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Braemar District Heating Scheme |
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Friday, 13 August 2004 |
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This project is a feasibility study to examine the viability of establishing a district heating scheme in the rural area of Braemar.
Overview
PROJECT SUMMARY
This project is a feasibility study to examine the viability of establishing a district heating scheme in the rural area of Braemar.
The Project was developed by Braemar Community Council as a response to fuel poverty experienced by residents.
KEY PARTNERS
- Braemar Community Council
- Aberdeenshire Council
FUNDERS
Fresh Futures (Sustainable Communities Project Fund) - £9,026
Aberdeenshire Council - £6,000
Cairngorms Leader+ - £909
Plan
NEED
The district of Braemar is a rural economy at the heart of The Cairngorms National Park. Tourism is key to the area and a mainstay of the local economy; consequently Braemar is susceptible to tourism pressures. It has a fairly static population of 400, with few young people that are economically active able to remain in the area. House prices in the area are high due to the popularity of the district as a location for second and holiday homes. All these pressures and the fact that the area is the coldest in Scotland means that fuel and energy costs are exaggerated, producing fuel poverty in the area.
PURPOSE
The overall purpose of the project is to undertake a feasibility study examining the possibility of a Braemar District Heating Scheme. This will help to address fuel poverty issues in the area for local residents - especially those older residents with lower incomes. The project will also promote environmentally friendly energy provision in the area by offering a sustainable energy resource.
AIMS & OBJECTIVES
The principal aims of the project were:
- To conduct a detailed feasibility study into the provision of a district heating scheme using renewable energy.
- To prove there is potentially sufficient new build and existing users to justify the establishment of a hot water system.
- To identify likely developments, with the local authority, health services and police on the provision of updated services within a single complex and the provision of new housing.
- To prove that a district heating system is viable.
Progress
GETTING ESTABLISHED
The idea behind this project arose in spring 2002 when the North America/United Kingdom Countryside Exchange produced a report on their study visit to Braemar. The subsequent community discussions on the conclusions of the report led to the establishment of The Braemar Sustainability Strategy.
The initial phase of the strategy was to commission an environmental audit and woodland survey. At the outset, this survey highlighted the fact that there are substantial quantities of small round wood available which are suitable for the production of renewable energy. It was therefore a logical step to consider the possibilities of using this material in a way that benefits the community and addresses the national commitment to the reduction of greenhouse gases.
IMPLEMENTATION
The project has gone to schedule thus far and completed all of its objectives to date. The most time consuming stages involved meeting the stringent funding criteria of various public bodies and awaiting correct bids from consultants on different feasibility study elements.
To date the project has:
- Appointed William Lippe Architects to produce plans and outline proposals identifying requirements and suitable location options. The 'Braemar District Heating - Feasibility Study Part 1' was subsequently produced in June 2003.
- Appointed Torren Energy Ltd (Energy consultants) to produce information on likely heat demands, costs and the location of the heat production unit. The 'Feasibility Study for the incorporation of a Biomass District Heating Scheme at Braemar' was subsequently produced in June 2003.
- Produced a final report and presentation. The District Heating Feasibility Study 2003 report was produced on CD ROM and a conference held on 24th November 2003.
FUTURE STEPS
Currently Braemar Community Council is just about to appoint a consultant to carry out an in-depth financial appraisal of the various options highlighted in the previous stages of the feasibility study. If this proves feasible a company will be formed specifically for the development of the project or hand over the project to an existing local company. The ambition is to reach the stage of planning/permission by August 2004 in order to meet the current housing development interest in the area.
Review
THE PROCESS
The project has incorporated from the outset members of the local community. Local ownership of the project has been fundamental to the success of the project to date.
The Community Council has made a point of identifying every individual and organisation with a role to play in the economic life of Braemar. To date a very wide range of individuals have contributed to the study, representing agencies including:
Invercauld Estate; Housing & Social Work Aberdeenshire; Langstane Housing Association Ltd; MacRobert Trust; William Lippe Architects; Aberdeenshire Council - Marr Area; Technical Support Services NHS Grampian; CNPA; Scottish Ambulance Service; Cairngorms National Park; East of Scotland European Partnership; Communities Scotland; Aberdeenshire Housing Partnership; Aberdeen & Grampian Tourist Board; Deeside L.H.C.C; T&I Econ Development Aberdeenshire Council; Highlands & Islands Enterprise; Torren Energy; Aberdeenshire Council; S.C.A.R.F; Scottish Enterprise Grampian; Energy Saving Trust; Deeside Forest Project; Braemar GP; AVC Enterprises Ltd; Stewart Milne Group; FPD Savills; and Grampian Police.
THE OUTCOMES
The project has been successful in that it has completed all its stated objectives to date and is currently progressing to the next phase. Completion of this initial phase is highly important to the future direction and possible development of the district heating scheme.
THE LESSONS
Critical to the overall success of the project has been:
- The requirement of a responsive community. The Braemar Village is experienced in working together on common community issues since approximately 1980.
- Expertise of the Project Manager. The Project Manager has worked extensively in the field of economic development and the project has benefited from his expertise. His role also improves the credibility of the project from the perspective of current and future funding organisations.
- Importance of initial planning. At an early stage the community came together to plan out in detail the development of the project, with realistic objectives and timescales set. This has enabled the project to progress effectively.
- Preconception of the project's feasibility. It was crucial that at no time did the group assume the project was feasible or proceed in the absence of clear research findings. The Group was clear that the project must be self-sustaining and proven to be so through independent evidence.
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