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

2 Minute Read

Sector

Energy

Services

Hard Services

Key Criteria

Sustainability

Region

Scotland

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The sun sets over the ruins of a stone castle on a grassy cliff by the sea, casting golden light across the water and illuminating the dramatic clouds in the 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.

 

  • Large metal pipelines stretch across an outdoor industrial site at sunset, with a blue and orange sky in the background and some small mountains or hills on the horizon.
  • Close-up view of wood chips scattered on the ground, with a shallow depth of field that blurs the background and highlights the texture and details of the wood pieces.

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Replace outdated oil-based system with low-carbon solution.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.
Integrate new technology with existing district heating infrastructure.
A hand holds a glass of whisky in the foreground, with a scenic view of a winding river, mountains, and cloudy sky in the background. The landscape is lush and partially sunlit.

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.

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0800 614678

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