The Heat is ON the Scottish Government to meet its Carbon Cutting Targets

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."