Heat network plans for trio of towns

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dq[/caption] ANNAN, Gretna and Langholm have been suggested as ideal spots for the development of ‘shared heat collector networks’.

South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE) have highlighted the trio as communities that would benefit economically, environmentally and socially from such a roll out.

A £2m scheme is outlined for Annan, whereby 100 boreholes would need to be put in the school playing fields to accommodate the necessary below ground loop infrastructure.

However, that would then be near invisible and the area could continue to be used as it is now.

From there, the heat network hub would service the academy, swimming pool, Hecklegirth Primary and the community centre, resulting in consistent supply and reduced energy bills.

A new housing development at Halcrow, Gretna is also deemed to be perfect for a heat network.

At a set up cost of £1.8 million, it could supply the 97 homes planned by Cunninghame Housing.

In addition, nine flats at Armstrong Court in Langholm, which are having an energy retrofit, would be another possibility, according to the report authors.

Loreburn Housing Association is delivering the work there and SOSE say a shared heat network, at a cost of £200,000 per flat, would reduce tenants’ electricity consumption.

Six other communities are also earmarked for shared heat collector style networks. They are: Lockerbie, Crossmichael, Smailholm, Swinton, Tweedbank, Kelloholm and Selkirk.

Meanwhile, larger district heat networks are mooted for Dumfries, Stranraer, Darnick/Melrose, Galashiels, Peebles and Hawick.

The examples all feature in the South of Scotland Heat Networks Prospectus launched this week by SOSE and Dumfries and Galloway Council.

The document identifies a total of 19 heat network opportunities across the south of Scotland region. They would cover over 2400 domestic and non-domestic properties and provide approximately 120,000 megawatt hours of heat per year.

The estimated capital cost of creating these networks would be approximately £120 million but they would lead to new jobs and help tackle fuel poverty.

SOSE and the council now hope the prospectus can inspire practical action and

investment in pilot schemes and larger projects.

And a series of events and webinars are being planned to provide more information.

Commenting, SOSE chair Russel Griggs OBE said: “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.”

Dumfries and Galloway Council leader Cllr Stephen Thompson added: “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.”

Cabinet Secretary for Housing Màiri McAllan is aware of the situation and said: “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.”