Dumfries & Galloway Heat Network, Annan

7 Delivery Zones
3,959 Homes Assessed
98% Carbon Reduction
4.1MWth Low Carbon Heating

District Heat Network Feasibility

The Challenge:

Dumfries and Galloway Council wanted to explore the feasibility of a district heating network serving Annan, alongside the long-term redevelopment of the former Chapelcross Nuclear Power Station site. The aim was to understand how a low-carbon heat network could produce sustainable heat for existing buildings, future housing, and key public sector assets on their pathway to Net Zero.

Any network would need to work in phases, delivering benefits early while staying flexible enough to connect future energy generation infrastructure at Chapelcross further down the line.

The Solution:

Salvis was commissioned to undertake a feasibility study assessing the technical and strategic viability of a district heat network for Annan, evaluating existing building heat demand, network zoning, potential energy centre locations and future low-carbon heat generation technologies. Our scope covered:

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Phased network design across seven delivery zones.
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Centrally located low-carbon energy centre.
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Connection of anchor-load public buildings.
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Future connection of new-build housing.
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Expansion to existing homes and businesses.
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Large-scale ground source heat pump assessment.
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Future integration with Chapelcross energy generation.
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Air, water and ground source heat pump options.
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Flexibility for hydrogen and waste heat recovery.

The Outcome:

The study set out a clear pathway for a district heat network in Annan that can support both existing communities and future developments. Housing analysis across 3,959 homes and modelling of seven delivery zones showed that if 15% of Annan's heat demand could be supplied through a heat network powered mainly by heat pumps, annual carbon emissions could fall from around 1,696 tCO₂e in 2020 to just 36 tCO₂e by 2040.

A phased delivery model lets the Council deploy early while managing investment risk, with Chapelcross offering a significant long-term opportunity as a strategic energy generation hub as the site is redeveloped. The project gives the Council an evidence-based roadmap for delivering low-carbon heat at scale, supporting wider regional regeneration and Net Zero objectives in Scotland.

District Heating Feasibility Heat Network Mapping Net Zero Strategy Development

Frequently Asked Questions

  • A district heating network distributes heat from a central energy centre to multiple buildings through insulated underground pipework, letting homes, businesses and public buildings share efficient low-carbon heat generation rather than relying on individual boilers. 

  • The former nuclear power station site offers significant redevelopment opportunities and has already been identified as a potential location for future energy-related industries, including hydrogen production and renewable energy infrastructure. 

  • Yes. The study recommends connecting both future developments and existing domestic, commercial and public-sector buildings. Designing new buildings with heat network compatibility from the outset can significantly reduce future connection costs. 

Still have Questions?