Chamber and committees

The requested figures for live applications for loans for standalone solar PV/energy storage systems not being installed as part of a package including a certified renewable heating system are set out in the following table. These applications were submitted prior to the change in funding on 27 June 2023, and are being processed by Energy Saving Trust, the scheme administrator.

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-19607 on 28 July 2023. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/written-questions-and-answers .

Heat Networks are large scale infrastructure projects requiring multiple years of development before reaching capital readiness and beginning construction. Therefore, we have committed multi-year funding though Scotland’s Heat Network Fund (SHNF) which makes £300 million available to support the development and roll out of heat networks across Scotland during this parliamentary term. The fund aims to stimulate investment and grow the low carbon heat sector, whilst reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

To date Scotland’s Heat Network Fund has allocated £6,727,389 to four heat network projects in Scotland. Of these, three are public sector heat networks, receiving a combined £6,339,315. The other is a housing association which received £388,000 in SHNF funding. In addition to this, we currently have several applications undergoing a formal assessment process and are engaging with many pre-capital stage projects through our Heat Network Support Unit.

In September 2022, we launched the Heat Network Support Unit (HNSU) which is already working to develop ambitious heat network projects that will help us progress towards our deployment targets. The HNSU provides advice and grant funding for pre-capital works such as developing feasibility studies and Outline Business Cases. This support is predominantly aimed at the public sector in order to increase the scale and pace of heat network project development across Scotland and build capacity across the sector to deliver successful projects. The Heat Network Support Unit has provided approximately £500,000 of support creating a pipeline of multiple projects that, if found to be viable, may progress towards capital funding and construction in the near future with a potential total capital value of approximately £150 million. Many of these projects may be supported via Scotland’s Heat Network Fund.

Scottish Government is also currently providing approximately £26 million of support to seven heat network projects through the Low Carbon Infrastructure Transition Programme (LCITP) which are due to commission by the end of 2024.

Support offered through our heat network funding programmes is reflected within our quarterly reports which provide industry, investors and other stakeholders with a view of the pipeline of heat networks projects progressing in Scotland.

The requested figures for the estimated energy generation of standalone solar PV measures supported by Home Energy Scotland (HES) Grant and Loan Scheme (formerly HES Loan and Cashback Scheme) are set out in the following table. Figures show the estimated energy generation of measures installed that year only, they are not cumulative.

The Scottish Government is committed to a just transition to net zero, which means working with people, businesses and communities across Scotland to ensure they can access support and advice, and that the costs and benefits of the transition are spread fairly.

Our Public Engagement Strategy for Climate Change sets out our vision: for all of Scotland to understand the challenges we face and embrace their role in our transition to a net zero and climate ready Scotland. Our people-centred approach to climate change policy, moves from encouraging incremental changes in attitudes and behaviours, to supporting a society-wide transformation.

Of particular relevance to SMEs, this year we will publish our new Heat in Buildings Public Engagement Strategy setting out how we will work with a range of partners and wider trusted messengers to increase awareness and understanding of Scotland’s net zero ambitions and associated heat decarbonisation targets with the public and organisations alike. This will include explaining what these changes will mean for property owners on the ground, and how they can access existing advice and support.

The Scottish Government currently funds a substantial service for SMEs to receive advice on reducing their energy costs, installing energy efficiency and renewable heating measures through Business Energy Scotland. In October, we increased the funding available in the SME Loan scheme where SMEs can now apply for a £20,000 cashback grant for energy efficiency measures up to 75% of the cost of the installation.

I have kept Ministerial colleagues fully informed of progress on the deposit return scheme through the normal internal processes. Internal party leadership elections are a matter for the relevant parties themselves.

Rediscover the Joy currently provides GP support to practices in NHS Highland, NHS Shetland, NHS Orkney, NHS Argyle and Bute and NHS Dumfries and Galloway.

The Scottish Government is currently working with NHS Shetland to carryout a detailed evaluation of the project in 2023-24. The outcome of this evaluation will inform our decision on any future expansion of the project across Scotland.

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-19700 on 31 July 2023. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/written-questions-and-answers .

As noted in the reply to S6W-19672, five organisations have contacted The Scottish Government on the presence or suspected presence of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete within their building estate.

At this time, the following public sector buildings are reported to us as partially or fully closed:

We are engaging with public sector organisations to seek reassurance of both their awareness and any action identified on this issue. Building owners and employers are responsible for managing the condition of buildings within their ownership or control, including duties under health and safety legislation to maintain a safe workplace.