Heat networks proposal passed by Scottish Parliament

LEGISLATION to encourage the establishment of networks of centrally-produced heat – so that individual households don’t have to have their own source – has been unanimously passed by the Scottish Parliament, in the expectation that the networks will cut greenhouse gas emissions, reduce fuel poverty (when households require an unusually high portion of their income to keep their homes heated) and create ‘green jobs’.

Says the Scottish Parliament (here): “Heat networks are made up of insulated pipes and heat generation systems which make heat. This can be in the form of hot water or steam. This will help reduce emissions from homes and other buildings.”

Adds a Scottish Government announcement, it is believed the country is the first in the world “to legislate to support the growth of heat networks, through which clusters of homes and businesses get heating from a central source rather than individual fossil fuel boilers – making it safer for customers and more efficient”.

The announcement (here) continues: “The Heat Networks (Scotland) Bill creates a new licensing system to drive up standards across the sector, improving consumer confidence.

“It also creates new rights for heat network developers and operators to ‘level up the playing field’ with other utilities in order to make investment in the sector more attractive and encourage further growth.

“A new consent system will also be introduced to make sure that new networks are developed in areas where they will have most benefit and are tailored to its needs. 

“It is estimated that heat networks will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by the equivalent of 90,000 cars by 2050 and generate annual fuel savings of around £130 for every household that connects to a heat network.

“New analysis, due to be published in the spring, is anticipated to indicate even greater environmental benefits.”

Picture: Scottish Parliament building, at Holyrood, Edinburgh.

Picture credit: PlaceDesignScotland