Renfrewshire Council is set to deliver Scotland’s largest networked ground source heat pump system to council housing, marking a significant step toward cleaner, low-carbon heating for social housing tenants.
The project will replace gas heating systems in two high-rise blocks in Gallowhill, Paisley with a renewable heating solution using underground heat.
The networked system, installed by Kensa, will supply energy via underground pipework to individual shoebox-sized ground source heat pumps in each flat. The technology offers efficient, year-round heating and hot water.
This initiative is the first of its kind and scale to be delivered by a Scottish local authority in existing council housing. It was prompted by the need to replace ageing gas infrastructure in the two blocks. After evaluating alternatives, the council identified ground source heat pumps as the most cost-effective and energy-efficient option for tenants.
Work is scheduled to begin this month, with completion expected by summer 2026. Once operational, residents will no longer pay gas standing charges as everything will be included in their electric bills.
To support the project, Renfrewshire Council received £1.78 million in funding from the Scottish Government’s Scotland Heat Network Fund, aimed at advancing sustainable heating technologies across the country.
The project forms part of broader regeneration plans for the Gallowhill area, which also include the construction of 65 new council homes equipped with low-carbon air source heat pumps, and a new active travel route to the Paisley Grammar School Community Campus, which is currently under construction.
Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Communities and Housing Policy Board, Cllr Marie McGurk said: ‘We want to make our homes as comfortable and efficient as possible for our tenants. By introducing the ground source heating solution in Gallowhill we will deliver a reliable and environmentally friendly system which will help to simplify our tenants’ energy bills.’
Mark Potter, Regional Manager for Scotland at Kensa, said: ‘We’re proud to be working with Renfrewshire Council on this landmark decarbonisation project. Networked heat pumps offer an effective, energy efficient solution to help flats transition away from gas and other inefficient heating systems. By connecting each flat to this system we’ll help residents stay warm and comfortable during winter, while keeping energy use and heating costs low.
‘Kensa has a strong track record of delivering ground source heat pump systems for projects like this, and we look forward to seeing the long-term benefits it will provide for the Council, residents, and the wider community.’
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