Heat Network Projects Progress Report - October 2026

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.

Proposed new heat network (proposed heat source: minewater)

February 2023

£30,000 HNSU grant (feasibility study, 100% of project eligible costs)

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 aimed to assess the viability of these additional connections.

Extension of existing heat network

March 2023

£35,000 HNSU grant (feasibility study, 100% of project eligible costs)

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.

Proposed new heat network (proposed heat sources: river and ground source heat pumps)

March 2023

£35,000 HNSU grant (feasibility study, 100% of project eligible costs)

The Highland Council explored the potential for a district heating network 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.

Proposed new heat network

April 2023

£27,500 HNSU grant (feasibility study, 100% of project eligible costs)

The council undertook a feasibility study into a potential heat 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.

Proposed new heat network

April 2023

£27,500 HNSU grant (feasibility study, 100% of project eligible costs)

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. Further technoeconomic work was carried out following completion of the feasibility study, this was completed in April 2024.

Proposed new heat network (proposed heat source: recoverable heat from EfW plant)

September 2023

£45,000 HNSU grant (feasibility study, 100% of project eligible costs)

This project supported development of the technical and economic cases 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 (e.g. with regard to energy centre/pipe sizing).

Proposed new heat network

November 2023

Scotland’s Heat in Buildings Development Funding Invitation Grant £42,500 (OBC, up to 50% of project eligible costs)

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.

Proposed new heat network (proposed heat source: sewer water heat recovery)

January 2024

£38,500 HNSU grant (feasibility study, 100% of project eligible costs)

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 assessed potential anchor loads in the vicinity of the Energy from Waste facility, and the potential to extend towards the city centre.

Proposed new heat network (proposed heat source: recoverable heat from EfW plant)

February 2024

£50,000 HNSU grant (feasibility study, 100% of project eligible costs)

Following a HNSU funded feasibility study completed in March 2024, the University is now developing an Outline Business Case for a centralised backup solution to support their existing biomass heating network. The solution aims to create a more resilient and expandable system that removes the need for individual building-level gas backup and enable potential future network expansion across the town centre. In parallel the university will be undertaking a SOC for the wider expansion strategy.

Extension of existing heat network (heat source: biomass)

Feasibility study completed March 2024, OBC due March 2027

£49,000 HNSU grant (feasibility study, 100% of project eligible costs)

Up to £55,000 (OBC, up to 50% of project eligible costs) and SOC (advisory support)

Following the feasibility study, Renfrewshire Council undertook an OBC exploring the extension of the existing Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland (AMIDS) heat network in Paisley. The existing network utilises recoverable heat from the Laighpark Wastewater Treatment Works (WWTW) and the proposed extension connects Glasgow Airport to the ambient loop via a centralised energy centre. The energy centre contains WSHPs to upgrade the heat to a higher temperature for distribution to Glasgow Airport buildings.

Existing heat network extension (heat source: wastewater treatment works)

Feasibility study -March 2024

OBC - May 2026

£39,000 HNSU grant (feasibility study, 100% of project eligible costs)

£54,000 HNSU grant (OBC, up to 50% of project eligible costs)

Following HNSU funded feasibility studies for Paisley West and Paisley East, the council combined both areas into ‘Paisley Central’ for the OBC. The preferred option at OBC uses a sewer source and air source heat pumps and connects 14 buildings, including existing council‑owned buildings, residential properties, the University of the West of Scotland, and the Royal Alexandra Hospital.

Proposed new heat network (proposed heat sources: sewer and air source heat pumps)

Feasibility studies – May 2024

OBC - July 2026

£98,000 HNSU grant (two feasibility studies, 100% of project eligible costs)

£50,000 HNSU grant (OBC, up to 50% of project eligible costs)

Scottish Borders Council investigated a potential 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.

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

March 2024

£50,000 HNSU grant (feasibility study, 100% of project eligible costs)

Falkirk Council investigated how 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.

Existing heat network extension (heat source: gas CHP)

April 2024

£40,000 HNSU grant (feasibility study, 100% of project eligible costs)

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

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

April 2024

£45,000 HNSU grant (feasibility study, 100% of project eligible costs)

Moray Council explored the potential to combine two heat network areas: the town centre of Elgin and the adjacent area around the Moray Leisure Centre and Elgin Academy. The recommendation was phased heat network development, serving both areas, using low-grade heat extracted from the River Lossie via an open-loop water source heat pump system. A subsequent addendum assessed the impact of incorporating recoverable heat from an EfW plant and local solar photovoltaic generation into the network.

Proposed new heat network (proposed heat source: open-loop water source heat pump system)

October 2024

£49,000 HNSU grant for feasibility study and

£41,000 HNSU grant for technical addendum (100% of project eligible costs)

The University of Stirling looked into decarbonising and expanding their existing heat network on the university campus. The optimal scenario would involve replacing existing gas boilers with electric boilers when they come to end of life, installing air-source heat pumps, and expanding the heat network to other university-owned buildings within the campus bounds.

Decarbonising and expanding existing combined heat and power heat network

November 2024

£50,000 HNSU grant (feasibility study, 100% of project eligible costs)

River Clyde Homes looked at expanding their current heat network at Broomhill which serves 517 homes and currently relies on biomass. Expansion could see an additional 2000 of the Association's housing stock connected as well as nearby schools, leisure centres, health care centres and hospitals.

Expansion of existing heat network (proposed heat source: estuarine source heat pump)

December 2024

£49,000 HNSU grant (feasibility study, 100% of project eligible costs)

The feasibility study explored a heat network opportunity aiming to provide clean heating to Dumfries town centre, including the Council assets. The proposal could also support the development of a wider spine of networks incorporating proposals at Crichton Quarter and Midsteeple Quarter, as well as other buildings within close proximity.

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

March 2025

£45,000 HNSU grant (feasibility study, 100% of project eligible costs)

Proposal for a new heat network to serve new buildings on the Granton development site. The site is of mixed use with roughly 3,000 homes and 9,000 m2 non-domestic space, including a primary school, medical centre, business, retail and leisure. The Council appointed Vattenfall Heat UK Ltd as proposed concessionaire on a 2-stage process in December 2023 with an initial pre-development stage which was terminated before entering into a concession agreement. The new homes at Granton will now be built with alternative heating systems that will still provide clean and affordable heat.

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

August 2025

£50,000 Scotland’s Heat in Buildings Development Funding Invitation Grant and HNSU advisory support (50% of project eligible costs)

The council investigated the technical and commercial viability of a heat network serving Kirkintilloch Town Centre. It was recommended that the council consider the estimated cost of a heat network as a path to dicarbon-isation of buildings compared to individual heat pumps and review the council’s appetite to own and operate a heat network.

Proposed new heat network

March 2026

£50,000 HNSU grant (feasibility study, 100% of project eligible costs)

The council investigated a potential heat network in Alloa Forthbank. Pre-feasibility work assumes that a water source heat pump at the wastewater treatment plant would be the primary heat source. The feasibility report recommended continue engagement with O-I Glassworks in order to re-assess the feasibility of a heat network with the inclusion of recoverable heat, and to identify any potential opportunities to incorporate local renewables.

Proposed new heat network

March 2026

£49,000 HNSU grant (feasibility study, 100% of project eligible costs)

This project assessed the technical, financial, and operational feasibility of connecting Edinburgh College’s Granton Campus to the Granton Waterfront District Heating Network and other alternative energy solutions that could be considered as more cost effective and/or deliver equivalent carbon reduction measure. The report recommended using ASHPs and replacing existing gas boilers with electric boilers at end of life.

Connecting to an existing heat network

March 2026

£40,000 HNSU grant (feasibility study, 100% of project eligible costs)

NMS undertook an options appraisal for connecting to Granton Waterfront Heat Network and how this would compare with other options. They also looked at the upgrade of the heating system at the National Museum Collection Centre and the long-term operational running cost of using different heat sources. The preferred solution was a high temperature ASHP-led heat network serving all existing assets on the campus and a decentralised low temperature ASHP for new build Passivhaus assets.

Proposed new heat network (heat source: air source heat pump)

March 2026

£46,000 HNSU grant (feasibility study, 100% of project eligible costs)

This project investigated the feasibility of a district heat network for the Almada Street area in Hamilton, including commercial and industrial properties along Bothwell Road and buildings owned by the NHS, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, and Scottish Courts. The recommendation was a heat network in central Hamilton, supplied by a WWSHP at Hamilton Wastewater Treatment Works.

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

March 2026

£46,000 HNSU grant (feasibility study, 100% of project eligible costs)

The council investigated the expansion of the existing Forthside heat network. The feasibility report concluded that the existing Energy Centre at Stirling Wastewater Treatment Works could be enhanced with an additional WWSHP to support the expansion of the west leg of the network to enable new connections including STEP, Springkerse House, Middlemuir House, Teith House and new developments.

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

March 2026

£50,000 HNSU grant (feasibility study, 100% of project eligible costs)

The feasibility study assessed the expansion and decarbonisation of the existing

Dalmarnock Village heat network and the potential interconnection with the

neighbouring Clyde Gateway heat network. The study concluded that there is potential to decarbonise and expand the Dalmarnock Village network by utilising a SSHP plant in a new Energy Centre adjacent to the River Clyde. Initial analysis also suggests there is a significant opportunity to harness recoverable heat from the Dalmarnock wastewater treatment works and/or local sewer heat, to supply the future proposed expansion of the Clyde Gateway network, and the Dalmarnock Village network.

Expansion of existing heat network (heat source: sewer source heat pump)

March 2026

£49,000 HNSU grant (feasibility study, 100% of project eligible costs)

The feasibility study looked to determine whether a heat network located in the prospective heat network zone of the Old Town and Southside in Edinburgh is likely to be viable. Potential heat sources include two major sewers as well as the Duddingston Loch and the park surrounding Arthur’s Seat. Potential connections include council owned buildings such as Waverly Court, the City Chambers, Royal Mile Primary School, the Central Library, St Tomas of Aquin’s R.C. High School, Boroughmuir High School, and the Royal Commonwealth Pool.

Proposed new heat network

Autumn 2026

£50,000 HNSU grant (feasibility study, 100% of project eligible costs)

The objective of this project is to develop and consider the business case for connection of the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh and Royal Hospital for Children and Young People and Department for Clinical Neurology and the new Princess Alexandria Eye Pavilion to the Midlothian Energy Limited heat network. The feasibility study completed in May 2023 and the OBC is underway.

Connecting to existing heat network (heat source: recoverable heat from EfW plant)

TBD

£150,000 HNSU grant (OBC, 100% of project eligible costs)

South Ayrshire Council are receiving HNSU support to investigate the feasibility of a district heat network for the South Harbour area of Ayr. This would assess the suitability of the area for a district heat network, building towards expansion into identified larger zones from the council’s LHEES work.

Proposed new heat network

Due March 2027

Up to £50,000 HNSU grant (feasibility study, 100% of project eligible costs)

New Gorbals Housing Association is receiving HNSU support to assess whether the existing gas-powered Riverside district heating network in the Gorbals, which currently serves 308 residential units, can be decarbonised and expanded to connect a Glasgow Life facility and additional approximately 300 new-build homes, café and shops. Two available heat sources are the River Clyde and Strathclyde Distillery.

Proposed new heat network (potential hear sources: water source heat pump, recoverable heat from distillery)

Due March 2027

Up to £50,000 HNSU grant (feasibility study, 100% of project eligible costs)

North Ayrshire Council are undertaking a feasibility study to explore a potential heat network opportunity in Ardrossan following the council’s heat network zoning work. A potential significant anchor load is the new Ardrossan Community Campus which will accommodate a secondary school, primary school, library, swimming pool and Council office accommodation. In addition, approximately 704 social housing properties have been identified within the wider study area.

N/A

Due March 2027

Up to £50,000 HNSU grant (feasibility study, 100% of project eligible costs)

The University’s campus gas-fired heat infrastructure requires replacement which they are looking to replace with a low carbon heat network, connecting nearby buildings, to support their commitment to net zero carbon by 2038. Abertay University is receiving HNSU support to develop an OBC ready for procurement of delivery partners.

Proposed new heat network

Due March 2027

Advisory and up to £68,000 HNSU grant (OBC, up to 50% of project eligible costs)

Fife Council is receiving HNSU support to build on their previous feasibility study into a heat network in Kirkcaldy, potentially connecting schools, leisure and retail facilities, and Victoria hospital using water source heat pumps utilising recoverable heat from the final treated effluent at the Kirkcaldy Wastewater Treatment Site. The technical addendum is intended to clarify the viability of a future heat network and ensure a future business base is fully informed. It will involve a series of stakeholder engagement and refining the technical design.

New heat network (heat source: water source heat pumps, recoverable heat from Kirkcaldy Wastewater Treatment Site)

Due March 2027

Up to £18,000 HNSU grant (technical addendum (38% of project eligible costs)

The OBC was completed in June 2023. The project proposes the extension of the Queens Quay heat network to connect to the Golden Jubilee Hospital.

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

N/A

Advisory

The University of Glasgow at Gilmorehill has an existing extensive heat network which currently serves 42 secondary heat centres, approximately 200 km2 of the University of Glasgow estate. It is expected to extend the network to serve an additional 50 km2 of existing estate and a similar area of new build over the next few years.

Extension of existing heat network

N/A

Advisory

Inverclyde Council are receiving advisory support to consider next steps, pre-OBC. This includes reviewing previous feasibility studies and considering potential delivery models.

N/A

Up to March 2027

Advisory

The council is receiving critical friend support to assist with developing a potential project exploring supply-led heat network planning in North Lanarkshire.

N/A

Up to March 2027

Advisory

The council is receiving advisory support to develop an Outline Business Case for the proposed new heat network in the West Bank area of Inverness, integrating solar PV at Torvean Quarry.

Proposed new heat network

Up to March 2027

Advisory

The council is receiving advisory support to determine the next steps following the Paisley Central OBC. Advisory support will also help the council determine the most effective approach to the strategic rollout of heat networks across Renfrewshire.

Proposed new heat network

Up to March 2027

Advisory