Heat accounts for approximately 50% of the total energy demand and approximately 47% of all carbon dioxide emissions in Scotland.

The proposed Renewable Heat Incentive was subject to much praise in Scotland where the industry has long been calling for a similar mechanism to the Renewable Obligation to help establish a strong renewable heat sector. The UK Government’s delay in announcing their plans for the scheme has shrouded the industry in uncertainty.

Deployment of technologies such as biomass boilers, heat pumps, solar thermal panels and anaerobic digesters need to be drastically increased if we are going to achieve the Scottish Governments 11% target by 2020. It is imperative that Scotland and the UK make huge strides in the heat sector to ensure energy security and to address climate change.

Scottish Renewables seeks to help its members through ensuring the implementation of the Renewable Heat Incentive and through the development of necessary supporting infrastructure to allow the householders , businesses and communities (particularly those based off the gas grid) to install renewable heat solutions.

The planning system has often caused delays and unnecessary complications to the installation of renewable technologies. The government has tried to address this for micro-renewable technologies that will have minimal impact on the neighbouring population to the installation. Scottish Renewables has been heavily involved with this process, and will continue to be so, to ensure that these criteria are not overly restrictive on the range of micro-renewable technologies. 

Looking to install a renewable heat system, follow this link to find out what you need to know.