Further funding has been secured for a £12 million district heating network scheme in Clydebank, West Dunbartonshire.

The Scottish Government is providing £6m towards the project as part of its Low Carbon Infrastructure Transformation Programme (LCITP). The council will meet 50% of the overall cost.

The scheme forms part of the regeneration of the former John Brown Shipyards, now known as Queens Quay, where 200 homes for social rent will be built alongside 1,000 private houses.

The heating project will see water extracted from the River Clyde through heat pumps and directed to businesses and homes via insulated pipes to be used for heating.

The method will also heat a number of public buildings such as West College Scotland, the new Clydebank Leisure Centre, the new Queens Quay care home and health centre, the Council’s offices at Aurora House, Titan Business Centre, the Town Hall and Clydebank Library.

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In addition, the scheme will contribute towards the council's climate change targets to reduce CO2 emissions by 15% over the next seven years.

A new, purpose built energy centre will be created at Queens Quay in 2018 and infrastructure work at the Queens Quay site, including the District Heating Network, will begin later this year.

Richard Cairns, Strategic Director for Regeneration, Environment & Growth, said: "Securing this £6m of funding is a momentous leap forward for a project that will have a remarkable impact on the Queens Quay area and the wider area of Clydebank. It is of real benefit to the Council, residents and to the environment and we are thrilled to be able to move ahead with these ambitious plans.

"As well as providing heat to homes and businesses in Queens Quay, the District Heating Network will allow the Council to generate an income from the sale of energy and to expand the project throughout Clydebank. Being able to offer a discounted tariff to residents will also have a positive impact on tackling fuel poverty."

(LM)