The River Medway could be used to generate heating in a multi-million pound carbon-cutting energy scheme.

The council estimates £46 million is needed to set up a shared heating system for Chatham and a large part of Gillingham.

If approved, the four-year project will see the establishment of a ‘heat network’, a system of pipes taking heat from a central source and delivering it to multiple users.

A feasibility study concluded the preferred option was to establish a water source heat pump in the river, extracting heat from the water and converting it into energy, which would save an estimated 7,600 tonnes of carbon dioxide a year.

During a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, councillors agreed to progress to the next stage of the project, which will see them put forward up to £60,000 to carry out risk assessments and market testing, and develop a business case.

Cllr Adrian Gulvin (Con), portfolio holder for resources, said the work will allow the council to determine whether it's worth going ahead with the project.

He added: "Medway is only responsible for 1.4% of the Towns' carbon output, and in order to make a big impression on our carbon footprint, we have to get others involved with this."

This stage of work will cost £180,000, but half will come from the government.

A report presented to councillors says potential users for the network could include Medway Maritime Hospital, local universities, Mid Kent College, the Royal School of Military Engineering, and Chatham Historic Dockyard.

Cllr Gulvin added: "The idea is to have the heat source from the river, to use river source heat pumps to provide the heat.

"We have been working with government-appointed consultants looking at the feasibility of having a heat network for Chatham and Gillingham.

"This doesn't commit us to going forward with the scheme, but it does put us in a position where we can make a valued judgement on whether it's worth going forward with it."

He added how the concept of a district-wide heating system was not new, explaining how New York City has a steam-powered system.

This was established in 1882 and remains the largest commercial steam-powered system in the world.

In the UK, shared heating schemes exist in Sheffield, Nottingham, and Southampton, but the vast majority – more 900 – operate in London.

Cllr Phil Filmer (Con), portfolio holder for frontline services, added: "I think it's very important given the way energy has increased in price over the last short while, we must look at alternatives."