What makes MEL stand out? A blueprint for innovative energy partnerships

Midlothian Energy Limited (MEL) is a joint partnership between Midlothian Council and Vattenfall, created to deliver critical energy infrastructure and become a driving force in delivering low carbon energy solutions for the entire region and surrounding areas.

A unique public-private partnership model

MEL is a first-of-its-kind 50/50 joint venture in the UK, uniquely positioned to develop and deliver a range of low-carbon energy projects. This collaborative approach offers Midlothian Council several key advantages:

• Access to expertise – Partnering with Vattenfall brings extensive commercial experience in delivering successful energy projects.
• Risk-sharing for greater resilience – MEL enables equal risk-sharing, ensuring a balanced and stable approach to project delivery.
• Accelerated project development – With MEL’s resources, multiple projects can progress simultaneously, overcoming the common capacity limitations faced by local authorities.
• Agility in identifying new opportunities – The partnership allows for swift action in pursuing projects with strong business cases and tangible community benefits.
• Alignment with Scotland’s net-zero goals – MEL plays a key role in supporting Midlothian Council’s Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategy (LHEES) objectives, driving sustainable energy solutions across the region.

Building trust and community engagement

The success of heat networks in Northern Europe has demonstrated the importance of customer trust and local authority involvement. MEL leverages the benefits of public sector participation to provide assurance and accountability, ensuring that:

• Investment decisions are transparent and well-scrutinised, reinforcing public confidence.
• Customer protection remains a priority, creating a fair and sustainable energy model.
• Local knowledge guides development, so the MEL heat network and other energy projects meet the specific needs of Midlothian’s communities.

At Vattenfall, our vision is closely aligned with public sector partners like Midlothian Council. Together, we are building sustainable communities - not just for today, but for future generations.

Partnering for progress: Vattenfall’s role

At Vattenfall, we are one of Europe’s leading experts in heat networks, with a legacy spanning over a century. Through the Midlothian Energy Limited (MEL) partnership, we bring our deep expertise in city-scale heat networks to Scotland, delivering an end-to-end solution that provides critical, long-term energy infrastructure while decarbonising heat at scale.

Our comprehensive approach covers the entire project lifecycle, from energy strategy and master planning to construction, financing, installation, and ongoing operation and maintenance. This allows Midlothian Council to focus its efforts on local knowledge, placemaking, and community engagement, ensuring that the needs of businesses and residents are fully understood and met.

A model for the future

Thanks to this joint venture, Midlothian is now recognised as a leader in low carbon energy. MEL’s innovative approach has gained national attention, with the Council regularly advising both the Scottish Government and other UK local authorities on delivering similar projects.

This partnership proves that with the right expertise, collaboration, and commitment, we can transform energy infrastructure, drive decarbonisation, and create a sustainable future for Scotland.