Stirling Renewable Heat Project – Forthside Way District Heating Network

3 Minute Read

Sector

Public Sector FM

Services

Hard Services

Key Criteria

Sustainability

Region

Scotland

Stirling Council logo featuring a stylized green S with a purple swoosh crossing it, surrounded by the words Stirling Council in purple text.

Executive Summary

OCS delivered the full design, construction, installation, and commissioning of Scotland’s first district heating network to integrate Combined Heat and Power (CHP) with sewage heat recovery.

Working in partnership with Scottish Water Horizons, Stirling Council, and the Low Carbon Infrastructure Transition Programme (LCITP), this £6 million project supports Stirling’s ambition to decarbonise its heat supply, reduce energy costs, and create more resilient public infrastructure.

  • 1st in the UK

    District heating network combining CHP + sewage heat recovery

  • 2.5km

    District heating and communication pipework installed

  • 381 Tonnes

    Annual carbon savings

  • 10%

    Heating costs saved for end users

The Brief

The Stirling Forthside Way project set out to:

Deliver an innovative, low-carbon district heating network: Implement a modern, centralised energy system to supply sustainable heat to multiple key sites across Stirling.
Reduce carbon emissions and operational costs for key public buildings: Help public sector facilities, such as schools and leisure centres, lower their environmental impact while achieving long-term cost savings through energy efficiency.
Provide a scalable model for sustainable heat infrastructure in Scotland: Develop a replicable and future-ready district heating solution that can inform and inspire similar low-carbon energy projects across the country.
A modern industrial facility featuring large cylindrical storage tanks, metal pipes, and a tall black smokestack, set against a blue sky with scattered clouds.

The Outcome

The successful implementation of the Stirling District Heating Network has significantly advanced the Scotland’s journey towards a low-carbon future.

The network now delivers efficient, sustainable heat to several key public and commercial buildings across Stirling, including The Peak Leisure Centre, Forthbank Stadium, and St Modan’s High School.

This major project saved 381 tonnes of carbon a year with end users connected to the network set save 10% on their energy bills.

This project serves as a model for how local authorities and partners can work together to create greener, more resilient energy infrastructure that benefits both communities and the environment.

BEST Outcomes

  • OCS integrated complex energy technologies into live buildings with minimal disruption, providing reliable heating and improved comfort for end users.
  • Our team installed over 2.5 km of underground pipework, constructed two purpose-built energy centres, and delivered all utility connections — on time and to specification.
  • We applied industry-leading engineering solutions to combine sewage heat recovery with CHP, creating a future-ready and resilient heating network.
  • The system’s hybrid technology mix offers long-term flexibility, supporting Stirling’s decarbonisation goals while ensuring consistent, efficient heat delivery.
  • The project reduces carbon emissions by an estimated 381 tonnes per year and helps customers cut heating costs by up to 10%, contributing to a smarter, greener Stirling.
  • Simple orange icon of two tall buildings with rectangular windows, one building is taller and has a slanted roof; both are depicted side by side on a black background.

    2 purpose-built energy centre buildings Supporting hybrid low-carbon heat delivery

  • 0%

    Progress towards Stirling’s low-carbon heating network deployment

    • Productivity
    • Innovation
    • Social Value
    • Sustainability

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