« Previous | Contents | Next »
Listen
Section 7: Indicative Heat Demand Map
The previous sections have looked at the demand from a range of heat users and the potential renewable supply options available. To better understand how to develop linkages between supply and demand, the group commissioned a heat map of Scotland. The purpose of the heat map was to:
- Help to identify what locations offer the best potential for developing the renewable heat sector
- Provide a snapshot of key heat users and location
- Show where there is potential to use waste renewable heat
- Show the differentiation between rural and urban areas (on gas grid/off grid)
- Aggregate other relevant data
The base heat map was produced in a Geographic Information Systems ( GIS) format to enable layering of relevant spatial information. This then allows users to examine a wide range of potential issues from location of heat users to sources of heat energy. It can then be used as a planning tool to identify potential target clusters and appropriate renewable heat technologies.
The base heat map is included in Annex B. FREDS is not responsible for the accuracy of the data which is indicative only. This heat mapping exercise was conducted at a national level and the map may be used to develop scenarios worthy of further investigation, rather than as a decision making process in its own right.
At a national scale, a heat map provides a very broad-brush indication of heat demand and potential supply. However, it demonstrates how such a tool could be developed to identify potential renewable heat clusters, and opportunities for cross-sectoral partnerships to provide heat energy services. At a regional level, it can also identify available resources and facilitate promotion of local technology clusters. At a Local Authority level, heat mapping could provide a useful planning tool, in considering existing heat use and zoning of new developments.
A hypothetical local heat map scenario is illustrated below. More detailed data would be required to develop an effective decision-making tool, but much of this data may be available at a local level. For example, zoning of areas for housing and business development.
Figure 2: indicative heat demand map
A further example of heat mapping was carried out by the former DTI and DEFRA, the aim of which was to assist power station developers to explore fully opportunities to use CHP, including community heating, when developing proposals for new power stations. The industrial heat map website can be found at www.industrialheatmap.com
The group agrees there is merit, particularly at a local level, in developing heat maps to give a strategic overview of potential sites. However, there needs to be consistency in the approach adopted across all local authorities and the Scottish Government should provide the necessary guidance to achieve this.
Heat Map
That the Scottish Government:
• develops a consistent approach to heat mapping and disseminates this to all local authorities in Scotland.
« Previous | Contents | Next »