South Ayrshire Council has approved plans to create a new District Energy Network (DEN) for Prestwick's Aerospace sector.

As one of the projects outlined in the business case for the Ayrshire Growth Deal, the £2.5 million proposal is anticipated to help boost future growth in the sector and promote the site as a competitive business centre.

Funding has now been released to draw up an Investment Grade Business Case for DEN, costing an estimated £204,000. The council has agreed to commit £50,000 from existing budgets, with the remainder coming from Scottish Enterprise and existing businesses.

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The next stage involves a feasibility study being drawn up considering a range of factors, after which a preferred option will be chosen, leading to the more detailed design stage to underline the projects final recommendations.

It is expected the scheme could save up to £2m per year for businesses in costs, along with reducing 11,225 tonnes of carbon dioxide.

Cllr Bill Grant said: "We're committed to supporting businesses to thrive and expand as well as exploring ways of achieving a sustainable low carbon future, something which this project would help to achieve.

"High energy costs for companies working in the aerospace sector have already been identified as a major issue at Prestwick and anything that can be done to reduce these overheads will give the site a competitive edge.

"Having access to lower energy costs would realise savings for existing businesses and would also provide an added incentive for new companies to consider setting up in South Ayrshire which would help to create fresh career opportunities."

(LM/MH)