Lib Dems warn heat pump scheme falls short.

The Scottish Government’s flagship home energy scheme to help homeowners install heat pumps is “hardly helping” people shift towards green energy, ministers have been warned.

Figures obtained from the Scottish Liberal Democrats revealed that the Home Energy Scotland initiative only paid for the installation of 2,085 heat pumps last year. The scheme, launched in December 2022, offers grants and loans for heat pumps, other renewable systems, and energy efficiency measures.

The Climate Change Committee’s 2023 report on emissions in Scotland warned that domestic heat pump installations were “significantly off track” and would need to increase by at least a factor of thirteen by the end of the decade.

Liberal Democrat MSP Willie Rennie has urged the Scottish Government to move with more pace and launch an emergency home energy upgrade programme providing free insulation and heat pumps for low-income households.

Rennie highlighted that housing in Scotland contributes significantly to emissions due to being cold, leaky, and reliant on fossil fuels. Transitioning to greener heating systems can reduce emissions and lower bills. Rennie criticised the government, stating that despite boasting about global recognition for decarbonizing, the reality at home shows a significant shortfall in heat pump installations.

The Scottish Liberal Democrats have proposed ambitious plans to tackle this issue, aiming to cut emissions and end fuel poverty through an emergency programme of home insulation and heat pump installations.

The Scottish Government’s current goal is to install around 25,000 heat pumps annually, with a long-term target of 200,000 per year by the end of the decade.

A spokesperson for the Scottish Government acknowledged the sustained demand from households looking to decarbonise heating. They noted that the 2,000 heat pumps installed through the scheme in 2023 represented a 17% increase from the previous year, with over 1,500 energy efficiency measures also supported.

Overall, more than 6,000 MCS-accredited heat pumps were installed across Scotland last year. The Home Energy Scotland grants and loans scheme, while offering generous funding, is just one part of a broader effort to reduce emissions from heating buildings.

The government recognises the need to accelerate the transition to greener heating systems and is reviewing responses to a recent consultation on proposals for a Heat in Buildings Bill to determine next steps.