boiler plant with modern, low-carbon alternatives
• Upgrading electrical and mechanical systems across a highly complex estate
• Maintaining operational continuity throughout construction
• Aligning infrastructure upgrades with long-term net zero goals

The Solution: A Low-Carbon Energy Centre Designed for the Future

As Principal Contractor, Dalkia is delivering a full modernisation of the Museum’s energy estate. This includes civil engineering, architectural works and extensive cutting-edge upgrades to outdated infrastructure.

The new Energy Centre will feature:

• 5.1MW air source heat pump
• 7MW water source heat pump
• 900kW electrical boiler providing resilient backup

Together, these technologies are expected to reduce the Museum’s carbon emissions by 1,700 tonnes every year, marking a major step away from fossil fuel dependence.

To support the transition to low-carbon heating and cooling, the programme also includes:

• A new high voltage ring main
• Low temperature hot water primary services
• Rewiring of sub‑mains
• Relocation of the HV intake substation

These upgrades will improve energy security, efficiency and long-term resilience across this internationally-significant estate.

Powered by Partnership: What Our Stakeholders Say:

“We are proud to lead this pivotal project, delivering cutting-edge infrastructure that supports the Museum’s sustainability goals while ensuring operational continuity.”
– Colin Brunton, Regional Managing Director, Dalkia

“Dalkia’s expertise in delivering complex, low-carbon energy solutions gives us confidence that this programme will strengthen the resilience and sustainability of our estate for decades ahead.”
– Judith McNicol, Managing Director, British Museum

Beyond Supply: The Value of EDF Group’s Integrated Energy Offerings

The Energy Centre Programme is a landmark sustainability investment for the British Museum and a powerful example of how public sector organisations can unlock greater value by partnering with the EDF Group.

Through the EDF Group, organisations can gain rapid access to a wide range of technical, engineering and net-zero expertise and integrated energy solutions, spanning everything from long‑term decarbonisation strategy to the delivery of complex infrastructure projects.

By combining modern engineering with deep energy knowledge, EDF and Dalkia are helping one of the world’s most iconic institutions transition to a greener, more resilient future - demonstrating the power of a truly integrated energy partnership.

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