Scottish heat pump installations are severely behind schedule

The Plumbing and Heating Federation has warned funding delays and skyrocketing energy costs are the cause of the delay.

New figures obtained from Freedom of Information requests show fewer than 9,000 heat pumps have been installed across Scotland since 2019. This statistic is particularly concerning as the Government have set a target to convert one million homes to zero-emission heat by 2030.

‘While it is encouraging to see growing numbers of homeowners and landlords making the switch to clean heat solutions, the Scottish Government’s ambition of over one million homes converted to low or zero-emission heat by 2030 is simply not achievable under current conditions,’ Fiona Hodgson, Chief Executive of the Plumbing and Heating Federation said. ‘The data highlights the urgent need for clearer policy direction, greater financial certainty and stronger industry support.’

Meanwhile, the Federation have also raised concerns over the Home Energy Scotland scheme’s payment structure, claiming it is also added to the stresses of installing heat pumps.

‘Installers are at the heart of Scotland’s green heating transition, but they need a stable transparent funding framework to remain viable,’ Fiona added. ‘Addressing cashflow pressures and streamlining payments is critical to scaling up heat pump adoption at the pace required.’

She added: ‘Today’s CBI report highlights the significant economic benefits of investing in the net zero economy. In Scotland alone, the sector contributes £9.1billion, 4.9% of the country’s total GV, and supports nearly one in 25 Scottish workers.

‘However, the financial strain of this transition cannot fall solely on already stretched businesses, especially as they face mounting pressures, including the upcoming National Insurance hike.’ 

The figures that came from the Freedom of Information requests were gathered from the Home Energy Scotland (HES) Grant and Loan Scheme and the Private Rented Sector (PRS) Landlord Loan Scheme.    

Photo via Openverse 

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