Heat Network Projects: quarterly report - March 2024

Heat Network pre-capital projects

Edinburgh BioQuarter

Lead organisation:

City of Edinburgh Council

Project Stage:

Pre-capital – Detailed Feasibility Study complete

Technology type(s):

Proposed new heat network and potential connection to existing heat network (primary heat source: energy from waste)

Location:

BioQuarter site, Little France Drive, Edinburgh

Type of support:

£47,125 HNSU Grant and advisory support

Project Timeframe:

Feasibility Study completed May 2023. Stakeholders developing next steps.

Project description:

The project explores the supply of heat to the Edinburgh BioQuarter site via a heat network. This is proposed to serve new buildings on Edinburgh’s BioQuarter site masterplan, with connection to existing buildings on site in due course, including the NHS Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh and the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People, and the potential to serve social housing off-site. The feasibility study examines the potential for a new heat network and potential connection to Midlothian Energy Limited’s Heat Network, the first phase of which is currently in construction.

Dundee Caird Park

Lead organisation:

Dundee City Council

Project Stage:

Pre- Capital – Detailed Feasibility Study complete

Technology type(s):

Existing heat network extension

Location:

Regional Performance Centre for Sport, Dundee

Type of support:

£34,000 HNSU Grant

Project Timeframe:

Feasibility report completed March 2023. Council considering next steps as part of LHEES.

Project description:

The Caird Park project was originally supported by the Low Carbon Infrastructure Transition Programme. A pre-feasibility study to expand the network was published in January 2022 as part of an initiative to boost heat networks by the Scottish Cities Alliance. This study analysed opportunities to expand the existing network towards additional heating loads (a school, a college, a sports centre and a gymnastics centre). The project aims to assess the viability of these additional connections.

Inverness West Bank

Lead organisation:

The Highland Council

Project Stage:

Pre-Capital – Detailed Feasibility Study complete

Technology type(s):

Proposed new heat network

Location:

Inverness

Type of support:

£36,000 HNSU Grant

Project Timeframe:

Feasibility report completed April 2023. Council developing next steps.

Project description:

The Highland Council are looking to establish district heating networks within Inverness. The main buildings identified for connection include Inverness Leisure Centre, Inverness Ice Centre, Highland Archive and Registration Centre, Inverness Botanic Gardens, Highland Council HQ and Eden Court.

Inverness Castle

Lead organisation:

The Highland Council

Project Stage:

Pre-Capital – Detailed Feasibility Study complete

Technology type(s):

Proposed new heat network

Location:

Inverness

Type of support:

£27,500 HNSU Grant

Project Timeframe:

Feasibility report completed April 2023. Council developing next steps.

Project description:

Highland Council are looking to develop a district heating network within the immediate area surrounding Inverness Castle which is a council administration centre. Potential heat sources include ground source heat pumps, river source heat pumps, sewer heat recovery, biomass and large-scale air source heat pumps.

Perth City Centre Heat Network

Lead organisation:

Perth and Kinross Council

Project Stage:

Pre-Capital – Detailed Feasibility Study complete

Technology type(s):

Proposed new heat network

Location:

Perth

Type of support:

£36,000 HNSU Grant

Project Timeframe:

Feasibility report completed in March 2023. Council considering next steps as part of LHEES.

Project description:

Various non-domestic and domestic buildings including a concert hall, council offices, tower blocks and a hotel have been identified within Perth city centre that are potential connections for a heat network. A range of low carbon heat sources are recommended to be considered including river and ground source heat pumps.

Blar Mhor

Lead organisation:

NHS Highland / University of the Highlands and Islands

Project Stage:

Pre-Capital – Detailed Feasibility Study complete

Technology type(s):

Proposed new heat network

Location:

Fort William

Type of support:

£17,000 HNSU Grant

Project Timeframe:

Feasibility report completed March 2023.

Project description:

Proposed heat network to serve the Blar Mhor development site, including connections to the proposed STEM centre for UHI – West Highland College and NHS General Highland hospital. Air source and ground source heat pumps are being considered as heat supply technology.

Glasgow Polmadie

Lead organisation:

Glasgow City Council

Project Stage:

Pre-Capital – Detailed Feasibility Study complete

Technology type(s):

Proposed new heat network

Location:

Glasgow

Type of support:

£44,000 HNSU Grant

Project Timeframe:

Feasibility report completed September 2023. Further technoeconomic work being undertaken.

Project description:

Project secured grant funding to undertake a review of prior feasibility work to determine the potential for the Glasgow Recycling and Renewable Energy Centre (GRREC) to be used as a heat source for a district heat network serving a mix of domestic and non-domestic properties in the south side of Glasgow.

Queen’s Quay Extension

Lead organisation:

West Dumbartonshire Council

Project Stage:

OBC completed – commercialisation

Technology type(s):

Extension of existing heat network (heat source: water source heat pump)

Location:

Clydebank

Type of support:

Capacity building and OBC support

Project Timeframe:

OBC completed in June 2023. Stakeholder considering next steps.

Project description:

The project proposes the extension of the Queens Quay heat network to connect to the Golden Jubilee Hospital.

Granton Waterfront

Lead organisation:

City of Edinburgh Council

Project Stage:

Pre-Capital – Commercialisation

Technology type(s):

Proposed new heat network (proposed heat source: sewer source heat pump)

Location:

Granton, Edinburgh

Type of support:

£50,000 Scotland’s Heat in Buildings Development Funding Invitation Grant

HNSU Advisory Support

Project Timeframe:

Contract Noticed published May 2023. Council approved the appointment of a development partner Vattenfall during November 2023, and are targeting financial close (signing of concession agreement) in Q3 2024.

Project description:

The project proposes a new heat network to serve new buildings on the Granton development site. The site is of mixed use with approx 3000 homes and 9,000m² non-domestic space, including a primary school, medical centre, business, retail and leisure. The projects aims to create the heat network with the potential to connect to nearby areas of heat demand to the south of the site, including existing schools and a leisure centre.

Edinburgh Airport Low Carbon Heat Network

Lead organisation:

Edinburgh Airport Ltd

Project Stage:

Pre-Capital - OBC complete

Technology type(s):

Proposed new heat network

Location:

Edinburgh Airport, Edinburgh

Type of support:

£42,350 Scotland’s Heat in Buildings Development Funding Invitation Grant

Project Timeframe:

OBC completed November 2023. Stakeholder considering next steps.

Project description:

The project will develop the technical and economic case for a district heat network which would supply heat to Edinburgh Airport, while acknowledging opportunities for future expansion to the Crosswinds and West Town developments (eg with regard to energy centre/pipe sizing).

Hamilton Heat Network

Lead organisation:

South Lanarkshire Council

Project Stage:

Pre-Capital – Detailed Feasibility Study complete

Technology type(s):

Proposed new heat network

Location:

Hamilton

Type of support:

£35,000 HNSU Grant

Project Timeframe:

Feasibility report submitted January 2023. Intention to progress to OBC.

Project description:

Proposed heat network centred around the council headquarters, and investigating the connection of several other non-domestic public sector properties, tower blocks and proposed new-build housing in the area. Ground source heat pumps are the recommended primary heat supply technology.

Blindwells Heat Network

Lead organisation:

Hargreaves Land

Project Stage:

Pre-Capital – Detailed Feasibility Study complete

Technology type(s):

Proposed new heat network

Location:

Blindwells, East Lothian

Type of support:

£30,000 HNSU Grant

Project Timeframe:

Feasibility report completed February 2023.

Project description:

The project involves the redevelopment of a former quarry and mine for new-build residential, public and commercial properties. A suggested approach is recovering heat from minewater, which will be fed through an ambient loop to households, each of which will have individual heat pumps.

Edinburgh Gracemount

Lead organisation:

City of Edinburgh Council

Project Stage:

Pre-Capital – Detailed Feasibility Study complete

Technology type(s):

Proposed new heat network

Location:

South Edinburgh

Type of support:

£45,000 HNSU Grant

Project Timeframe:

Feasibility report completed February 2023.

Project description:

Network for public sector buildings including council-owned offices, an NHS health centre and an Edinburgh Leisure building in close proximity. The project proposes using both air source and ground source heat pumps to provide low carbon heat.

Barrhead Mainstreet

Lead organisation:

East Renfrewshire Council

Project Stage:

Pre-Capital – Detailed Feasibility Study

Technology type(s):

Proposed new heat network

Location:

Barrhead, Glasgow

Type of support:

£36,635 HNSU Grant

Project Timeframe:

Feasibility study completed January 2024.

Project description:

This project proposes a new heat network for for public sector buildings including a leisure centre and library, council offices and a primary school. Potential heat sources include sewer heat recovery and a water source heat pump.

Eastwood Park

Lead organisation:

East Renfrewshire Council

Project Stage:

Pre-Capital – Detailed Feasibility Study

Technology type(s):

Proposed new heat network

Location:

Eastwood Park, Glasgow

Type of support:

£38,413 HNSU Grant

Project Timeframe:

Feasibility study completed January 2024. Stakeholder considering next steps.

Project description:

This project proposes a new heat network with sewer water heat recovery as a potential source. The proposed heat network would supply public sector buildings including Eastwood Park Campus, schools and a leisure centre.

St Andrews University HN Extension

Lead organisation:

University of St Andrews

Project Stage:

Pre-Capital – Detailed Feasibility Study

Technology type(s):

Extension of existing heat network (heat source: biomass)

Location:

St Andrews, Fife

Type of support:

£50,000 HNSU Grant

Project Timeframe:

Feasibility study to complete in March 2024. Intention to progress to OBC.

Project description:

This project proposes the extension of an existing biomass heat network in and around St Andrews. Since its commissioning in 2017 the existing heat network, sourced by a 6.5MW biomass boiler has provided heating and hot water to 50 University campus buildings via 27 km of pipe, accumulating savings of 20,000 tCO₂e. The feasibility study will explore different options to identify a preferred extension scenario, which could include public sector buildings, schools and hospitality venues.

Dundee Baldovie

Lead organisation:

MVV Environment Baldovie Ltd

Project Stage:

Pre-Capital – Detailed Feasibility Study complete

Technology type(s):

Proposed new heat network

Location:

Whitefield & Douglas area, Dundee

Type of support:

£49,974 HNSU Grant

Project Timeframe:

Feasibility study completed February 2024. Stakeholders considering next steps.

Project description:

This project proposes the creation of a heat network for the Whitefield and Douglas area with heat supply from the Baldovie Energy from Waste facility. The study will assess potential anchor loads in the vicinity of the Energy from Waste facility, and the potential to extend towards the city centre.

Renfrewshire Howwood Park

Lead organisation:

Renfrewshire Council

Project Stage:

Pre-Capital – Feasibility study complete

Technology type(s):

Proposed new heat network

Location:

Howwood, Renfrewshire

Type of Support:

£11,953 HNSU Grant

Project Timeframe:

Pre-feasibility completed December 2023.

Project description:

Renfrewshire Council are planning a housing led Regeneration and Renewal Programme within 8 areas of Renfrewshire. Within the Howwood Road area, an estate which currently contains 371 residential properties has been selected to undergo extensive regeneration works. The HNSU are supporting pre-feasibility work to explore a district heating solution for this area and gain a better understanding of the size of the opportunity.

Renfrewshire Foxbar Rivers

Lead organisation:

Renfrewshire Council

Project Stage:

Pre-Capital – Feasibility study complete

Technology type(s):

Proposed new heat network

Location:

Foxbar, Paisley

Type of Support:

£11,953 HNSU Grant

Project Timeframe:

Pre-feasibility completed December 2023.

Project description:

Renfrewshire Council are planning a housing led Regeneration and Renewal Programme within 8 areas of Renfrewshire. Within the Foxbar Rivers area, Renfrewshire Council are looking to build approximately 40 units comprising of several different house types and sizes. The HNSU are supporting pre-feasibility work to explore a possible district heating solution for this area and gain a better understanding of the size of the opportunity.

Paisley East

Lead organisation:

Renfrewshire Council

Project Stage:

Pre-Capital – Detailed Feasibility Study

Technology type(s):

Proposed new heat network

Location:

Paisley East

Type of Support:

Up to £50,000 HNSU Grant

Project Timeframe:

Feasibility report due March 2024.

Project description:

Paisley Council are looking to develop a district heating network in Paisley East connecting the Town Hall, Paisley Abbey, Renfrewshire House, Lagoon Leisure Centre, Police station and some council-owned residential housing. Potential heat sources include wastewater heat recovery, river, ground and air source heat pumps.

Paisley West

Lead organisation:

Renfrewshire Council

Project Stage:

Pre-Capital – Detailed Feasibility Study

Technology type(s):

Proposed new heat network

Location:

Paisley West

Type of Support:

Up to £50,000 HNSU Grant

Project Timeframe:

Feasibility report due March 2024.

Project description:

Paisley Council are looking to develop a district heating network in Paisley West. Potential connections include the University of the West of Scotland, Piazza shopping centre, Hotel planned near Barga, Castlehead Highschool, Royal Alexandria Hospital, planned new development around Paisley shopping centre and museum and residential areas. Potential heat sources include wastewater heat recovery, river, ground and air source heat pumps.

Paisley North

Lead organisation:

Renfrewshire Council

Project Stage:

Pre-Capital – Detailed Feasibility Study

Technology type(s):

Existing heat network extension

Location:

Paisley North

Type of Support:

Up to £50,000 HNSU Grant

Project Timeframe:

Feasibility report due March 2024.

Project description:

Paisley Council are looking to extend the existing AMIDS heat network in Paisley South with the proposed area being Paisley North. Potential connections include Glasgow International Airport, hotels south of the airport, education buildings and future industrial buildings at the AMIDS development. The existing AMIDS heat source is a wastewater treatment works. Alternative (or additional) heat sources include river, ground and air source heat pumps.

Callendar Park

Lead organisation:

Falkirk Council

Project Stage:

Pre-Capital – Detailed Feasibility Study

Technology type(s):

Existing heat network extension

Location:

Callendar Park, Falkirk

Type of Support:

£40,141 HNSU Grant

Project Timeframe:

Feasibility report due February 2024.

Project description:

Falkirk Council is looking to upgrade and extend an existing gas CHP heat network in the Callendar Park area. The CHP system currently powers 9 of the 11 tower blocks in the area and requires upgrading in the next 5 years. The proposed extension would power the existing 9 tower blocks, in addition to Callendar Business Park and two local schools. There is also potential to extend to the town centre, towards the new Falkirk Town Hall.

Tweedbank

Lead organisation:

Scottish Borders Council

Project Stage:

Pre-Capital – Detailed Feasibility Study

Technology type(s):

Proposed new heat network

Location:

Tweedbank

Type of Support:

Up to £50,000 HNSU Grant

Project Timeframe:

Feasibility report due March 2024.

Project description:

Scottish Borders Council are looking to develop a new heat network that serves a mixed-use development. This development includes 300-400 properties, a community centre, care village and business space. Tweedbank is a key anchor load and there is potential to expand west to Galashiels and east to Melrose. There is also potential to extend to the town centre, towards the new Falkirk Town Hall.

The Crichton Trust

Lead organisation:

Dumfries and Galloway Council

Project Stage:

Pre-Capital – Detailed Feasibility Study

Technology type(s):

Proposed new heat network

Location:

Crichton Estate

Type of Support:

Up to £50,000 HNSU Grant

Project Timeframe:

Feasibility report due April 2024.

Project description:

The Crichton Trust are looking to develop a new heat network that serves the mixed-use buildings on Crichton Estate, Dumfries and Galloway College, Scottish Rural Agricultural College, Brownhill Primary School, 3 NHS buildings and domestic properties. Potential heat sources include ground source heat pump, river source heat pump and wastewater treatment plant.

University of Stirling

Lead organisation:

University of Stirling

Project Stage:

Pre-Capital – Detailed Feasibility Study

Technology type(s):

Decarbonising and expanding existing combined heat and power heat network

Location:

Stirling

Project Timeframe:

Commencing in FY 2024-25

Type of Support:

Up to £50,000 HNSU Grant

Project description:

The University of Stirling are looking into decarbonising and expanding the existing heat network on campus. The pre-feasibility study identified that the optimal route to decarbonisation was through the installation of combination of ground source heat pump and air source heat pumps, with electric boilers installed for peaking. The proposed expansion would include four new connections including university buildings, a local hotel and innovation park with the potential to also connect additional neighbouring properties.

Greenock River Clyde Homes

Lead organisation:

River Clyde Homes

Project Stage:

Pre-Capital – Detailed Feasibility Study

Technology type(s):

Expansion of existing heat network

Location:

Greenock

Project Timeframe:

Commencing in FY 2024-25

Type of Support:

Up to £50,000 HNSU Grant

Project description:

River Clyde Homes are looking to expand their current heat network at Broomhill. The existing energy centre serves 517 homes and currently relies on biomass. There are an additional two thousand of the Association's housing stock located within a 2km radius that are not currently connected to the network. The association would also consider expanding the network to include buildings and property owners not within the RCH Group including Inverclyde Council, NHS and other social landlords within the Central Greenock area who own and maintain schools, leisure centres, health care centres and hospitals.

Elgin Town Centre

Lead organisation:

Moray Council

Project Stage:

Pre-Capital – Detailed Feasibility Study

Technology type(s):

Proposed new heat network

Location:

Elgin City

Project Timeframe:

Commencing in FY 2024-25

Type of Support:

Up to £50,000 HNSU Grant

Project description:

Moray Council intend to undertake a feasibility study looking at combining two potential heat network areas as identified in their LHEES. Those areas include the town centre of Elgin and the adjacent area around the Moray Leisure Centre and Elgin Academy. The centre of Elgin includes buildings such as Elgin Town Hall, Elgin Library, Moray Council HQ and Moray Growth Deal projects in South Street.

Abertay University

Lead organisation:

Abertay University

Project Stage:

Pre-Capital

Technology type(s):

Proposed new heat network

Location:

Abertay University, Dundee

Project Timeframe:

On-going

Type of Support:

HNSU Critical-friend support

Project description:

The project focuses on the energy centre which is located within an existing building on the Abertay campus. The HNSU are supporting Abertay University to determine the scope and technical solution of the project and assess whether a new heat network for the campus would be financially viable on its own and if not, providing clarification on any project dependencies. Building level solutions, small sewer pipe connection and large sewer pipe connection are also being considered as options.