From Michigan to Midlothian: a transatlantic visit focused on climate action

The students are taking part in a Climate Action course for academic credit. They come from a range of disciplines including engineering, psychology, international development, and science. As part of their studies, they are comparing the approach to climate change in Michigan with Scotland’s national strategy, which made a visit to Scotland particularly valuable. 

We were pleased that visiting our office to learn about all things Midlothian Energy Limited made the cut on their busy schedule whilst they were in Scotland. It was a welcome opportunity to showcase the work taking place locally and to share some insights. 

Our Account Director in Scotland, Ben Carter, introduced the students to heat networks, a technology that many of them had not encountered before. Ben explained how heat networks work, why they are central to reducing carbon emissions, and how they support Scotland’s journey towards national net zero targets. 

Ben also presented our project in Midlothian, the MEL heat network. The MEL heat network is delivered through a 50/50 joint venture between us at Vattenfall, and Midlothian Council. The heat network will soon capture waste heat from the Millerhill Recycling and Energy Recovery Centre, which would otherwise be released into the environment. This recovered heat will instead be used to warm local homes in Shawfair and Craighall Village. 

Our Head of Engineering, Gerry McDonnell, joined the session to explain how the system operates in technical terms, including how energy-from-waste is captured. He also answered a wide range of questions from the students who were enthusiastic and highly engaged. 

“We came to Scotland to see innovation and ideas that we haven't seen in our own country, which is what we found during our visit to Vattenfall. Heat networks are not a technology commonly being discussed in the Midwestern US for improving efficiency of urban environments. 
Our discussion of the MEL partnership and their MEL heat network project opened our eyes to the creativity of recovering waste heat and repurposing it in a very practical way. Seeing that these projects are not just theoretical possibilities, but are actually being implemented by public-private partnerships was inspiring!" 
Professor Steve Bertman, Professor in the School of Environment, Geography, and Sustainability, Western Michigan University
 
The session was an excellent opportunity to share knowledge and insights with the students. Raising awareness of heat networks is a core principle of the MEL partnership. Although this work is focused locally, there is real value in sharing the story more widely with those who may help shape future approaches further afield.

“We hope to see much wider awareness and understanding of heat networks as this technology continues to expand – even on a global scale hopefully. That journey begins with sharing our MEL story along with other successful heat network projects. It was a pleasure to meet such enthusiastic students who showed genuine interest in the MEL heat network and asked thoughtful questions throughout. It was equally interesting to hear about local heating and energy approaches in Michigan, including the communal heating system used by the university itself.” 
Ben Carter, Account Manager, Vattenfall 
 
If you are interested in learning more about our MEL partnership with Midlothian Council and the projects we are delivering, visit here: The MEL Heat Network - Vattenfall Heat UK

If you would like to speak to our team or arrange a site visit to our facilities, contact us: Get in touch - Vattenfall Heat UK 

To stay up to date with our work in Scotland, sign up to our quarterly newsletter: Subscribe to the Vattenfall Heat UK Newsletter - Vattenfall Heat UK