Heat networks delivery plan - draft: consultation

Introduction to Consultation Document

This consultation seeks views on the Draft Heat Networks Delivery Plan (HNDP), as required by the Heat Networks (Scotland) Act 2021, as well as on policy proposals relating to aspects of the emerging regulatory regime. It is divided into two parts.

Part 1 – Draft Heat Networks Delivery Plan

Part 1 of this consultation sets out a draft HNDP as required by Section 93 of the Heat Networks (Scotland) Act 2021.

It outlines in draft how the provisions of the 2021 Act, and any other supporting policies, will contribute to increasing the use of heat networks in Scotland and sets out the proposed approach that the Scottish Ministers intend to take to increase the use of heat networks in Scotland; how the statutory targets will be met; as well as how progress will be measured and the contribution that heat networks will make toward meeting the emission reduction targets.

Part 2 – Heat Network Policy Proposals

Part 2 seeks views on a range of issues and aspects of the regulatory framework, including on the licensing, consenting and heat network zone permits as well as large scale thermal storage. Feedback will support the development of more detailed proposals for consultation in due course.

Next Steps

You will find consultation questions at key points throughout this document requesting feedback on different elements of the draft plan (Part 1) and policy proposals (Part 2). The consultation is open until 13 December 2021. Information on how to respond to this consultation is provided in Annex B. We will use the consultation responses we receive to further develop the delivery plan and associated regulations and policy. The final version of the plan will be published by 1 April 2022.