A 21st century power station could be used to heat 20,000 homes in Greenwich.

Heat from six new carbon generators at the historic Greenwich power station on Old Woolwich Road could be used to heat homes and buildings in the borough.

The primary use of the new carbon generators will be to power London's tube network, making it more self-reliant and limiting the risk of rising energy prices Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, attended the launch of two of the new carbon generators and described the Power Station as "astounding".

He also said: "With cleaner, more efficient and environmentally friendly new systems, Greenwich Power Station will be brought back up to full use, and go on to perform the function it was originally created for well into the 21st century.

"This important investment in London's growing low carbon technology sector will not only help power our Tube network, but will also reduce pressure on the National Grid, cut utility bills for local residents, and reduce air pollution from boilers."

Plans to install a heat network using the heat generated by the generators are being developed by the Mayor in association with Greenwich Council.

The new heat network could save residents and business owners in Greenwich which are part of the heat network up to 10% on their annual gas bill, including £2,000-£3,000 on boiler replacements, and around £150 a year in boiler maintenance.

Mr Johnson added: "The heat network will benefit everyone in the borough from residents to owners of huge developments.

"It will also get rid of a lot of old boilers, my boiler packed in last week and it caused a lot of trouble."

Leader of Greenwich Council, Denise Hyland said that residents of other new developments in Greenwich were already saving money from heat networks and that discussions with Mr Johnson and TFL were continuing on how to supply energy to local homes from the power station.

She also said: "What's important about these proposals is that the power station - currently being vastly under-used - can be brought back into full use in a way which delivers a much more environmentally friendly energy solution for the tube network and the local area."