Tackling fuel poverty with
community energy project

Clyde Gateway, Scotland’s biggest regeneration programme, is breaking ground in Dalmarnock to install one of the country’s most sustainable heating systems – helping to reduce fuel poverty following £2.1million funding from SP Energy Networks’ Green Economy Fund.

Designated as Scotland’s first Green Regeneration and Innovation District, homes and businesses across the Clyde Gateway site will be heated using the ambitious new system, which will cost £6.1million and allow people to live and work in a low carbon and resilient community in the future.

Developed in partnership with Scottish Water Horizons, the scheme will provide an instant supply of heat and hot water using a metered system that ensures residents and businesses only pay for the energy they use. The system has been designed to be considerably more efficient than conventional heating and should significantly reduce energy bills in the near future.

Initially 50 homes and Clyde Gateway’s new EastWorks offices, at the former Purifier Studios, will be connected to the district heating network with plans to connect over 300 homes and commercial businesses over the coming years.

“It is a great example of what can be achieved in supporting the development of local assets for community gain. By helping to power Dalmarnock Waste Water Treatment Works, this project will also support Scottish Water on its journey to net zero emissions by 2040.”

Paul Kerr, Managing Director, Scottish Water Horizons

The new system will also power the Dalmarnock Waste Water Treatment Works. Waste heat will be used by Clyde Gateway to supply heating for homes and businesses with the contractor, Vital Energi Utilities Limited, laying 3km of pipework to transport hot water into homes and businesses.

Construction of the 2,643 sq ft energy centre at Scottish Water’s existing Waste Water Treatment Works in Dalmarnock has begun following Clyde Gateway signing a 25-year agreement with Scottish Water Horizons to supply heat in the form of hot water for homes and businesses.  

Ian Manson, Chief Executive of Clyde Gateway, said: “We’re delighted to be breaking ground on a project that is an important green investment in our community. It will allow our residents, businesses and the environment to reap the rewards for generations to come.”

Paul Kerr, Managing Director of Scottish Water Horizons, said: “We are thrilled to be a part of this project which will see end users benefit from reduced carbon and energy costs to support future generations to come. It is a great example of what can be achieved in supporting the development of local assets for community gain. By helping to power Dalmarnock Waste Water Treatment Works, this project will also support Scottish Water on its journey to net zero emissions by 2040.”

SP Energy Networks is providing a grant of £2.1million through its Green Economy Fund to help support the project.

Scott Mathieson – Network Planning & Regulation Director, SP Energy Networks, said: “By creating a Green Regeneration Innovation District, Clyde Gateway is changing the way people think about heating. This is an exciting sustainable project but also has the potential to tackle fuel poverty in the area. Our Green Economy Fund supports local communities by investing in projects that deliver low carbon solutions and create economic benefits. It’s about achieving a better future, quicker for everyone.”

The new district heating network and energy centre is scheduled to complete in Autumn 2021.