The Regional Performance Centre (RPC) Dundee at Caird Park, Dundee, is a community hub that not only provides the community with sporting facilities, but also marks the beginning of a district heating revolution for the area.
With the UK Government announcing its 2050 net-zero emissions policy, and the Scottish Government setting a 2045 net-zero target, contractors are increasingly required to prioritise sustainability when constructing new developments. It was clear the centre would need a heating system that could supply both itself and the surrounding buildings with hot water in an environmentally friendly manner.
In this situation, a district heating scheme represented an innovative solution. By using a district heating network to supply multiple homes, this development could eliminate the cost and environmental damage incurred through fossil fuel boilers in individual properties. It also demonstrates an alternative heating system for developers and local authorities to consider that adheres to the Future Homes Standard 2025, as well as the ‘net-zero’ targets.
Determining the heat requirements
Following the selection of the technology by Dundee City Council for their project, the ESB appointed polymer plumbing solution specialist REHAU to supply the required pre-insulated district heating pipework, RAUTHERMEX, which was installed between the energy centre and the rest of the development.
Now Scotland’s largest ground source heat pump (GSHP) system, the development uses three GSHPs supplied with water from a series of 120 boreholes around 200m deep, circulating hot water from the on-site energy centre. Powered by a combined heat and power (CHP) unit, these heat pumps supply the main sports hub building and smaller athletics building through the RAUTHERMEX pipework, which is connected to a low-pressure hot water and domestic heat exchanger in each building.