HUNDREDS of tenants in a deprived area of Glasgow could see fuel bills cut by up to 60% as a result of two £19million 'eco' schemes.

Queen's Cross Housing Association will launch the first project of its kind in Scotland at 542 flats in the Woodside area.

The EcoPod system combines highly efficient boilers with solar powered panels, installed on the roof, which generate additional heat.

The manufacturer says it results in warmer homes, reduces fuel costs by up to 40% and cuts carbon emissions by up to 50%.

The system is attracting considerable interest from local authorities and housing associations across the UK.

The project will also boost employment by providing apprenticeships for around 10 local 16-19 year olds. Work is due to begin this month.

A second green energy system will provide heating and hot water to 448 flats in four multi-storey properties in Westercommon.

Ground source heat pumps use a series of underground pipes to collect stored solar energy from the earth.

The system has been shown to reduce energy bills by more than 60%.

Westercommon and Woodside are among the 15% most deprived areas in Scotland.

Sharp rises in fuel prices last year are thought to have pushed more than 100,000 Scots into fuel poverty.

Energy bill increases of up to 18% saw the number of people spending more than 10% of their income on fuel reach 684,000.

Louise Smith, director of Property Services, said: "Raising energy efficiency is the most sustainable way to tackle fuel poverty."

Queen's Cross say the new systems will allow it to meet its 2020 carbon reduction targets early, exceeding the Scottish Housing Quality Standard for energy efficiency.

The projects are being partly financed through the Energy Company Obligation programme – with £4.7m coming from Carillion and Queens Cross funding partner British Gas.

Mark Hampson, from Carillion, which manufactures EcoPod, said: "The system can typically reduce fuel bills by up to 40%, and because they can be fitted into large apartment blocks, they help landlords manage sustainability targets."

caroline.wilson@ eveningtimes.co.uk