London joins €25m smart technology trial

London is joining forces with other European cities for a €25 million (£19m) project to trial smart technologies. Using the River Thames to heat homes, testing electric bikes, installing solar […]

London is joining forces with other European cities for a €25 million (£19m) project to trial smart technologies.

Using the River Thames to heat homes, testing electric bikes, installing solar panels and applying digital systems to better manage energy supply and demand are some of the projects that will be put to the test in London.

The Royal Borough of Greenwich has been selected as a demonstration area for the initiatives.

The Smart Cities and Communities Lighthouse programme will also see similar projects trialled in cities including Milan, Lisbon, Warsaw, Bordeaux and Burgas and could eventually be rolled out across Europe.

They also aim to develop a new model for sharing data across cities.

Mayor of London Boris Johnson MP said: “London is growing at a record rate and to support the city’s future growth, we need to harness our incredible technical prowess and look to what new approaches and technological innovation can bring.

“By leading this ground-breaking international project we will be able to share ideas with our European counterparts as we work to create a city that is fit for the future and an even greater place to live, work and visit.”

A number of institutions and organisations will assist the programme in London, including Future Cities Catapult, Imperial College and Siemens.

A new initiative aimed at making London the world leader in green finance has also been launched.

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