Aberdeen Heat & Power’s first low-carbon energy centre will deliver heat to Hazlehead Academy and the surrounding network using a 1MW heat pump, recovered waste heat, and large-scale thermal storage.
1MW heat pump
Our largest low-carbon heat pump to date will supply the entire Hazlehead network with consistent, efficient heat.
Waste heat recovered
Heat from the nearby crematorium is recovered and reused to reduce emissions.
Carbon savings
Hazlehead will be AHP’s first fully low-carbon energy centre — a major step in Aberdeen’s journey to Net Zero.
Hazlehead is home to one of AHP’s earliest energy centres — a combined heat and power (CHP) plant built in 2006 within Hazlehead Academy’s existing boiler house. With a capacity of 212 kWe and 350 kWth, this plant currently provides heat and electricity to the school, as well as four multi-storey blocks, a sheltered housing scheme, and a mix of Aberdeen City Council buildings within Hazlehead Park.
Now, as part of the council’s £120 million plan to rebuild Hazlehead Academy, we’re upgrading the entire network and creating a brand new low-carbon energy centre to serve the school and surrounding area for decades to come.
Planned layout of the new Hazlehead Energy Centre site | Image: Aberdeen City Council
The new energy centre will replace the existing fossil-fuel boiler system with a combination of:
This blend of technologies allows us to significantly reduce emissions while ensuring a reliable and affordable heat supply for local homes and public buildings.
The upgraded network will supply:
By including these public buildings, we’re able to balance the network, improve efficiency, and ensure costs remain as low as possible for households that need it most.
Design concept for the new Hazlehead Academy building | Image: Aberdeen City Council
This project marks AH&P’s first low-carbon energy centre and is a major milestone in our journey to support Aberdeen’s transition to Net Zero. By investing in clean technologies and recovering heat that would otherwise be wasted, we’re creating a sustainable and future-proofed heating network that benefits both people and planet.
The Hazlehead upgrade is a collaborative project with Aberdeen City Council, and it reinforces our shared commitment to reducing emissions and tackling fuel poverty across the city.
We support developers and businesses with tailored, low-carbon energy solutions — whether you’re building new or upgrading existing premises. Our expert team can also help you meet planning requirements as part of your journey to net zero.
