Power Hall - Demonstrating the Value of Low-Carbon Innovation in Heritage Spaces
- Posted By The Growth Company
The reopening of Power Hall: The Andrew Law Gallery at the Science and Industry Museum is a practical example of how investment in green technology can deliver measurable carbon savings, improve visitor experience and protect historic assets for future generations. The project sits at the heart of Greater Manchester’s ambitions to become a leading city-region for the net zero economy, and over the last 6 years has undergone a transformation to improve and inspire it’s visitors.
In 2021, the museum secured £4.3 million in Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme funding to reduce carbon emissions across its site. This funding has enabled a strategic programme of upgrades focused on energy efficiency, building performance and low carbon heat generation. The Power Hall, one of the museum’s most iconic spaces, has undergone extensive improvements.
The roof and building fabric have been carefully renovated to improve insulation and reduce heat loss, using sustainable materials where possible. A new building management system now enables precise monitoring and control of energy use, helping the museum to manage demand more effectively and reduce waste.
The most significant development is the installation of a water-source heat pump system that uses the historic underground aquifer beneath the 1830 Warehouse. Water is drawn from the aquifer and passed through four heat pumps, which raise the temperature for use in space heating. This system replaces fossil fuel-based heating and is supported by an electric boiler to power the museum’s working steam engines.
The decarbonisation work at the Power Hall will reduce carbon emissions from the site by an estimated 515 tonnes of CO₂ per year. Over the coming years, the Power Hall alone is expected to achieve a 60% reduction in emissions by 2030. These reductions support Greater Manchester’s target to reach net zero by 2038 and demonstrate the tangible impact of investing in green technology.
The Power Hall now acts as a visible demonstration of the region’s transition toward clean growth. By placing the heat pump system and supporting infrastructure on public display as the latest museum exhibit, the museum is helping visitors and future engineers understand the role of low-carbon technology in decarbonising the built environment.
The project stands as a model of cross-sector collaboration. It involved close partnership between the Science and Industry Museum, building services engineers Max Fordham, and contractors HH Smith & Sons. This partnership shows what can be achieved when sustainability goals are integrated from the outset and supported with the right expertise.
Manchester was the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution. Today, it is poised to lead the next one. The Power Hall showcases how historic buildings, cultural institutions and public organisations can successfully adopt low-carbon technologies without compromising heritage value. For businesses across Greater Manchester, the Power Hall is a proof that decarbonisation delivers long-term operational, carbon and reputational benefits.