Fuel cell technology from NASA's space shuttle will provide light and heat for a complex that includes Al Gore's new London headquarters, its developers say.

The fuel cell, which converts gas into heat and electricity without carbon emissions, has been installed in the $640 million Quadrant 3 development in Regent Street, which includes the headquarters of General Investment Management, the sustainable investment company of the climate campaigner and former U.S. vice president.

The use of the fuel cell, developed by U.S. company FuelCell Energy, shows the developers have a "sophisticated commitment to sustainability," Gore told The Guardian.

As part of the central energy system that serves 500,000 square feet of offices, shops, apartments, restaurants and hotels in the Quadrant development, the fuel cell will emit 38 percent less carbon dioxide than using electricity from the grid and heat from gas-fired boilers, the developers said.

"The fuel cell is a real flag in the sand, demonstrating what is possible in terms of energy efficiency and carbon reduction," head of development Alastair Smart said.