Fife PSHDF – St Andrews School and Beacon Leisure Centre

Scope

Two Stage (Air and Water Source) Heat Pump Systems and Gas Boiler Backup for St Andrews RC High School under PSHDF funding

Project Overview

Alternative Heat Limited were appointed by Fife Council as Principal Contractor and Principal Designer to design and install large-scale air and water source heat pump systems as part of the Council’s commitment to accelerate decarbonisation following its 2019 climate emergency declaration. The project was delivered under the Scottish Government’s £20m Public Sector Heat Decarbonisation Fund (PSHDF), supporting public bodies in reducing emissions from their estates.

In line with the Council’s heat decarbonisation strategy, the works focused on replacing the majority of fossil-fuel heat generation with new heat pump installations operating as the primary heat source, with existing gas boilers retained only for peak-load support. Across both sites, the systems are forecast to deliver a 20-year lifecycle carbon saving of 12,577 tonnes of CO₂.

Scope of Works

Alternative Heat designed and delivered two new 672 kW two-stage heat pump systems, each consisting of 2No. ASHPs and 3No. WSHPs, housed within new containerised energy centres incorporating thermal stores, pump sets, pipework and associated M&E services. Each system was designed to meet 100% of building heat load, supported by BMS upgrades and improved weather compensation control strategies. Existing 920 kW gas boiler capacity was integrated as secondary backup.

A new 165 kWp solar PV system was also installed at St Andrews RC High School to offset the increased electrical demand associated with heat pump operation.

Key project elements included:

• Full pre-installation surveys and engineering design for upgraded low-temperature heating systems.

• Noise assessments and acoustic design based on proposed heat pump plant.

• Construction of new district heating network at St Andrews, linking three buildings and two plantrooms.

• Mechanical and electrical modifications across three plantrooms, including new energy valves and LTHW circuit upgrades.

• Conversion of AHU heating coils for lower-temperature operation and frost protection.

• Installation of additional 80 kW WSHP for DHW generation at Beacon Leisure Centre.

• Domestic hot water system rationalisation, including point-of-use heaters and 30No. flow restrictors.

• Full flushing, water treatment, testing and commissioning of heating systems.

• Support with G99 application to the regional DNO.

• Civils works including heat pump compounds, structural slabs, fencing, trenching and reinstatement.

• Construction of a new entrance lobby at Beacon Leisure Centre.