Energy and decarbonisation
The road to Net Zero
Aberdeen Heat & Power’s mission is to deliver affordable, reliable, and increasingly low‑carbon heat to homes and businesses as part of the city’s commitment to a decarbonised future.
Our role as part of Aberdeen’s wider commitment is to continue developing a city‑wide network of interconnected heat systems that supply affordable warmth while supporting the transition to Net Zero emissions.
Heat for buildings comprises a significant percentage of carbon emissions and reducing these is essential to meet local and national climate goals.
The Aberdeen Local Heat & Energy Efficiency Strategy (LHEES) has been created to help the city achieve Net Zero through decarbonising heat supplies and improving energy efficiency.
Aberdeen City Council’s Torry Heat Network marks a significant step in AHP’s journey, enabling us to distribute recovered heat from the Energy from Waste (EfW) plant to a mix of homes, businesses, and public buildings.
Our heat-source hierarchy
AHP’s decarbonisation strategy is built around a clear and ambitious hierarchy driven by the Local Heat & Energy Efficiency Strategy (LHEES) which prioritises the cleanest and most efficient heat sources. The aim is to phase out fossil fuels entirely and deliver by 2045 a resilient, future-proof network that supports Aberdeen’s Net Zero goals.
For AHP, at the top of our hierarchy is recovered heat, particularly from the Torry Energy from Waste plant as well as other industrial sources. Where this isn’t available, we prioritise low-carbon technologies like ambient loop and water-source heat pumps, followed by biomass and combined heat and power (CHP) systems. Further down the hierarchy are green gases, electrically powered boilers, and conventional fossil-fuel systems, which are gradually being phased out. At the very bottom — used only as a last resort or for peak-lopping (balancing fluctuating requirements during periods of high demand or supply shortfalls) — are direct electric heaters and fossil fuels.
This LHEES-aligned hierarchy guides all design and development decisions, ensuring the most sustainable options are always prioritised. It also helps shape conversations with partners, developers, and planners to support low-carbon heat delivery across the city.
1. Demand reduction and system efficiency
First, we support the LHEES objective of reducing energy consumption by upgrading controls, improving insulation, maintaining systems, installing meters, and lowering flow temperatures. Efficiency always comes first.
2. Waste heat recovery
Next, we make use of otherwise wasted energy, including heat from sewage treatment and commercial and industrial processes. The Torry EfW plant is a key part of this initiative.
3. Thermal and electrical storage and geothermal sources
We are constantly exploring large-scale storage options, thermal and electrical, and renewable heat sources like geothermal energy and thermal solar panels to support long-term resilience.
4. Heat pumps
We prioritise low-carbon heat pumps — including water source, ground source, air-source, and waste heat pumps — as well as sleeving opportunities from renewable electricity.
5. Electrification
Where possible, we reduce reliance on fossil fuels by integrating electric-powered heating systems — like electric boilers and photovoltaic (PV) solar panels — alongside air- and ground-source heat pumps.
6. Combined heat and power (CHP)
While CHP remains a significant part of our existing network, we’re gradually upgrading plant and controls to reduce emissions and improve efficiency. Our goal is to phase out CHP as superior options become scalable.
7. Hydrogen and carbon capture (H₂/CC)
We’re actively watching the development of green hydrogen and carbon capture technologies. These are not yet viable for widespread deployment, but may play a role in the future.
8. Peak lopping and emergency fuels
The least preferred option, only used when absolutely necessary, is the temporary use of fossil fuels or direct electric heating to meet short-term peak demand.
How this benefits Aberdeen
Lower carbon footprint
By centralising heat production and linking it to more efficient and cleaner sources, we reduce the city’s overall greenhouse gas emissions.
Greater energy efficiency
Heat networks make efficient use of shared infrastructure and reduce energy losses compared with individual systems.
Fuel poverty reduction
Affordable bulk heat supply helps reduce energy costs for residents, contributing to improved comfort and quality of life.
Supports Net Zero strategy
Our work aligns with Aberdeen City Council’s LHEES goals and Scotland’s statutory net zero targets, ensuring long‑term energy sustainability for the city.
