Sustainable energy

How we are supporting and enabling the energy transition to deliver clean, affordable energy for all. By maximising energy efficiency and generation of renewable energy we aim to alleviate fuel poverty and ensure energy security and resilience across the Stirling Council area.

Energy consumption across Stirling Council (domestic, commercial and industrial) makes up around 43% of the area’s total emissions. Energy costs have been increasing and many residents are experiencing a cost-of-living crisis. We’re working on the route to net zero for the whole area, supporting residents, communities and businesses with a just transition and leading by example on our own buildings and land, developing innovative, exemplar renewable energy projects to benefit those who live in, work in and visit the Stirling Council area.

Examples of some of our projects, support work and support and advice available for residents and businesses are listed below.

The Regional Energy Masterplan (REM) is a joint City Region Deal project, between Stirling Council and Clackmannanshire Council and was approved by both councils in December 2023. Extensive consultation was undertaken, with the plan focusing on priorities under the key themes of energy efficiency, heat management, renewable generation, and the subsequent sequestration of residual emissions which will allow us to reach net zero. This has resulted in a delivery plan broken into phases detailing the projects which will allow us to reduce fuel poverty, reduce emissions, and improve the resilience of the local energy supply.

The REM satisfies Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategy (LHEES) statutory obligations and will be reviewed every 5 years to ensure on-going compliance.

A programme of engagement for the delivery phase of the REM is being developed to get input and views from all stakeholders to continue to understand our communities’ needs, what is important to them and what our priorities should be.

The Forthside district heating network has been operational since 2019, and was a First of a Kind in the UK for the innovative technology mix to provide low cost, low carbon heating. The project was initially delivered in partnership with Scottish Water Horizons with funding from the Scottish Government’s Low Carbon Infrastructure Transition Programme, which includes European capital funds.

This pioneering, 2 kilometre long network harnesses waste heat to supply low carbon energy to key buildings in the Forthside area, achieving long-term cost savings through improved energy efficiency and providing a scalable model for sustainable heat infrastructure in Scotland alongside annual carbon savings of around 10% (380 tonnes annually).

The energy centre, currently owned by Noventa, is due to undergo an upgrade with improved heat recovery technology, the first to be installed in the UK.

We are currently working on exciting plans to expand this network to additional customers and increase supply of renewable heat in the area.

The Castleview Low Carbon Transport Hub has been operational since June 2021 – integrating sustainable energy and sustainable transport. The installation of solar canopies covering 132 car park spaces, transformed the existing Park and Ride site into an energy hub, generating 200,000kWh of renewable energy annually which is used to power 64 integrated electric vehicle chargers and on-site security lighting. Battery storage was incorporated to maximise the local use of the energy generated.

This exemplar project was part-funded through the Low Carbon Travel and Transport Fund – a joint Transport Scotland and European Regional Development Funding programme and provides a key, strategic link on the Electric A9.

Home Energy Scotland offer free, impartial advice on lowering your energy bills, keeping warm at home, switching energy supplier, renewable energy and financial support you may be entitled to help make your home warmer.

Tel: 0808 808 2282

Business Energy Scotland offers free, impartial support and access to funding to help businesses save energy, money and carbon.

Tel: 0808 808 2268

Advice about your energy bills:

If you need advice about your energy bills including what to do if you are struggling to pay your energy bills, there is support to help you and offer free and impartial advice, including:

Get help if you’re behind with your energy bills - Citizens Advice

Stirling District Citizens Advice Bureau, Cameronian Street, Stirling FK8 2DX. Tel: 01786 470239

Money Talk Team can check you’re not paying too much for your energy and offer free money and debt advice, including benefits and other financial support you may be entitled to, how you can manage debt and ways to save money on your bills.

Tel: 0800 028 1456

Support to help pay your energy bills:

You may be eligible to apply for help with energy bills and heating, including payments, grants and discounts. Find out more on the Scottish Government website, including:

• Warm Home Discount Check if you can get the Warm Home Discount.
• Pension Age Winter Heating Payment Find out more about Pension Age Winter Heating Payment.
• Winter Heating Payment Check if you can get the Winter Heating Payment.
• Child Winter Heating Payment Check if you can get the Child Winter Heating Payment

Scottish Welfare Fund: includes a Crisis Grant that can help to cover heating costs in an emergency. Find out more and learn how to apply to the Scottish Welfare Fund.

Funding and advice for energy saving improvements:

The Wamer Homes Scotland programme offers funding for energy savings improvements to your home.

Stirling Council’s Premises Improvement Grant aims to support the growth of local businesses to improve the local environment, including support to improve business energy efficiency.

ECO4: Funding for homes with an existing electric heating system to enable energy efficiency improvements to support low income households or households with occupants on certain benefits.

Built Environment – Smarter Transformation: Guidance on futureproofing your home, what is retrofit and the benefits of carrying out improvements.