Case Studies

As the work of the Heat Network Support Unit evolves, we will develop a library of case studies which should prove to be a valuable resource for Scottish heat network developers. These will draw upon the wealth of experience available in financial, technical and other areas of heat network development. Below are some case studies of Scottish schemes in operation to give an illustration of relevant projects to help applicants. We hope these highlight the value of practical first-hand experience.

Reports and Case Studies

Queens Quay

The project constructs an energy centre housing two 2.65MW water source heat pumps which extract heat from the adjacent River Clyde basin. It also houses a gas-fired backup boiler to provide additional peak demand when required. Initial carbon savings from the project are approximately 409 tCO2e in the first year but this is expected to increase to as much as 5705 tCO2e by 2040 when more connections are added and the grid decarbonises. The project will provide socioeconomic benefits for 1000+ new and existing homes (social and private housing), local businesses, new amenities such as the £14 million care home, £19 million health centre, Clydebank Town Hall & Library and the planned connection of the Golden Jubilee Hospital.

Dundee Low Carbon District Energy Hub

The project installed three ground source heat pumps at the Caird Park site. These heat pumps are powered by electricity generation from a gas CHP unit and provide heat to three buildings at the new Regional Performance Centre for Sport site.

A new Energy Hub was built housing the central control panel and back up gas boilers which generates 100% of its electrical energy demand. 85% of the site’s heat demand comes from renewable sources. Solar panels were placed on the roofs of the Energy Hub and new Regional Performance Centre for Sport. The solar thermal system has a heat output of 50kW. Total carbon savings are estimated at 536 tonnes CO2e per year or 13,400 tonnes CO2e over the course of the project lifetime (25 years).

Glenrothes Energy Network

The heat network utilises steam produced from the RWE CHP biomass plant to provide heat to a range of customers including a theatre complex, 33 homes comprising very sheltered housing, 9 business units and Fife Council’s corporate headquarters.

The project demonstrates the potential of unused existing infrastructure for heat networks, with the heat output from the RWE Markinch Biomass plant repurposed for district heating. It also demonstrates how the relative strengths of the public and private sectors can be combined through partnering, in tackling climate change. Back up boilers help to cope with peak demand.

The Stirling Renewable Heat Demonstration Project

The project installed a new energy centre and district heat network in the Forthside area of Stirling providing low carbon heat to multiple end users such as The Peak Leisure Centre, Forthbank Stadium, Enterprise House and St Modan’s High School. The project combines a fuel cell, heat recovery system from Stirling Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) and heat pump to supply heat for the new district heat network.

The project has carbon savings of approximately 381 tonnes per year, a reduction of 30% compared to BAU. Fifty four percent of these savings are as a result of the decarbonisation of heat going to the district heat network and 46% are due to the decarbonisation of electricity powering the WWTP.

NG Homes

Glasgow based housing association, ng homes received funding from the Scottish Government’s Low Carbon Infrastructure Transition Programme and District Heating Loan Fund to install communal air source heat pumps on the roofs of six high rise social housing properties in Springburn, Glasgow.

This zero emission heating system, replaced the storage heaters with brand new high efficiency radiators and thermostatic radiator valves. The project aims to deliver both a reduction in carbon emissions, with an estimated savings of 684,214kgCo2e per annum, and economic savings to social housing tenants, with heating bills reducing by up to 60%, improving the wellbeing of 657 households and helping reduce fuel poverty.