Project lead: Glasgow Housing Association

Area: Glasgow

Main technology: Air Source Heat Pump

Local Energy Challenge Fund grant awarded: £2,500,000

Designed in conjunction with Glasgow Housing Association, WSP Parsons Brinckerhoff and Scottish Gas, the industrial scale 700kW low carbon district heating solution is 8 metres long and hits temperatures over 60°C. This is a new development for air source heat pumps, and explores a new opportunity for district heating schemes.

The project is located on Hillfoot Drive, an area of social housing in the centre of Glasgow. Strong community engagement was a focus for the project, as Glasgow Housing Association worked closely with residents to explore the impact of the scheme.

What makes this project innovative?

To date, air source heat pumps have generally been around 60kW, so this project is innovative in its sheer scale. Delivering district heating in social housing is not a new concept, but this technology provides an opportunity to reduce costs and carbon emissions. The project now provides low cost heat for residents and demonstrates the viability of such a scheme in urban areas.