Sutton Decentralised Energy Network (SDEN) Independent Review

Councillor Ruth Dombey, Leader of the Council, said: 

“At a council meeting in July a motion was agreed to undertake an independent review of the council-owned company, the Sutton Decentralised Energy Network (SDEN). The review focused on the Council’s initial decision to invest in SDEN and the ongoing financial sustainability of the company.   

"The report found no evidence of fraud or conflicts of interest. Nonetheless, the processes on which the project was approved and the governance were not to the standard they should have been.  

"We welcome the findings and recommendations of the report, many of which the Council had already started to put in place, including strengthening SDEN’s Board and taking steps to ensure the company’s long term viability. We are also strengthening our scrutiny and governance processes, especially in respect of major capital projects.    

"Sutton is one of the greenest boroughs in London and SDEN is a key part of the Council's commitment to achieve net zero carbon emissions. It does this by using the energy from burning non-recyclable waste to heat people’s homes instead of relying on heating from fossil fuels. 

"Sutton continues to lead the way in adopting innovative solutions that will help to reduce our impact on the planet. We will continue to take the necessary action to help make our borough a greener and safer place for our residents to live.”

Notes to editors: 

• The SDEN was created in 2016. It provides low-carbon hot water and heating to homes at the New Mill Quarter development in Hackbridge with a view to potentially expanding it to other areas in later years. 

• SDEN helps the borough reduce its carbon emissions and impact on the environment. It offers Sutton residents access to locally-produced renewable energy instead of using fossil fuel-generated energy supplies. 

• The Council has today published a report summarising the finding of the independent review into SDEN. Read the report and recommendations here. 

• The findings of the review and recommendations will be examined by a meeting of the Council’s cross-party Strategy and Resources Committee on Monday 1 November 2021.