Question reference: S6W-23961
- Asked by: Liam McArthur, MSP for Orkney Islands, Scottish Liberal Democrats
- Date lodged: 15 December 2023
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Current status: Answered by Patrick Harvie on 15 January 2024
Question
To ask the Scottish Government how much (a) capital and (b) pre-capital support it has provided to heat network projects to date, and how many properties either have been or are set to be connected to heat networks as a result of any such support.
Answer
Scottish Government capital support for heat networks is made available through Scotland’s Heat Network Fund (SHNF), following the success of its predecessor the Low Carbon Infrastructure Transition Programme (LCITP). To date, over £62 million in capital grants has been awarded to heat network projects in Scotland.
The Heat Network Support Unit (HNSU) supports the growth of heat networks by providing funding and advice to heat network projects in the pre-capital stages of development. Since October 2022, HNSU has provided £616,044 of pre-capital support. Prior to the formation of the HNSU, approximately £250,000 pre-capital funding was provided for the development of heat network projects through the Heat in Buildings Development Funding Invitation and LCITP development funding calls.
The total estimated number of properties (including domestic homes and non-domestic buildings) that will be connected to heat networks once all capital grant funded projects through SHNF and LCITP are complete is approximately 5200. This figure is set to increase in the future as our funding has helped establish heat networks that have strong potential for future expansion.