Low Carbon Infrastructure Transition Programme (LCITP): call for evidence

Chapter 1 Call for Evidence

1.1 This Call for Evidence seeks input on actions to modify and enhance the range of support mechanisms currently provided by the Scottish Government through the Low Carbon Infrastructure Transition Programme (LCITP) for development and delivery of large-scale low and zero carbon heat in buildings projects. It seeks evidence on the support and interventions necessary to accelerate future deployment of low and zero carbon heat infrastructure projects in Scotland. This Call for Evidence focuses on the delivery of large scale heat decarbonisation projects for buildings, further consultation on future programme support for wider low and zero carbon energy projects will take place in 2021.

1.2 We will work with stakeholders to design and develop a successor programme offering a comprehensive range of financial and enabling support to large-scale heat decarbonisation and also innovative low and zero emissions heat demonstration projects. This Call for Evidence, published alongside the draft Heat in Buildings Strategy^[1], is the first stage of this process.

1.3 In particular, evidence and views on the points below are welcome:

1. The barriers to the delivery of low and zero emissions heat infrastructure projects;
2. The challenges and risks to delivering large scale low and zero emissions heat infrastructure projects;
3. The priority areas identified for the future heat delivery programme;
4. Sustainable support mechanisms to enable increased uptake.

1.4 As set out in the 2020 Climate Change Plan Update^[2], Scotland's long term climate change targets will require the near complete decarbonisation of our energy system by 2045, with renewable energy meeting a very significant share of our needs. By setting a 2045 target for net-zero emissions for all greenhouse gases, impetus is provided to markets, businesses and industries to shift towards low-carbon technologies and practices. Emissions for homes and non-domestic buildings will have to fall by 68% by 2030 as compared to 2020.

1.5 Our energy supply, and the ways in which we control and manage our demand for and consumption of that energy, are equally important factors. The Scottish Energy Strategy^[3], published in 2017, sets two new targets for the Scottish Energy System by 2030:

• The equivalent of 50% of the energy for Scotland's heat, transport and electricity consumption to be supplied from renewable sources
• An increase by 30% in the productivity of energy use across the Scottish Economy

1.6 The Scottish Government published the draft Strategy for Heat in Buildings in February 2021. Building on the policies and actions set out in the 2020 Climate Change Plan Update, this draft Strategy sets out a pathway to zero emissions buildings by 2045 and details a series of near-term actions to put us on a clear path towards this, as well as a range of further, longer-term commitments to accelerate and further scale up the transformation of the nation's building stock.

1.7 Over the next five years, the successor to the LCITP will play an important role facilitating the delivery of the aims of 2020 Climate Change Plan Update, the Energy Strategy and the finalised Heat in Buildings Strategy through the provision of targeted project support and funding.

1.8 You will find consultation questions at the end of each Chapter in this document requesting feedback We invite you to respond to these questions by 19 April 2021. We will use the consultation responses we receive to further develop and refine the programme prior to launch in September 2021.