Overview
Part 8 – Heat networks targets and delivery plans
Section 92: Heat network supply targets
228.Subsection (1) places an obligation on the Scottish Ministers to ensure that 2.6 terawatt hours and 6 terawatt hours of thermal energy is supplied through heat networks in Scotland by 2027 and 2030, respectively. Subsection (2) provides the Scottish Ministers with regulation making powers to specify an additional target relating to the combined supply of thermal energy by heat networks in Scotland and modify any target specified in section 92(1). Additionally, under subsection (3) the Scottish Ministers can make provision by regulation about targets specified or modified under subsection (2). These regulations may in particular make provision about the matters to be taken into account by the Scottish Ministers in specifying or modifying targets, the criteria to be applied in specifying or modifying targets and carrying out reviews of targets (subsection (4)).
229.The Scottish Ministers have a duty to lay regulations by 2023 that would set out an additional target in subsection (1) relating to the output from the combined supply of thermal energy by heat networks in Scotland to be reached by 2035 (subsections (5) and (6)).
Section 93: Heat networks delivery plan
230.Section 93 requires the Scottish Ministers to prepare a “Heat Networks Delivery Plan”. Subsection (1) specifies that the Plan must detail how the provisions of the Act – and supporting policies – will result in the greater use of heat networks in Scotland.
231.Subsection (2) specifies that the Plan must also detail how the Scottish Ministers intend to increase the use of heat networks in Scotland; how the Scottish Ministers propose to meet targets specified in section 92(1); how the combined supply of thermal energy from Scotland’s heat networks will be measured; and how the deployment of heat networks will contribute to Scotland’s emissions targets.
232.Subsection (3) places a requirement on the Scottish Ministers to consult when developing the Plan. Subsection (4) requires the Scottish Ministers to publish and lay the Plan in Parliament by 1 April 2022.
233.Subsection (5) obliges the Scottish Ministers to keep the Plan under review. Subsections (6), (7) and (8) combine to require the Scottish Ministers to submit a report to the Scottish Parliament two years from the day on which the initial Plan was published, and every two years thereafter. Subsection (7) sets out what the report must consider.
234.Subsection (9) specifies that when preparing, reviewing, revising or reporting on the Heat Networks Delivery Plan, the Scottish Ministers must have regard to the just transition principles as set out in section 35C of the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009.
