PLANS to develop city-wide heat networks in Inverness have taken a step forward, the Highland Council has announced.
A strategic heat network feasibility study, completed in May, identified four priority zones in areas of higher energy demand – West Bank, Raigmore, Longman, and the city centre.
A supporting vision statement has now been drafted, outlining the role of heat networks in supporting Inverness’ decarbonisation goals and the council’s wider objectives for affordable, sustainable energy.
Chair of the Highland Council climate change committee, councillor Kate Willis, said, “Heat networks can offer more sustainable and affordable heating by reducing carbon emissions and energy costs, bringing long-term benefits for our communities. The feasibility study highlights the significant opportunity to decarbonise heat across Inverness, and we are now exploring how these networks could be delivered.”
Following completion of the delivery model assessment, local authority said it is now actively engaging with developers and investors to explore delivery opportunities and partnerships that could enable the rollout of heat networks across the city.
Councillor Willis added, “This work has been critical in shaping the project’s direction. We will now carry out further analysis to inform decisions on investment and engagement and will hold a member workshop to review progress and next steps.”
Additional funding has been secured to support the next phase of work, aligned with the council’s heat network development programme and local heat and energy efficiency strategy (LHEES) – a statutory plan setting out how carbon emissions from heating buildings will be reduced across the Highlands.
