Councillors on the capital programme committee considered the plans yesterday and gave their approval to add to the existing network in Balnagask Circle to incorporate the Deeside Family Centre, Balnagask House and Provost Hogg Court.

Aberdeen Heat and Power designed, built and maintains the existing district heating installation within Torry and is considered well placed to be the service provider for the extension.

The network provides heat and hot water through a system of pipes designed to ensure low carbon emissions.

Cllr Marie Boulton, convener of the capital programme committee, said: “Sustainable heat and power has been a priority for the council and the proposed expansion of the network in Torry is welcome.

“The investment will bring modest revenue savings in the short-term but the most tangible benefits are long-term, as the wider network is developed and the Energy From Waste plant feeds into that and enables the switch from gas heating.

“This project will bring real benefits to the community it serves and underline the council’s aspirations to continue to innovate in energy efficient and carbon reduction.”

The Aberdeen project will benefit from match funding from Interreg North West Europe Heatnet, a collaboration of 14 European partners.