A collaborative local heat scheme between Fife Council, RWE and the Scottish Government, Glenrothes Energy Network will provide sustainable low carbon heat to a mix of industrial, commercial, community and domestic properties in Glenrothes as well as the Fife House complex.

Fife Council’s co-leader David Ross said: “Today’s decision sees Fife once again leading the way in tackling climate change. Bringing a district heating scheme to Glenrothes will help us reach our goal of reducing carbon emissions by 42% by 2020.”

Co-leader Councillor David Alexander added: “This is a major investment of nearly £24 million for Glenrothes town centre. It will not only provide clean sustainable energy but will help to secure jobs and reduce fuel poverty in Glenrothes.”

Mark Picton, Markinch site manager, said: “We are extremely pleased with the Committee’s decision today. We believe that the Glenrothes Energy Network delivers low carbon heat efficiently and cost-effectively. The scheme has the ability to grow and develop over the next 40 years: enabling thousands of homes and businesses to access the available heat from the power plant.

“We believe that this project is important environmentally and it could continue the very important work that Scotland has already done on de-carbonising its economy.”

Councillor Fiona Grant, Glenrothes Area Committee convener, said: “This is great news for Glenrothes. Millions will be invested in the heart of Glenrothes with the potential for significant further investment if the scheme is extended to include Warout and Auchmuty.”

The district heating network will be operational by the end of January 2019, with building and development of the network and Energy Centre beginning in spring 2018.