Heating and Ventilating

George Webb, chief executive of Liquid Gas UK said: “Liquid Gas UK welcomes the Scottish Government's announcement of a revised Heat in Buildings Bill that will take a technology-neutral approach to decarbonising Scotland's homes and buildings.

“This is a significant and positive shift that recognises what we have long advocated - that a one-size-fits-all approach to heating decarbonisation fails to address the diverse needs of Scottish households, particularly those in rural and off-grid areas.

“We are especially encouraged by Acting Minister Alasdair Allan's recognition of the unique challenges faced by rural and island communities.

“The reality is that every home is different, especially the 19% of Scottish homes that are off the gas grid, rising to over 60% in rural areas. Many of these properties are energy inefficient, expensive to retrofit, and located in areas where electricity grid infrastructure simply isn't robust enough to support mass electrification.

“The move away from technology prohibition towards a focus on outcomes, specifically a 2045 decarbonisation target, represents a more pragmatic and fair approach.

“Low-carbon heating solutions are not limited to electrification, and renewable liquid gases offer an immediate, affordable pathway to significant emissions reduction for off-grid homes.

'Not only can they cut household heating carbon emissions by up to 90% compared to traditional fuels, but they will work in existing infrastructure and appliances, and could save homeowners up to £2,000 annually compared to heat pump operating costs.

'As an industry that’s committed to being 100% renewable by 2040, renewable liquid gases could deliver carbon emission reductions equivalent to removing 1.3 million cars from the road by 2050.

“We look forward to working constructively with the Scottish Government to ensure that renewable liquid gases are recognised as a valuable component of the country’s clean energy future, particularly for rural and off-grid properties.'