A NEW energy plant will start creating heat for Clydebank within months and make the town the “greenest in Scotland”, it has been announced.

Planning permission was granted just before Christmas for the energy centre at Queens Quay, the first step in a district heat network that could eventually stretch as far as the Golden Jubilee.

Councillors approved the plan that uses heat from the Clyde at Queens Quay basin, off Alisa Road, distributing it to expected homes, a care home and health centre, West College Scotland and Clyde Leisure Centre.

Construction is expected to start early this year with the network being commissioned and generating heat by autumn 2018.

Clydeside Regeneration Limited, who are running the £250 million redevelopment of Queens Quay, said the heating network would be the “largest and most ambitious” in the country and make “Clydebank the greenest town in Scotland”.

The district heating network was approved last November and granted £6m by the Scottish Government towards the £12m cost.

Paul O’Donnell, of Dawn Urban Regeneration Ltd, said: “It is fantastic news we’ve achieved planning permission for the Queens Quay energy centre. It is yet another piece of good news in the delivery of the project and promises a green future for Clydebank. 

“The coming year will be very important for Queens Quay with the delivery of all infrastructure and the commencement of a number of other exciting developments.”

The project is aimed to reduce CO2 emissions from the council by 15 per cent over the next seven years.

The design for the energy centre includes flue stacks housed within a metal lattice structure to mimic the Titan Crane across the basin. The existing substation at Alisa Road will be moved to the energy centre.
Moving the substation will allow direct access to “Arrivals Square” for buses, states the proposals.

Speaking when the plan was proposed, MP Martin Docherty-Hughes said: “[The heating scheme] will see the use of cutting edge technology to extract water from the River Clyde and deliver affordable heating for local homes, businesses and public buildings – helping to improve energy efficiency and reduce energy costs for residents.

“I look forward to the benefits it is set to bring to the people and communities.”

Clydeside Regeneration Limited owns Queens Quay with West Dunbartonshire Council part funding the development. Dawn Urban Regeneration Ltd is the developer and is working with the council on the centre and the wider Queens Quay.

The council will own, operate and maintain the entire heating system, ensuring security of supply and reduced tariffs for customers, said developers.