Renfrewshire Set to Roll Out Scotland’s Largest Heat Pump System for Social Housing

Image Credit: Kensa

Renfrewshire Council is about to make a bold move in clean energy. It has announced plans to roll out the most extensive networked ground source heat pump system ever delivered to council housing in Scotland. The initiative marks a significant step toward providing low-carbon, environmentally friendly heating for social housing tenants.

At the heart of the project are two high-rise buildings in Gallowhill, Paisley. These blocks will see their ageing gas systems entirely replaced with a renewable alternative that harnesses heat from underground. The new system, designed and installed by Kensa, will circulate energy through a network of underground pipes, connecting to compact heat pumps in each flat. These shoebox-sized units will provide both heating and hot water throughout the year, with impressive energy efficiency.

This is the first time a Scottish local authority has delivered a project of this scale using ground source heat pumps in existing social housing. The decision followed a careful assessment of options after the existing gas infrastructure was deemed outdated. Ground source technology emerged as the most cost-effective and sustainable choice for the tenants involved.

Construction work is scheduled to commence this month, with the system expected to be fully operational by summer 2026. Once complete, residents will no longer have to pay gas standing charges. Instead, all heating costs will be included within their electricity bills, offering both simplicity and potential savings.

To help fund the project, Renfrewshire Council secured £1.78 million from the Scottish Government through the Scotland Heat Network Fund. This funding initiative supports forward-looking heating technologies that align with the country’s broader goals for reducing carbon emissions and promoting energy innovation.

But the heat pump rollout is just one piece of a larger puzzle. The council’s regeneration plans for Gallowhill also include building 65 new council homes, each fitted with low-carbon air source heat pumps. Additionally, a new active travel route is being developed to enhance access to the upcoming Paisley Grammar School Community Campus, which is currently under construction.

Councillor Marie McGurk, who chairs Renfrewshire Council’s Communities and Housing Policy Board, spoke about the vision behind the move. She explained that the council is focused on making homes warmer, more efficient, and more affordable for residents. The ground source system, she said, offers a reliable and climate-conscious solution that simplifies how tenants manage their energy bills.

Mark Potter, Regional Manager for Scotland at Kensa, said: ‘We’re proud to be working with Renfrewshire Council on this landmark decarbonisation project. Networked heat pumps offer an effective and energy-efficient solution to help flats transition away from gas and other inefficient heating systems. By connecting each flat to this system, we’ll help residents stay warm and comfortable during winter, while keeping energy use and heating costs low.

‘Kensa has a strong track record of delivering ground source heat pump systems for projects like this, and we look forward to seeing the long-term benefits it will provide for the Council, residents, and the wider community.’