Heat Seminar 2026 Programme

Claire Mack, Chief Executive, Scottish Renewables

A quiet revolution is underway as we move from a market-led energy system to one that is strategically planned. The future of generation, storage and the transmission of electricity, gas and hydrogen is being modelled and planned, but what about demand? 

Post-2030, the development of our energy system will be predominantly shaped by rising electricity demand, primarily driven by the electrification of heat and transport. But the strategic planning of heat decarbonisation remains the missing piece of the puzzle. 

In this session, leading experts and key decision-makers share their insights on the role of low-carbon heat in an electrified energy system, its interaction with system operability and the policies we need to see brought forward at speed. 

You’ll learn:  

• Where low-carbon heat sits in strategic energy planning and the implications for the industry
• What the future low-carbon heat mix is expected to be and how this could be achieved
• The policy interventions needed to accelerate the deployment of low-carbon heat

Chair
Sue McGalliard, Associate Heritage Consultant – Heritage, SLR

Speakers
James Hemphill, Head of the Heat Networks, Local Government & Public Sector Policy Unit, Scottish Government (video presentation)
Drew Murphy, RESP Strategic Lead – Scotland, NESO
Mark Goudie, Head of Strategic Projects & Optimisation, SP Energy Networks

The relative cost of gas versus electricity remains the most significant barrier to the widespread adoption of low-carbon heat. In recent months, we have seen moves by the government to reduce bills for both consumers and energy-intensive users, but what about low-carbon heat? 

In this session, experts in energy markets explore options to address the cost disparity and share their perspectives on how to shift the dial on the cost of electricity for heat. 

You’ll learn:  

• What has been done to date, and the options still open on electricity costs
• The realities of private wire arrangements and the feasibility of this as an answer 
• Insights on what policy interventions industry can pursue on electricity costs

Chair
Megan Amundson, Head of Onshore and Consenting, Scottish Renewables

Speakers
Dr Simon Gill, Independent Energy Consultant, The Energy Landscape
Sarah-Jane McArthur, Partner, Brodies 
Dr Chris Smith, Head of Grid Services, Natural Power