Tuesday, December 3, 2024
EnergyLatestNews

Midlothian Council partners with Vattenfall

A new energy centre from a partnership between Midlothian Council and energy firm Vattenfall will provide heat to thousands of homes.

The first project, part of the Midlothian Energy Limited (MEL) partnership, will supply low carbon heat to new homes through the MEL heat network that is planned to expand into existing buildings and into Edinburgh. 

Once connected, the MEL Energy Centre will capture low carbon heat from the Millerhill Recycling and Energy Recovery Centre – an energy from waste plant operated by FCC Environment. The new centre will use captured heat to supply around 3,000 homes, education and retail properties at Shawfair Town via the heat network.  

The connection is expected to take place in the middle of next year with the MEL Heat Network before this time initially running on a low carbon temporary solution in the form of processed waste vegetable oil (HVO). HVO is a certificated and traceable low carbon fuel which can reduce up to 98% of carbon emissions compared to gas.   

MEL has received £7.3m funding from the Scottish government’s Low Carbon Infrastructure Transformation Project for the scheme. This has unlocked more than £40m of private investment into the joint venture, it said.

Construction of the heat network began in early 2023 and MEL hopes to be delivering heat soon to the first few properties. More homes will be gradually connected to the heat network in the coming years as developers sign connection agreements at Shawfair, one of Scotland’s largest new development projects with three schools, active travel networks, public space and retail, business and community facilities.

Midlothian Council Leader, Councillor Kelly Parry said: 

“The opening of the centre is an exciting new phase and a significant milestone in our ambitious net zero plans and commitment to reducing fuel poverty for local people.

“By working in partnership with Vattenfall to serve local communities with low carbon, reliable heat, we really will be changing lives for the better.” 

Ian Meyer, Vattenfall’s Interim Director of Heat Networks in Scotland said

“Heat networks are vital for a sustainable future, cutting carbon emissions, increasing energy efficiency, and providing Shawfair residents with a convenient and simple way to heat their homes.” 

Acting Minister for Climate Action Alasdair Allan said:  

“Heat networks have a major role to play in supporting Scotland’s heat transition.

“This is an excellent example of the importance of attracting private investment for such projects, and it is essential that we keep working together to deliver more low carbon heat networks and communal heating systems.”

Image courtesy of the Midlothian Energy Limited

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