Work has begun on building Scotland’s first ‘fifth generation’ heating network at a manufacturing innovation district in Renfrewshire.

Scottish Government Cabinet Secretary for Finance Kate Forbes was at the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland (AMIDS) as the first pipes of the renewable energy network were lowered into position.

Producing 90% less carbon emissions than traditional gas boilers, the highly sustainable system will provide heating and hot water to the major manufacturers and research centres based at the site.

It works by directing water normally headed for the White Cart river into a new energy centre being built at a Scottish Water site in Paisley.

The £7.1million project is being funded by Renfrewshire Council and by the Scottish Government’s Low Carbon Infrastructure Transition Programme.

Kate Forbes said: “It’s great to see this incredibly beneficial and positive work being carried forward. The Scottish Government has set ambitious targets for net zero and it’s great to see local authorities drive improvement in this important area of work.”

Installing the new network will offer advanced manufacturing companies the opportunity to be located on the site AMIDS, delivering an £11.8million R&D project part-funded by Scottish Enterprise.

Renfrewshire Council Leader Iain Nicolson said: “AMIDS acts as a magnet for advanced manufacturing companies to locate to Scotland and tap into the incredible innovation and skills expertise at the research centres based here, so it’s fitting that a place of innovation will be served by this innovative low carbon heating system.

“Not only will it provide a cost-effective, green option for the businesses it serves, it will demonstrate the potential of the technology for others to follow suit and supports our pledge in Renfrewshire to be carbon neutral by 2030.”

Renewable engineering experts FES Energy secured the contract to complete the network, which is being future-proofed with the potential to extend to supply nearby businesses.

During the 12-month project, the company are set to deliver a wide range of local benefits, including supporting two modern apprentices and recruiting staff who are currently unemployed.

Charlie Easton, FES support services director said: “FES Energy are delighted to support Renfrewshire Council in their long-term vision for the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland. This ground-breaking low carbon heating network will assist in providing an innovative energy infrastructure foundation to build upon in the future.

"The FES Group are committed to supporting Scotland’s decarbonisation targets whilst delivering this sustainable renewable energy project for the community.” 

Alan Scott, Scottish Water’s finance director, said: “There is absolutely no doubt that impressive projects which deliver low carbon technology solutions like this are the future.

"That future is a sustainable one where value from waste is recognised and reused to the benefit of many, and where we are working to reduce emissions to achieve our collective net zero ambitions.

“We treat and recycle more than 1 billion litres of waste water a day across the country.

"Using innovative approaches to extract and use energy from treatment processes and infrastructure to be converted into low carbon heat shows what can be done. We’re delighted to be part of this scheme and look forward to getting involved in other opportunities to maximise the value from Scotland’s waste water.”