VATTENFALL Heat UK is set to secure the contract for pre-development work to refine and finalise the design of a sewer source low carbon heat network at Granton Waterfront.
The network will serve thousands of homes, local facilities, and commercial and social enterprise businesses planned as part of the £1.3 billion regeneration of the Edinburgh area.
The energy company, known for its work supporting many areas throughout the UK find net zero solutions, will work with the City of Edinburgh Council to finalise the plans for the heat network. The aim, subject to future further approval from the finance and resources committee, is for an agreement for the company to build, operate, finance, manage, and maintain the network over the following 40 years. This is a significant milestone for the council and the Granton Waterfront area to help Edinburgh reach net zero by 2030.
Council leader Cammy Day said, “It is fantastic to see work continuing at pace at Granton Waterfront, the largest sustainable regeneration project of its kind in Scotland. As well as helping the Capital reach net zero by 2030, awarding this contract is the next step towards finalising the right heat network solution for our tenants and others moving into the area to provide them with a cost competitive low carbon heating source. The homes being delivered in the area are being designed to be well insulated and energy efficient which will also be a huge benefit to everyone living there, particularly those facing fuel poverty.
“Work is also continuing to transform the iconic gasholder in the area into a place for the wider community and visitors to play and relax. Arts and social enterprise charity WASPS has moved into the eye catching former Granton Station building now refurbished and taking pride of place at the heart of the community, with a spacious attractive public square. And we’re currently building hundreds of energy efficient affordable homes which will be ready for tenants to move into next year.”
Eoghan Maguire, director of Heat Networks – Scotland at Vattenfall Heat UK, added, “Granton Waterfront is an ambitious long-term project that will act as a blueprint in urban development and regeneration in Scotland. District heating will enable the Granton Waterfront development to deliver on its pioneering and climate conscious ambitions for its residents.
“Vattenfall has responded to the low carbon district heating proposals for Granton Waterfront and is proud that these have been recommended for approval by the City of Edinburgh Council. We are excited to work with the City of Edinburgh and its partners to help deliver on the city’s net zero by 2030 targets.”
