The GRREC, an energy-from-waste plant in Polmadie, operated by Viridor, currently generates enough electricity to power up to 26,000 homes by converting household waste into fuel that drives a turbine.
This initiative is part of a broader plan detailed in the city’s Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategy (LHEES), approved by the city administration committee in December 2023.
A feasibility study, funded by the Scottish Government’s Heat Network Support Unit (HNSU) and conducted by Buro Happold, explored the technical and economic viability of this district heating network.
The study identified the GRREC as a “strategic asset” within the LHEES, which outlines zones across the city with potential for district heat networks. These networks aim to reduce emissions and provide access to locally generated, affordable energy.
The proposed network could reduce carbon emissions from domestic heating by 81% in the targeted area. Over a 40-year period, the study has found that this initiative could prevent over 160,000 tonnes of CO2 from entering the atmosphere.
‘Challenges’
Councillor Angus Millar, city convener for climate, said: “How we heat our homes and other buildings is one of the big challenges we face as the city tackles the causes of climate change. But this study shows conclusively that heat produced by the GRREC can be used to warm buildings across a wide area on Glasgow’s southside.
“The heat that comes from household waste processed at the GRREC is fully renewable and would make substantial inroads on the carbon emissions from the buildings in this heat zone area. The possibility of a district heating network sourced from the GRREC can also help to attract inward investment and create the infrastructure that can support for the push for net zero. The GRREC produces reliable heat, and this study shows investors should be confident of a return on any investment.”
Plans
The proposed network’s initial phase focuses on “high-demand buildings”, primarily Glasgow city council-owned properties, other public sector buildings, and high-density social housing. The heat exchange equipment would be sited at the GRREC, with an adjacent energy centre housing backup boilers and thermal storage.
Project
Cllr Miller added: “We are at an early stage with this initiative, but we have grounds for optimism that using energy from waste to heat homes and other buildings is realistic and achievable.
Glasgow has also announced it is establishing a “green investment team” to secure the £40 billion needed to achieve its net-zero goals.
Register for free to comment