Vital Energi’s CHP energy installation at the University of Edinburgh threw up more challenges than most, with archaeology and conservation issues and restricted access, but with those challenges overcome, the project is now saving the university money on its energy bills while lowering its CO₂ emissions.
The University of Edinburgh proved to be one of the most challenging projects Vital Energi had undertaken. The 431-year-old University brought with it a mix of conservation and heritage issues, extremely limited access and a hugely challenging timescale for completion of the project. This timescale was made even more difficult due to scheduled periods where work ceased to accommodate the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and student exams.
The energy centre houses one CHP 1.4MWe engine, a 100,000-litre thermal storage, two 9MW back-up/peak load gas boilers, High Voltage/Low Voltage switch-rooms and associated plant. The CHP engine will provide heat and hot water via a district heating network which involved approximately 4km of pipe connecting 13 sites and generating electricity for 14 buildings.
Working within the historic part of Edinburgh brought its own challenges. We had to lay district heating pipe beneath Flodden Wall which is a historic monument, meticulously removing and replacing cobbled streets and were accompanied by an archaeologist who was plotting the boundaries of the old city wall. The work also led to the discovery of a knight’s skeleton during excavation in High School Yards, which created a temporary delay.
