Friday June 27th 2025
Jillian Edmund, Energy Project Lead at Advice Direct Scotland
This view has been written by Jillian Edmund, Energy Project Lead, Advice Direct Scotland
The area has gone from coal to clean, making huge strides towards a greener future for Scotland.
It has been remarkable to see Midlothian transform from post-industrial despondency to emerge as one of the epicentres of the UK’s heat network revolution – a move that will redefine how we heat homes and businesses.
At the heart of this paradigm shift is Midlothian Energy Limited (MEL) – a pioneering joint venture between Midlothian Council and Swedish energy giant Vattenfall.
With £145 million investment, this is one of the UK’s most ambitious low-carbon heating projects, centred around the MEL Energy Centre at Millerhill.
In April, Advice Direct Scotland were appointed as the official advice body for consumers and businesses on heat networks.
A heat network, sometimes called district heating, distributes heat from a central source to multiple buildings.
Benefits include lower energy costs, reduced carbon emissions and a cosy environment for all.
But we have noted challenges too. Residents can be confused by bills which they sometimes find difficult to decipher.
We have also seen cases where tenants were surprised by what they view as sudden fluctuations in their energy costs.
Ahead of regulation of the sector next year, there’s a pressing need for education and support for people – many of whom are unsure what a heat network is or even whether they are on one.
Midlothian’s scheme will reportedly supply more than 3,000 homes, schools, and businesses in the new town of Shawfair with the first phase alone expected to cut more than 2,500 tonnes of CO₂ emissions per year – the equivalent of removing 1200 cars from the road.
This goes beyond a local success story – it has the potential to be a national benchmark.
Midlothian is also tapping into its coal mining past to power its low-carbon future.
Plans are underway to harness geothermal heat from flooded mine workings in Dalkeith – a move that could turn former environmental liabilities into assets.
These projects can create jobs and real-life benefits straight away as well as leading us onwards to a net zero future.
When the collieries ground to a halt for the last time, people thought Midlothian was consigned to the bing of history.
But the area’s best years may still lie ahead.
Heat network consumers can access direct support through Advice Direct Scotland’s service energy advice.scot or through the helpline 0808 196 8660.
Vulnerable consumers can be referred by Advice Direct Scotland to the Extra Help Unit (EHU) at Citizens Advice Scotland for additional support.
The service already provides consumers with support and advice related to energy issues including billing, affordability and energy efficiency.
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