First South of Scotland Heat Networks Prospectus launched
The first ever South of Scotland Heat Networks Prospectus has been launched - highlighting a series of significant economic, environmental and social benefits these networks could deliver.
The document – which we jointly created with Dumfries & Galloway and Scottish Borders councils – identifies a total of 19 heat network opportunities across the region.
The Prospectus is available to read here.
What are heat networks?
- Heat networks distribute thermal energy from a central source to multiple properties.
- The 19 potential networks would cover over 2,400 domestic and non-domestic properties in the South of Scotland, which in total would provide approximately up to 120,000 megawatt hours of heat per year.
- The estimated capital cost of creating these networks would be approximately £120 million but if established these networks would provide several benefits.
- These include new jobs and skills and retention of wealth in the region, alongside tackling fuel poverty and boosting the South’s contribution to Scotland’s decarbonisation targets.
We and both Dumfries & Galloway and Scottish Borders councils now hope the prospectus can inspire practical action and investment in pilot projects and larger projects, building momentum for the sector in the region.
Opportunities identified
There are two types of heat networks - larger district heat networks which tend to operate in town centres or industrial areas, and shared heat collector style networks which can operate across a variety of scales, from a whole neighbourhood down to a row of cottages.
This prospectus has identified seven district heat network opportunities in larger towns and 12 shared heat collector network opportunities.
District heat network opportunities include seven locations in Dumfries, Stranraer, Darnick/Melrose, Galashiels, Peebles and Hawick.
Shared heat collector network opportunities include 12 locations in Crossmichael, Smailholm, Swinton, Langholm, Gretna, Tweedbank, Kelloholm, Selkirk, Annan and Lockerbie.
However, the shared heat collector models could be applicable in many other towns, villages, streets and new developments not referenced in the prospectus.
What next?
A series of events and webinars will take place to provide more information about this exciting opportunity for the sector.
SOSE Chair, Russel Griggs OBE, added:
“This prospectus highlights the massive potential for heat networks in the South of Scotland, providing heat for low cost and lower impact on the environment.
“Alongside our partners in both local councils, we want the South of Scotland to be leading the way in developing smaller shared heat collector style network and believe this prospectus can inspire practical action and investment in pilot projects.”
Councillor Stephen Thompson, Leader of Dumfries and Galloway Council, said:
“The launch of the South of Scotland Heat Networks Prospectus marks a major step forward in our region’s journey toward a more sustainable and resilient future.
“Heat networks offer a real opportunity to decarbonise heating, reduce carbon emissions, tackle fuel poverty, and create new jobs and skills.”
“We’re working in partnership with South of Scotland Enterprise and Scottish Borders Council to identify practical, place-based solutions that can deliver long-term economic, environmental and social benefits.
“This prospectus lays the groundwork for meaningful investment and action, and we look forward to seeing these opportunities develop into real-world projects that support our region’s transition to Net Zero.”
Councillor Jenny Linehan, Scottish Borders Council’s Executive Member for Environment & Transport, said:
“Scottish Borders Council is proud to be part of this pioneering initiative.
“The launch of the South of Scotland Heat Networks Prospectus represents a significant step towards a more sustainable and resilient future for our region and communities.
“By embracing heat networks and exploring opportunities, we are not only reducing carbon emissions and tackling fuel poverty but also creating new jobs and skills that will benefit our communities for years to come.
“We are very excited with the prospect of collaborating with our partners and seizing the opportunities that bring us closer to achieving our goal of transitioning to Net Zero.”
Cabinet Secretary for Housing Màiri McAllan said:
“Heat networks have a major role to play in Scotland’s heat transition – helping us to deliver our twin aims of cutting carbon emissions whilst also delivering affordable heat and reducing fuel poverty – and later this year we will set out measures to attract further investment by encouraging non-domestic and especially public buildings to connect to these schemes.
“We are working closely with local and regional bodies to realise the full potential of heat networks and I welcome the leadership of South of Scotland Enterprise and its partners in producing this prospectus, which will be a valuable addition to our resources and knowledge base.”