A TOTAL of 1,100 homes, leisure facilities and offices in Glasgow including the world-class Therme Scotland wellbeing resort could be connected to a new low carbon district heat network following funding of over £5m from Scottish Government.
Peel NRE, part of regeneration business Peel L&P, has received a £5.1m grant from the Low Carbon Infrastructure Transition Programme to develop, construct and progress further designs for a heat network at Peel L&P’s Glasgow Waters scheme.
The network would bring forecasted carbon savings of almost 69,000 tonnes, the equivalent of planting over 78,000 trees*, support Scotland’s Green Recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic, create jobs and reduce the country’s greenhouse gas emissions.
Homes, commercial space, leisure facilities and a 200-bed hotel at the proposed Glasgow Waters development at Yorkhill Quay and surrounding buildings would receive low carbon heat and hot water from the network as well as the flagship Therme Scotland project planned for a large site adjacent to the River Museum.
An energy centre would also be built with two 1.5MW water source heat pumps with high efficiency boilers as a backup during peak demand.
Zero Carbon Buildings Minister Patrick Harvie said: “I’m very pleased that we can offer grant support that means Peel NRE’s Glasgow Waters development will be built with a heat network that will supply low carbon heat at an affordable rate to both homes and businesses.
“It is vital that Scotland’s transition to net zero by 2045 is achieved in a fair and just way. Heat networks will play an important role in this journey, supported by Scotland’s Heat Network Fund. They will help make our homes and buildings climate friendly whilst also contributing towards tackling fuel poverty and one of the biggest cost of living pressures.”
Jonathan Burley, Commercial Director at Peel NRE, part of Peel L&P, said: “Low carbon district heat networks are crucial in helping achieve climate change targets and cutting residents’ fuel bills which is a huge concern for consumers as energy prices continue to rise.
“We’re pleased that our expertise in delivering these networks has been recognised with this funding from Scottish Government. We look forward to working with local stakeholders to advance these plans and with our specialist heat network business Ener-Vate who supported the bid.”
The masterplanfor Glasgow Waters is focused on creating thriving and sustainable communities and this funding will go a long way in helping Peel L&P to achieve its vision as well as accelerating the delivery of low carbon energy projects across Scotland to reduce carbon emissions.
Therme Group’s Anne-Marie Garner, VP for Corporate Strategy, added: “Therme Group’s sustainable and inclusive wellbeing resorts champion nature, technology & culture, to form part of the connected urban ecosystem. For Therme Scotland to be part of a new low carbon district network would further boost its positive impact for the community. We look forward to continuing our close collaboration with the Peel team as plans progress.”
