MEL (Midlothian Energy Ltd) Energy Centre

The first step in the ambition of Midlothian Energy Ltd, a joint venture with Vattenfall Heat UK, has been realised through the opening of the Midlothian Energy Centre (‘MEL’) which aims to regenerate and decarbonise Midlothian through low-carbon heat provision. The project has installed a state-of-the-art, low carbon district heating network, taking heat from the energy-from-waste facility next door in Millerhill and distributing it to the new town of Shawfair, other housing developments and beyond. 

This is the first of Midlothian Energy Ltd’s many planned energy projects to benefit the region. The new Energy Centre is a joint venture between Midlothian Council and Vattenfall Ltd.

The appointment from stage three to completion, saw the creation of a building which was designed with functionality and futureproofing in mind to ensure ease of maintenance, support future development and achieve a clean, crisp aesthetic

Due to the nature of the work conducted on-site, which typically involves low occupancy with only two staff members present for around four hours per week, the design prioritised an efficient use of space. Significant site space has been maintained behind this first building which sits to the east of the site, to accommodate the district heating network’s future development with intended capacity to heat up to 10,000 homes. 

The building is arranged as one primary space, incorporating fire protected plant rooms and a compact welfare area for staff with shower, toilet, kitchen and office accommodated within the facility. This design allows for future adaptability, achieved through a clear spanning steel frame design, eliminating any need for internal columns. Fire separation was a critical factor in design and achieved through the use of block work construction and concrete slabs. 

To streamline construction and enhance aesthetics, a non combustible and insulated external cladding panel system was chosen. This system spans from column to column, reducing visible external fixings for a sleek appearance. Low maintenance materials were used for ground surfaces with a considered landscape scheme to soften the edges and provide a natural transition to neighbouring properties through mounds and planting. 

Given the site’s history as a former mining area, a careful and fully coordinated approach across the design team was needed to address issues from potential subsurface instability and contamination from its industrial history. Protective membranes and a gas venting system were laid to shield the building from contamination. 

Finally, road access was carefully considered to allow refuelling vehicles access and provide adequate space for safe manoeuvring and turning.

This initial phase is set to supply around 3000 homes in the neighbouring Shawfair town and beyond, expected to save over 2500 tonnes of CO2 per year, the equivalent to taking 1200 cars off the road.