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Heat networks and building assessment reports

Heat networks

A heat network is a network which distributes heat from a central source to multiple buildings. Heat networks currently supply approximately 1.18 TWh of heat to buildings across Scotland. The Scottish Government has set a target of increasing this to 2.6 TWh by 2027 and 6 TWh by 2030.

Heat networks in Scotland are regulated by the  and . The sets out how heat networks are to be delivered in Scotland.

There are dozens of existing heat networks in ºÚÁÏÕýÄÜÁ¿ with several more currently in development. In November 2023, we appointed  to design, build, finance, operate, and maintain a heat network serving the Granton Waterfront of ºÚÁÏÕýÄÜÁ¿ under a concession model.

Heat Network Zones in ºÚÁÏÕýÄÜÁ¿

We are carrying out work to identify Heat Network Zones in ºÚÁÏÕýÄÜÁ¿. Once these zones have been agreed, suppliers will be awarded permits giving them the exclusive right to develop and operate new heat networks in each Zone. Suppliers will also require consent, a licence, and any relevant planning permissions to develop and operate a heat network. Further information on Heat Network Zones in ºÚÁÏÕýÄÜÁ¿ is set out in the emerging ºÚÁÏÕýÄÜÁ¿ Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategy (LHEES).

The national  can provide support for heat network projects in ºÚÁÏÕýÄÜÁ¿ and elsewhere in Scotland.

Strategic Heat Network Analysis for ºÚÁÏÕýÄÜÁ¿

With technical and grant support from the Heat Network Support Unit, we commissioned a technical review of heat network opportunities in ºÚÁÏÕýÄÜÁ¿ from Turner & Townsend with support from WSP. This paper provides an in-deth analysis of heat network potential, examining technical, economic, and environmental factors that influence deployment. It summarises themes from close stakeholder engagement, and includes a thorough heat source audit, prospective heat network zone refinement and a feasibility review of the zones. The report considers a spinal piperoute connecting  multiple zones and considers delivery strategies for delivering heat networks at scale in ºÚÁÏÕýÄÜÁ¿.

Download the report

Download the executive summary

Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategy (LHEES)