Case Study

Renfrewshire Council – Scotland’s Largest Networked Heat Pump Retrofit For A Local Authority

Renfrewshire Council has partnered with Kensa to deliver the largest networked ground source heat pump system in Scotland. This pioneering project will see the replacement of ageing gas infrastructure in two high-rise tower blocks in Gallowhill, Paisley, with sustainable, efficient heating for residents.
  • LocationRenfrewshire, Scotland

In a landmark move to decarbonise heat in Scottish social housing, Renfrewshire Council has partnered with Kensa to deliver the largest A decarbonisation solution for over 60% of UK homesNetworked Heat Pumpsnetworked ground source heat pump system in Scotland. This pioneering project will see the replacement of ageing gas infrastructure in two high-rise Ground source heat pumps for tower blocksAffordable, low carbon heating for tower block residentstower blocks in Gallowhill, Paisley, with sustainable, efficient heating for residents.

About the retrofit project in Renfrewshire, Scotland

Gallowhill Court and Glencairn Court, two multi-storey council housing blocks, will benefit from the installation of Kensa’s networked ground source heat pump solution. The project involves drilling a network of underground What are Ground Source Heat Pump Boreholes?Boreholesboreholes to extract renewable heat energy from the earth, which will be delivered to each flat via individual Kensa Shoebox ground source heat pumps – discreet units designed to fit inside a cupboard that deliver high-efficiency heating and hot water.

This project represents the first time a local authority in Scotland has deployed a heat pump system of this nature and scale, placing Renfrewshire Council at the forefront of clean heating innovation.

Why choose ground source heat pumps for the tower blocks?

A detailed review of heating options was carried out considering the buildings’ ageing gas pipework, which was nearing the end of its lifespan.

What is a Ground Source Heat Pump?Ground Source Heat PumpsGround source heat pumps emerged as the most cost-effective, energy-efficient and future-proof solution. They provide reliable year-round comfort while removing gas standing charges, streamlining billing under a single electricity supply, and offering long-term affordability for residents.

Resident benefits & carbon impact of ground source heating

  • Residents will benefit from increased comfort, reduced exposure to fuel poverty, and simplified energy bills, which could potentially lower overall costs.
  • The Council will significantly reduce carbon emissions, aligning with local and national climate targets.
  • The community will benefit from wider regeneration including the development of 65 new build council homes, which will also feature low carbon air source heat pumps, and a planned Gallowhill Link active travel route to the new Paisley Grammar School Community Campus.

How the project was funded

The project has secured £1,788,382 from the Scottish Government’s Heat Network Fund, underlining its strategic importance and commitment to net zero goals.

Kensa was selected as the delivery partner due to its extensive track record in networked heat pump deployment and innovation leadership.

Mark Potter, Kensa’s Regional Manager for Scotland, said:

We’re proud to be working with Renfrewshire Council on this landmark decarbonisation project. Networked heat pumps offer an effective, energy efficient solution to help flats transition away from gas and other inefficient heating systems. By connecting each flat to this system we’ll help residents stay warm and comfortable during winter, while keeping energy use and heating costs low.
Kensa has a strong track record of delivering ground source heat pump systems for projects like this, and we look forward to seeing the long-term benefits it will provide for the Council, residents, and the wider community.

Cllr Marie McGurk, Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Communities and Housing Policy Board, said:

We want to make our homes as comfortable and efficient as possible for our tenants. By introducing the ground source heating solution in Gallowhill we will deliver a reliable and environmentally friendly system which will help to simplify our tenants’ energy bills.
As a Council, we continue to consider climate change in every decision we take and we’re reducing our emissions wherever possible in the services we deliver – while continuing to access funding opportunities to make the large-scale changes we know are needed.

Cabinet Secretary for Housing Màiri McAllan said:

I am very pleased that the Scottish Government has been able to support this project via Scotland’s Heat Network Fund.
This is an excellent example of the growing role that heat networks have to play in Scotland, supporting our twin aims of delivering affordable heat and reducing fuel poverty whilst also cutting carbon emissions. We want to encourage greater use of heat networks and later this year we will set out measures to attract further investment by encouraging non-domestic and especially public buildings to connect to these schemes.

You might be interested in: