The Highland Council is moving closer to a greener future as it explores the creation of low-carbon heat networks across Inverness.
The ambitious project is a central part of the Council’s Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategy, which aims to cut emissions and improve energy efficiency throughout the region.
At the heart of the plans lies a bold vision for the city: clusters of homes and public buildings warmed by shared, efficient heating systems rather than individual boilers.
This week, members of the Council’s Climate Change Committee reviewed progress on the strategy and confirmed that four promising zones in Inverness have already been identified as strong candidates for a future heat network.
These areas include public buildings and housing estates where energy demand is high, and where a collective approach could bring the most benefit.
Chair of the Committee, Councillor Sarah Fanet, welcomed the development.
“This is a big step forward for Highland,” she said.
“Heat networks are already transforming how cities across Europe heat their homes, and now it’s our turn to look at how they could work in Inverness.”
“They offer a more affordable and sustainable way to heat places like hospitals, care homes, schools and social housing.”
Heat networks, also known as district heating, use a central source to supply heat to multiple buildings.
By replacing the need for individual gas boilers or electric heaters, they deliver warmth in a more efficient and environmentally friendly way.
That means lower emissions, lower bills, and warmer homes.
Councillor Fanet added that the work is about more than just cutting carbon.
“It’s about future-proofing how we heat our homes and public buildings,” she said.
“We want this to be something that brings long-term social and economic benefits for our communities.”
The development is being made possible thanks to funding from the Strategic Heat Network Support programme.
Delivered by the Heat Network Support Unit, a partnership between the Scottish Government, Scottish Futures Trust and Zero Waste Scotland, the funding has allowed the Council to carry out a major feasibility study.
This will now move into its next phase, as technical teams examine how best to deliver the networks and what models would work best for Highland communities.
While early days, the promise is real.
If successful, Inverness could become a flagship example of how Scotland’s towns and cities can heat themselves more cleanly, more affordably, and more fairly.
