Scottish Government announces delay to the Heat in Buildings Bill

Responding to the announcement today (November 18) that the Scottish Government will not introduce a Heat in Buildings Bill in the current session of the Scottish Parliament, Morag Watson, Director of Onshore at Scottish Renewables, said:

"It is deeply disappointing that the Scottish Government has not made the progress needed on the decarbonisation of heat in Scotland in this session of the Scottish Parliament.

"We have known for many years that a step change was required to deliver a way of heating our homes and businesses that makes the best use of the clean power we are producing. That is essential for tackling fuel poverty and maximising the economic opportunity of clean heat solutions.

"Publication of the draft legislation today will be small comfort to those seeking to invest in Scotland's heat networks, but we recognise that close alignment with the development of UK-wide policies will be necessary in the years ahead. Both the Scottish and UK goverments must treat the decarbonisation of heat with the level of priority it deserves within our energy transition.

"Whilst time may be limited to advance the Heat in Buildings Bill, the Scottish Government does have the opportunity to prioritise the full implementation of the Heat Networks (Scotland) Act 2021, including its permitting regulations. That will give a strong foundation to future policy development after the election, and we encourage all parties to pledge their support to a strategic approach on heat decarbonisation."

Ends

Notes to editiors

• Read the announcement by the Scottish Government.
• Scottish Renewables' National Heat Networks: A Vision for Scotland.