Above: Mentor/mentee visit to the Gateshead heat network during the end-of-year event from the 2022/23 program.
Published on November 2, 2023 by Chris Morrison
In partnership with the Danish Board of District Heating (DBDH), the Danish Energy Agency (DEA), and the Royal Danish Embassy in London, the Scottish Government is proud to announce the launch of a 12-month District Heating Mentoring Program for 2023/24.
This program aims to facilitate the exchange of insights and expertise on district heating by bringing senior representatives from Danish district heating companies together with up to 20 Scottish local authorities, which were selected through a prior application process.
Mentor/mentee visit to the Gateshead heat network during the end-of-year event from the 2022/23 program.
After a successful launch event on September 28, 2023, the program is now in the process of pairing the 20 participating Scottish local authorities with suitable Danish mentors. The program offers several advantages to the participants, including:
- Capacity enhancement through knowledge and experience sharing.
- Increased confidence in planning and implementing district heating projects.
- Tailored mentoring relationships to address specific needs.
- Customized advice on heat network development, including stakeholder engagement, fostering regional relationships, and exploring various delivery options.
- Expert guidance on all aspects of district heating development, encompassing planning, design, metering, and KPIs.
The previous year’s program received positive feedback from participating Scottish local authorities, and we anticipate an even more successful and expansive program for 2023/24.
“In our journey towards achieving net-zero emissions, district heating networks are expected to play a crucial role. The mentorship program has proven to be an invaluable resource for us in developing and enhancing our existing network. Having a mentor who understands the Scottish perspective on district heating and possesses comprehensive knowledge has allowed us to overcome challenges efficiently and implement a district heating network with minimal prior experience.”
Stirling Council, 2022/23 Mentoring Program
Verdo mentors visiting West Dunbartonshire for 2 days of mentoring from the 2022/23 Mentoring Programme.
Please be aware that applications for this year’s Mentoring Program are now closed. However, the Heat Network Support Unit (HNSU) will be organizing additional capacity-building workshops in the autumn of 2023.
If you are interested in learning more about these workshops or how the HNSU can support your heat network development, please contact HeatNetworkSupport@gov.scot.