Medium-Term Objectives
Propose changes and upgrades to be made within the coming 10 years that align with long-term plans for the heat network.
Medium Term Solutions
These are solutions we would recommend being implemented in the next 5-10 years. They will look at ways to ensure the heat network efficiency remains high, while keeping costs for residents low. Ways to reduce emissions are also explored along with the potential for on-site generation to provide renewable energy and an income stream for FDT.
Lower Network Flow Temperatures to 65°C
Within the next 5-10 years we recommend the heat network flow temperature drops further to around 65°C. Lowering the flow temperature will help reduce distribution losses across the network and improve the efficiency of low-carbon heating technologies. However, this change may result in slower heat delivery to domestic properties and the clubhouse unless adjustments are made within the buildings themselves.
Increase the size of radiators in domestic properties
To address the lower flow temperature, we advise increasing the size of radiators within the domestic properties to increase the heat transfer surface area, providing the same level of heat output as the higher flow temperature network. This will maintain the same level of thermal comfort as the current higher-temperature system. Historically, many radiators were originally oversized for high-temperature combustion systems, so a detailed assessment of the radiators in Balgair is recommended. Not all radiators will need immediate replacement. A property-by-property review, focusing initially on high-use areas such as living rooms and bedrooms, can help prioritise upgrades.
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Funding for these upgrades will need to be considered. FDT may choose to subsidise costs, following a model similar to previous insulation schemes, or these costs could be covered by property owners. As these changes involve private dwellings, we understand FDT cannot mandate them. However, with clear communication about the benefits and relatively low disruption, we believe many residents will be keen to make these improvements.
Improving building insulation and glazing
We also recommend improving insulation and upgrading glazing in the Balgair properties. These suggestions align with many of the existing Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) for the area. Enhanced insulation and glazing can reduce heating demand in a similar way to radiator upgrades, lowering both resident energy bills and overall emissions. Funding for these measures could follow a similar model, though government programmes such as Warmer Homes Scotland may be available to provide additional support.
Installation of a solar array
Beyond improving building efficiency and heat distribution, there is also an opportunity to explore on-site renewable energy generation. This could help offset the electrical demand of the heating system - particularly in a future scenario where heating is fully or partially electrified - and may also generate revenue if excess electricity can be exported to the grid.
Given the geography around Balgair, hydropower is unlikely to be viable due to insufficient head in nearby watercourses. However, there is potential for solar or wind installations on surrounding fields. While FDT does not currently own this land, the field immediately east of the heat network (as shown in the adjacent figure) offers the most convenient connection point. There is a small stream along the western boundary of this field, so any connection route will need to accommodate that.
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A wind turbine may not be appropriate for this location due to its proximity to residential properties. Government regulations require turbines over 25 metres in height to be at least 1000 metres from homes, and issues like shadow flicker could impact nearby residents. For these reasons, a solar PV array appears to be a more viable option. Although it requires more land area than wind power, a 100kW solar array could be accommodated within roughly half of the identified field. A glint and glare assessment will be required, though the field’s location makes it unlikely that such concerns would prevent development.
Before progressing with any renewable energy installation, a full assessment of the ground conditions must be carried out to confirm suitability. Most importantly, the feasibility of any project is contingent on the willingness of local landowners to collaborate on the use of their land.