Clyde Mission fires up with new £25 million fund to support clean energy transition
Glasgow City Region leaders met today at the Queens Quay Energy Centre in Clydebank to launch a £25 million fund for projects that support and accelerate the transition from fossil fuel heating to low-carbon alternative heating systems.
Focused on the river corridor as part of a £40 million Scottish Government investment in the Clyde Mission programme, the new Heat Decarbonisation Fund will offer capital grants for clean energy initiatives such as new or upgraded district heating networks, contributing to Regional and national carbon reduction targets.
Leaders enjoyed a tour of West Dunbartonshire Council’s award-winning Energy Centre which supports a state-of-the-art district heating system. The Centre also features Scotland’s first major water source heat pump which draws water from the adjacent river Clyde, generating clean heating to nearby local homes and businesses through a system of buried piping.
Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said:
“The River Clyde has been at the heart of Scotland’s industrial heritage and now it will be central to our clean energy future. This funding, provided by the Scottish Government, will support innovative projects as part of the transition from fossil fuel heating to low-carbon alternatives – a key action in our recently published draft Climate Change Plan.
“By investing in district heating networks and renewable energy generation, we’re reducing carbon emissions, creating opportunities for sustainable economic growth and tackling fuel poverty. This will benefit communities along the Clyde and beyond.”
Susan Aitken, Chair of the Glasgow City Region Cabinet and Leader of Glasgow City Council, said:
“The decarbonisation of heat is crucial to our net zero ambitions. It can also help address energy costs and security for the many businesses and communities across the Clyde Mission corridor, especially low-income households.
The Heat Decarbonisation Fund can be a major step towards delivering a cleaner, greener and fairer future.
“It’s fitting also that the fund is part of Clyde Mission, which is becoming critical to unlocking the social and economic potential of the River Corridor. Today’s location, the Queens Quay Energy Centre, alongside projects like the Govan-Partick bridge, our world-class innovation districts and the Barclays Campus, illustrate the continuing transformation of the Clyde – and the City Region.”
Over 100,000 people, 160,000 jobs and 6,600 companies are based within a few hundred metres of the River Clyde.
Hosting areas of urban and rural beauty, the river sits alongside many of the Region’s key assets, including three Innovation Districts, two World Heritage Sites, STV, BBC and the Scottish Events Campus.
However, despite significant progress over the past ten years, the legacy of de-industrialisation and climate change continue to present challenges and constraints to the corridor’s full potential.
In fact, one fifth of people within the river corridor live in some of the most deprived parts of Scotland and over 400 hectares of vacant and derelict land fall alongside the Clyde.
Led by Glasgow City Region and Argyll and Bute Council, the Clyde Mission programme aims to revitalise the River Clyde corridor with a key aim to address the challenges posed by de-industrialisation and economic change, while capitalising on the many opportunities presented by the river corridor.
Work is underway to develop a Masterplan for the river, involving engagement with key stakeholders to explore how best to make the Clyde an engine of sustainable and inclusive growth. The exercise will conclude with a set of recommendations to address the programme’s aims.
The Heat Decarbonisation Fund is now live, with full details including eligibility criteria, guidance and how to apply available on the Glasgow City Region website.
Applications for the first phase of funding will close in February 2026 for assessment, with successful projects confirmed in March 2026.
Dates for future funding rounds will be announced.
For more information, to discuss your project before submitting or for any questions or support with your application, please contact the Place team by emailing ClydeMission@glasgow.gov.uk