For years, sweltering temperatures on the London Underground during summer have plagued commuters. Now, London Underground is testing an innovative groundwater cooling system. This trial, launching this summer at Victoria Station, aims to cool platforms by utilizing the station’s unique location, which requires continuous pumping of groundwater to prevent flooding. The system will circulate this water through pipes into heat exchange units, absorbing warm air and releasing cooler air. The captured heat could potentially be repurposed to power nearby buildings.
While this trial offers promise, it’s not an immediate solution. New, air-conditioned trains are also on the horizon for the Circle, District, Hammersmith & City, and Metropolitan lines. Currently, temperatures in the deepest tunnels can reach a stifling 30°C (86°F) during the summer months.
Extreme heat could lead to disruptions. While London Underground currently has no plans to close lines, officials acknowledge the possibility of future closures if conditions become unbearable. A past incident highlights the severity of the issue: approximately 1,000 passengers were trapped for two hours on the Central Line due to signal failures, with three people requiring treatment for heat exposure after evacuation.