Chamber and committees

Question reference: S6W-43776

Asked by: Sarah Boyack, MSP for Lothian, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: 17 February 2026
Current status: Answered by Mairi McAllan on 25 February 2026

Question

To ask the Scottish Government whether it will outline its plans to increase the number of heat network consumers from 1.1% of households, in light of its potential as an affordable, low carbon heating option for consumers.

Answer

The Heat Networks Delivery Plan (HNDP), published in March 2022, and the first Review Report, published March 2024, outlines how the Scottish Government will contribute to increasing the use of heat networks in Scotland and meeting the statutory targets. The reporting period for the subsequent HNDP Review Reports is every 2 years from the date on which the last review report was laid in parliament.

On 18 November 2025. I announced to Parliament that the future Buildings (Heating and Energy Performance) and Heat Networks (Scotland) Bill would include provisions relating to heat networks including:

a regulation-making power to require qualifying buildings in a heat network zone to connect to a heat network or decarbonise their heating system;
a regulation-making power for heat network installation and maintenance licences; and
changes to the Heat Networks (Scotland) Act 2021 to streamline its regulatory regime.

See all of Sarah Boyack's questions