Connecting communities: 100th property joins the MEL heat network

To mark the occasion we sat down with our Senior Project Manager, Gregor Ford, who oversees the on-site connections, to ask a few questions about progress on the MEL heat network so far and what’s next. 

How long has Midlothian Energy Limited (MEL) been working on the MEL heat network? 
GF: The MEL partnership between Vattenfall and Midlothian Council was established in 2020. Construction of the MEL heat network began in 2023, alongside the MEL energy centre, which captures heat offtake and delivers it directly to our customers’ doorsteps. The energy centre was completed the following year and became fully operational in October 2024. 

Can you give us some key updates and statistics in terms of project progress? 
GF: Since we laid the first pipes in 2023, we have installed more than 8.5 km of pipework and over 115 heat interface units. Around 90% of those are now commissioned. Last month alone we delivered more than 201 MWh of heat to properties. 

What benefits do customers connected to the MEL heat network enjoy? 
GF: Customers connected to our heat network receive reliable heating and hot water at a fair price. They don’t need to worry about maintenance, as we provide an all-inclusive service backed by expert customer care. Our team monitors the entire network to ensure it operates at its best. 

The properties are also linked to a resilient, low carbon, future proofed energy system that improves air quality in the local community, while helping the UK achieve its net zero targets. 

Aside from customer benefits, how is the wider community seeing the advantages of the MEL heat network? 
GF: MEL is committed to delivering community benefits for people across Midlothian. A big part of this is creating strong career pathways in Scotland’s growing heat networks sector. 

We have partnered with Edinburgh Science and Powering Futures to help fund and deliver education programmes for local pupils, from primary through to high school. 

We are also closely involved in the creation and sponsorship of the Heat Network Suite at the Energy Training Academy in Midlothian. It offers a learning space for local people to discover what heat networks are and explore the skills and careers linked to this expanding sector. 

How many properties will the MEL heat network be able to serve? 
GF: We’ve just reached 100 connected properties, but this phase of the MEL heat network will see us connect over 3,500 properties in the coming years. Our ambition goes further – the energy centre has the capacity to supply heat to up to 10,000 properties. 

What’s next for the MEL heat network? 
GF: We’ll continue connecting properties in Shawfair and Craighall Village as part of phase one. Beyond these developments, we plan to expand northwards, potentially crossing council boundaries into Edinburgh to connect public buildings and new developments.