OCS Delivers Greener Heat for Wick: Upgrading Energy, Powering Community

2 Minute Read

Sector

Energy

Services

Hard Services

Region

Scotland

Red stylized text logo spelling Gren on a transparent background.
Large pipelines run parallel to each other across a grassy area at sunset, with power lines and transmission towers visible in the background under an orange sky.

Executive Summary

Ignis Wick Ltd owns and operates the Energy Centre and District Heating Scheme in Wick, having taken over from Highland Council. The company transformed the system, switching from oil to locally sourced wood chips, cutting carbon and supporting the local economy.

OCS played a key role in this transition, delivering a full design, build and maintenance solution that upgraded and extended the Energy Centre to meet the district heating and area’s growing needs.

 

A close-up of industrial metal pipes with a pressure gauge attached, with a person in a high-visibility orange vest blurred in the background and sunlight shining into the scene.

The Brief

Replace outdated oil-based system with low-carbon solution.
Extend capacity to meet growing community demand.
Deliver design, build and maintenance solution.
Support local energy security and economic sustainability.
Maintain seamless service during works in a live environment.
Large metallic industrial pipelines stretching across an outdoor facility, silhouetted against a sunset sky with scattered clouds, and mountains visible in the background.

The Outcome

As part of the wider refurbishment, OCS installed a new 165kWe/260kWth gasification combined heat and power plant. We also upgraded the existing 3.5MW biomass steam boiler to boost performance and efficiency.

The improved system now delivers hot water to nearly 200 homes, a local hospital, and a public meeting room/concert hall. It also supplies steam to the neighbouring Old Pulteney Distillery — an award-winning facility and major local employer.

This project delivers more than reliable, low-carbon heat. It supports local fuel supply chains, reduces emissions and helps Wick take meaningful steps towards net zero.

BEST Outcomes

  • Our considered, collaborative approach meant minimal disruption for residents and businesses, even while working in a live environment. We engaged proactively with stakeholders to ensure a smooth project experience from start to finish.
  • Efficient planning and on-site execution enabled us to deliver major system upgrades while maintaining ongoing operations. Our project teams optimised schedules and resources to meet deadlines and maximise output.
  • This project set a benchmark for sustainable energy infrastructure, integrating advanced CHP technology and leveraging local biomass. All works were delivered in line with planning and environmental regulations.
  • We upgraded the system to ensure long-term reliability and flexibility for future growth. The integration of multiple energy sources adds resilience to supply and performance, particularly in colder months.
  • The result is a high-performing energy network that benefits the community, economy and environment, delivering on both immediate needs and long-term net zero goals.
  • 0%

    Renewable fuel source

  • An orange icon of a hand holding a globe with two leaves sprouting from the top, symbolizing environmental care or sustainability.

    Reduction in carbon emissions compared to previous oil-based system.

  • Project delivered on time and within budget

Connect with our team

We’re looking forward to connecting with you.

0800 614678

Contact Form

"*" indicates required fields

Consent*
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Customer stories

Find out about the amazing customers we’ve worked with and how we’ve been able to support them.

See All Stories