Scotland's Energy Minister Paul Wheelhouse has officially opened Glenrothes' new district heating network.

Supported by £8.559 million investment from the Scottish Government's Low Carbon Infrastructure Transition Programme, the £24 million collaborative project between Fife Council and RWE has been delivered on time and on budget.

The new network, constructed in central Glenrothes, provides low carbon heating to Fife House complex, Rothes Halls and the sheltered housing complex at Jubilee Grove by using the steam from the RWE biomass CHP plant at Markinch.

Scotland's Energy Minister, Paul Wheelhouse, said: "I am delighted to officially open the Glenrothes Energy Network today. This ambitious project, which has received £8.6 million support from the Scottish Government's Low Carbon Infrastructure Transition Programme, is already providing reliable low carbon heat to a number of buildings and has potential for expansion in the future.

"I would like to congratulate both Fife Council and RWE on the way in which they have worked in partnership and their success in constructing the new energy centre and network within the town centre which will make a valuable contribution towards reducing carbon emissions and our renewable heat targets."

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Steve Glover, Director of Hard Coal & Gas Power Plant UK, RWE Generation, added: "RWE is proud to be part of this innovative partnership; the Energy Centre is one of the quickest built projects of its kind in the UK and represents a significant investment in our Fife operation. This scheme offers the opportunity to provide affordable heat and lower carbon emissions and RWE are delighted to be part of its success."

Cllr Ross Vettraino, Fife Council's spokesperson for the Environment also said: "Fife continues leading the way in tackling climate change. Bringing this district heating scheme to Glenrothes helps Fife Council reach its goal of reducing carbon emissions by 42% by 2020. The scheme demonstrates how to tackle the Government's long-term climate change targets at a local level and helps build confidence in modern, low carbon heat technology."

Along with the three partners, several organisations have provided invaluable support delivering Glenrothes Energy Network:

• WSP - design and specification

• Scottish Futures Trust - project assurance and expert advice

• Brodies - specialist legal advice

• Balfour Beatty - main network contractor

• Vital Energi - district heating installation and energy centre contractor.

Cllr Vettraino concluded: "This project is an exemplar of partnership working and what it can achieve. Thanks go to everyone involved in bringing this stage of the network to successful completion."

The official opening marks the completion of the core network construction. Work is currently underway looking at connecting local businesses. The network is ready for the future with the potential to connect more domestic customers when additional funding is sourced.