THE design for a new “power plant” has been unveiled as part of a key planning application in the redevelopment of Clydebank’s Queens Quay.

Dawn Group submitted the plans on behalf of Clydeside Regeneration Limited this month for the energy centre to be based next to West Collect Scotland.

The state-of-the-art facility will channel heat from the River Clyde at Queens Quay basin, off Alisa Road, to hundreds of planned homes, a care home and health centre in the future development, as well as the West College Scotland campus, Clydebank Leisure Centre, and perhaps even the Golden Jubilee Hospital.

As reported in the Post, West Dunbartonshire Council (WDC) approved the district heating network plan last November and was granted £6 million by the Scottish Government towards the £12m cost.

The project is aimed at reducing CO2 emissions from the council by 15 per cent over the next seven years.

The design for the energy centre includes flue stacks housed within a metal lattice structure to mimic the Titan Crane across the basin. The existing substation at Alisa Road will be moved to the energy centre.

Moving the substation will allow direct access to “Arrivals Square” for buses, states the proposals.

Martin Docherty-Hughes, Clydebank’s MP, said: “The Clydebank district heating scheme is an innovative renewable energy initiative led by WDC and supported by the Scottish Government as part of its ambitious carbon reduction targets.

“It will see the use of cutting edge technology to extract water from the River Clyde and deliver affordable heating for local homes, businesses and public buildings – helping to improve energy efficiency and reduce energy costs for Clydebank residents.

“This development represents another step forward in the Queens Quay regeneration project and I look forward to the benefits it is set to bring to the people and communities of Clydebank.”

Speaking in May, Richard Cairns, the council’s strategic director for regeneration, environment and growth, said: “The District Heating Network is a project that will continue to benefit the town of Clydebank for many years to come and the Council is very proud to be leading the way on this fantastic technology.”

View the application on the council’s website, reference DC17/231.