A panel of experts and representatives from the public and private sectors met recently to discuss how to accelerate the adoption of district heat networks across Scotland.

The opportunities and challenges posed by faster uptake of city-scale heat networks as a way of speeding up Scotland’s transition from fossil fuels were the focus of high-level discussions during a recent round table event organised by The Herald and low carbon infrastructure specialists, Vattenfall. During the event, which took place in Edinburgh, Paul Steen, Head of Business Development, Vattenfall and Catherine Salmond, Editor, The Herald, were joined by representatives of the Scottish Government, education providers, the NHS and the private sector. Talks began by exploring ways in which overcoming planning hurdles and creating the necessary infrastructure could be speeded up to allow for the faster adoption of heat networks, while the needs of different sectors, such as Higher Education and private businesses were highlighted and the importance was stressed for the need for clear market signals in order to encourage a willingness to embrace innovation and take the next steps towards using natural assets, such as the Clyde, to provide a source of heating. Although energy policy is determined by the UK Government, there was recognition that policy alignment and a constructive working relationship between this and the Scottish Government would be needed in order to move initiatives forward, while the NHS, which is one of the largest infrastructure holders in Scotland, was identified as a key element in securing the country’s energy transition.

Despite the clear need for progress, the event reached the conclusion that careful planning was also essential and that effectiveness should not be compromised by speed. While the Local Heat & Energy Efficiency Strategies, (LHEES) published earlier this year by each of Scotland’s 32 local authorities set clear directions of travel, additional planning stages may be necessary where there were complex cityscapes, existing infrastructure, historic architecture and low levels of insulation. Throughout the event there was a recognition that it will take high levels of collaboration between stakeholders to reduce reliance on public finance and give confidence to investors however the policy landscape will have to change to prioritise the decarbonisation of homes across Scotland, including the reformation of Energy Performance Certificates.

Meanwhile public reluctance to embrace the SMART metering programme was given as an example of how leadership and public engagement would be essential in order to drive the acceptance of change in how homes and businesses are heated. By comparison, the successful adoption of a district heating scheme at Queens Quay, Clydebank and of the award-winning biomass boiler project undertaken by the University of St Andrews were cited as positive examples of projects driven by strong leadership, with good communication being highlighted as playing a key role in ensuring the progress of innovative decarbonisation initiatives. In reaching a conclusion, event participants agreed that more works needs to be done to refine LHEES plans; collaboration between local authorities, public institutions and private sector partners must be strengthened; information must be made available so that the public can give their support to heat networks, while funding and regulatory frameworks must be secure in order to support the long-term progress of their implementation.