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Renewable heat potential
05/02/2008
A commercially viable and diverse renewable heat industry could help serve Scotland's future heating needs and cut emissions, according to a report published today.
According to the study, more energy is used for heating and hot water in Scotland than for transport and electricity combined. A report by the Forum for Renewable Energy Development in Scotland (FREDS) on renewable heat makes recommendations to Ministers, including:
- An analysis of potential heat markets with the aim of setting an appropriate target
- The development of a wider heat strategy, taking account of regulatory and financial support mechanisms
- The need to improve the existing building stock to maximise uptake of renewable heat
Speaking at the Scottish Energy and Environment Conference in Glasgow, Energy Minister Jim Mather said:
"Renewable heat is massively under utilised. Scotland has the resources and the talent to lead the rest of the UK in developing a vibrant renewable heat market.
"Renewable heat is in its infancy in Scotland. Around a third of homes are not connected to gas and, in these areas in particular, renewable heat can offer a viable alternative.
"The FREDS report identifies the challenges we face in fulfilling that potential. The immediate task is to quantify the scale of potential markets, what support Government can give to stimulate the emerging industry and the various technologies.
"I am in no doubt a developing renewable heat market will contribute to sustainable, economic growth - we can create jobs and services in renewable heating while cutting emissions and tackling climate change.
"I welcome the report and will consider the recommendations carefully in developing an action plan for renewable heat in Scotland. Along with our commitments to increase the use of renewables and reduce energy consumption, we will take action to build a commercially viable, diverse, renewable heat industry for Scotland."
According to the report, Scotland's 2.4 million households each use an average of 20 Megawatt hours of heat energy per year. Annual heat usage in Scotland is estimated to be around approximately 57% of total energy demand in Scotland.
Renewable heat sources can include wood and other forms of biomass energy crops, solar, heat pumps, energy from waste biomass or landfill gas.
Renewable heat can serve new and existing buildings - investment in new infrastructure could connect large numbers of buildings to renewable heat networks. There are already some heat networks in place, for example district heating in Aberdeen and Lerwick, which use underground pipes to carry hot water from the heat source. In addition, the Caithness Heat and Power project in Wick will supply heat to the distillery, hospital and public and private housing.
Jason Ormiston, Chief Executive of Scottish Renewables, said:
"Scotland needs to move quickly on delivering sustainable heat solutions if it is to deliver its climate change objectives. For too long the way we use and generate heat in Scotland has played second fiddle to other energy initiatives in Scotland and the UK. We now look forward to the hard work involved in developing an industry that delivers affordable green heat, that benefits Scotland's economy and that also makes massive cuts in the emission of climate changing gases."
Maf Smith, Director of the Sustainable Development Commission Scotland, said: "The FREDS work has shown that Scotland has a great resource which we could be using to bring affordable energy to communities across Scotland. This cost-effective, low carbon heat is commonplace in Scandinavian countries, so with action needed on climate change, we must apply their experience to Scotland.
"A golden opportunity exists to use renewable heat sources to supply heat for homes and businesses helping our rural economy. The Scottish Government now needs to show leadership, using planning, building regulations, financial support and public procurement to make this happen."
FREDS is comprised of representatives of, among others, Scottish Government, Scottish Renewables, Friends of the Earth, Scottish Environment Protection Agency, Scottish Enterprise, Forestry Commission and the renewables industry.
The Scottish Government consultation on proposals for a Climate Change Bill, including a target of reducing emission by 80 per cent by 2050, was launched on January 29, 2008.
Scottish Renewables is the renewable energy trade association for Scotland representing 220 businesses and organisations in all renewable energy fields since 1996.
The Sustainable Development Commission is the Scottish Government's Independent advisor on sustainable development.