Midlothian Energy Limited (MEL): local energy, locally generated and delivered to local people
MEL is a joint partnership between Midlothian Council and Vattenfall, created to deliver critical energy infrastructure and become a driving force in delivering low carbon energy solutions for the Midlothian region and surrounding areas.
MEL stands out as the only fully 50/50 joint venture in the UK equipped to deliver a wide array of energy projects, providing Midlothian Council with numerous benefits – from sharing energy infrastructure expertise to risk sharing and help in reaching local net zero targets.
One of MEL’s first achievements is the construction of the MEL energy centre, which generates low carbon heat for the MEL heat network. The energy centre, which is built on a former coal mining site, is introducing low carbon energy infrastructure to power the region into the future.
MEL shows that with the right approach to public procurement, combined with the right heat load and technology, it’s possible to achieve a single-technology solution to heat decarbonisation that works effectively across local authority boundaries.
Thanks to this collaborative model, Midlothian is recognised as a leader in low carbon energy and regularly advises both the Scottish Government and other local authorities in the UK on innovative delivery models on similar projects. MEL has become a benchmark for success in this field.
As part of MEL, the joint venture is not only delivering critical low carbon energy infrastructure, but also creating lasting community benefits. Through apprenticeships, educational programmes, and STEM initiatives, MEL is inspiring the next generation and developing a skilled workforce for Scotland’s growing heat networks sector.
Learn more from Midlothian Council and Vattenfall about how this innovative partnership and project, supplying thousands of new homes with heating and hot water, is setting the benchmark for a fair and sustainable transition to net zero. Watch the case study on YouTube below:
To find out more visit: Building a low carbon and just future, through innovative partnerships like MEL – Vattenfall Heat UK