Midlothian Energy Limited (MEL) is preparing to deliver heat to the first properties from a new energy centre that will eventually provide heat to thousands of homes across Midlothian.
MEL is a partnership between Midlothian Council and Vattenfall. It will supply low carbon heat to new homes in Midlothian through the MEL heat network, which is planned to expand into existing buildings and other areas in Midlothian and north into Edinburgh. Construction of the heat network began in early 2023.
The MEL Energy Centre will be connected to capture low carbon heat from the Millerhill energy from waste plant, operated by FCC Environment. The connection is expected to take place in the middle of next year. In the meantime, the MEL Heat Network will run on processed waste vegetable oil.

MEL has received £7.3 million funding from the Scottish government’s Low Carbon Infrastructure Transformation Project to develop the heat network, which it says has unlocked over £40 million of private investment into the joint venture.
The heat will be supplied to around 3,000 homes, education and retail properties at Shawfair Town via the heat network. Shawfair Town, being developed by Shawfair LLP, will have three new schools as well as retail, business and community facilities. More homes will be gradually connected to the heat network in the coming years as developers sign connection agreements at Shawfair.
Acting Minister for Climate Action Alasdair Allan said: “Heat networks have a major role to play in supporting Scotland’s heat transition. I’m very pleased therefore that the Scottish Government has been able to help this important project come to fruition through our Low Carbon Infrastructure Transformation Programme.
Vattenfall IDNO (Independent Distribution Network Operator) owns and operates the electricity substation and cables that connect the MEL Energy Centre to the existing electricity grid.