Scottish Water has launched a ground-breaking energy hub which will deliver low-carbon heat harnessed from waste water to a city community.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon toured the ground-breaking site at Stirling as it enters final preparations for the big switch-on by early September. The facility harnesses energy from waste water through a mixture of cutting-edge technologies - the first in the UK to deliver heat in this way.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon goes behind-the-scenes at with Alan Scott, Finance Director, Scottish Water and Stirling Council Leader Scott Farmer

The £6 million project is being delivered by Scottish Water Horizons in partnership with Stirling Council, with additional funding provided by the Scottish Government.

The facility at Forthside in Stirling, which will pump low-cost and low-carbon heat generated from waste water from the adjacent treatment works serving the city, is projected to save 381 tonnes of carbon per annum.

The Stirling District Heat Network will deliver low-carbon heat and energy cost savings to a number of key public buildings, including The Peak Leisure Centre, Forthbank Stadium, St Modan’s High School, and organisations such as Zero Waste Scotland and Volunteer Scotland.

Nicola Sturgeon said:

“Earlier this year Scotland became one of the first countries in the world to acknowledge the fact that we are facing a global climate emergency, and it is only right that we take appropriate action.

“I am proud of the bold, innovative and world-leading policies we are implementing to address the climate crisis we face.

“The Stirling District Heat Network project is a fantastic example of this, using waste water to help provide energy to local public buildings and businesses. It is a great demonstration of how we can work collaboratively to make a real difference.”

Representatives from Scottish Water, Scottish Water Horizons and Stirling Council welcomed the First Minister to Stirling Waste Water Treatment Works and hosted a tour of the newly-built energy centre.

The First Minister heard how the project will deliver a range of significant environmental and economic benefits, with scope to expand the scheme further.

Paul Kerr, Managing Director of Scottish Water Horizons, said the company is dedicated to supporting the Scottish Government in their ambitious carbon saving targets, utilising Scottish Water’s asset base to create a greener Scotland, whilst reducing costs for customers.

Stirling Council Leader, Councillor Scott Farmer, added:

“Making Stirling the first place in the UK to harness this mix of cutting-edge renewable technologies shows Stirling Council is determined to lead the way on tackling climate change by reducing our carbon emissions and improving energy efficiency.

“This innovative initiative will deliver cost-saving benefits to the council and residents, generate additional income for many years to come and benefit communities in the form of regeneration and jobs"