Vattenfall and Midlothian Council win award for collaborative partnership

The Accelerate to Zero Awards (part of BE-ST Fest) recognise the businesses, organisations and individuals making the biggest contribution to decarbonising the built environment and supporting the just transition to zero carbon. The Collaborative Partnership Award is for organisations or companies who are working together collaboratively rather than competitively to accelerate the decarbonisation of the built environment. 
 
Both Vattenfall and Midlothian Council recognise the importance of long-term planning to deliver the energy transition and the MEL partnership demonstrates the value it brings. The partnership was formed in 2019, when Midlothian Council identified a strategic opportunity to deliver fairly-priced, low carbon heat across the Midlothian region. Midlothian Council selected Vattenfall as its delivery partner to decarbonise heat. 
 
MEL is a long-term, 50/50 joint venture that combines local insight with global technical expertise. It is a community-rooted approach to the energy transition that demonstrates how local ownership and strategic collaboration can deliver sustainable infrastructure at scale. Through shared governance, clear social outcomes, and long-term planning, MEL delivers meaningful impact while laying the foundation for sustainable growth.    
 
The network will provide low carbon, reliable heating and hot water to over 3,500 homes and businesses across Midlothian. Once fully operational, this first phase is expected to save over 2,500 tonnes of CO₂ every year – the equivalent of removing around 1,200 cars from the road. 
 
Since the beginning of the year, customers have started to be connected to the heat network receiving low carbon heating and hot water. Beginning in Craighall Village and continuing in Shawfair Town, this marks a significant step forward in delivering a low carbon future for the community. 
 
Eoghan Maguire, Director for Scotland at Vattenfall Heat UK said: 
 
“We are delighted to be recognised alongside Midlothian Council, as an award winner in making a significant contribution towards decarbonising the built environment. Vattenfall’s partnership with Midlothian Council has already generated substantial environmental, economic, and local benefits and it is only just beginning. With continued collaboration, MEL will remain a national exemplar for inclusive and scalable climate action.”  
 
Councillor Kelly Parry, Midlothian Council Leader, said: 

“Winning the BE-ST Collaborative Partnership Award is a proud moment for Midlothian. It recognises the hard work and innovation behind Midlothian Energy Limited, our joint venture with Vattenfall, which is helping us lead the way in low carbon energy. From capturing waste heat at Millerhill and using this to provide hot water to thousands of homes in Midlothian, this project is making rapid progress on the ground and is a key part of our journey to net zero by 2045.”