Scotland on track for record number of heat pump installations in 2024
Posted by: electime 3rd October 2024
- Scotland has installed a record-breaking number of MCS certified heat pumps so far in 2024
- Na h-Eileanan Siar is the top performing local authority in Scotland for heat pumps, followed by the Orkney Islands, and Argyll and Bute.
- 9 per cent of households in Scotland have an MCS certified renewable installation as of the end of August 2024.
According to the latest data from MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme), Scotland is on track for a record-breaking year for heat pump installations. So far this year, Scotland has installed more than 5,000 MCS certified heat pumps, which is a 34 per cent increase on the same period in 2023. This puts the nation on track for a record-breaking year for the technology.
This demonstrates that more homeowners are making the switch to low-carbon heating, supported by initiatives like the Home Energy Scotland (HES) Grant & Loan, which offers consumers £7,500 towards the installation of a heat pump, with eligible households in rural areas receiving up to £9,000.
When it comes to heat pump uptake in Scotland, Na h-Eileanan Siar is the top performing local authority in Scotland with 1 in 5 (20.45 per cent ) households having a certified heat pump installation. The Orkney Islands follow with 14.71 per cent , then Argyll and Bute with 8.81 per cent.
Ian Rippin, CEO of MCS, said: “Our data shows that a growing number of homeowners across Scotland are investing in heat pumps which are one of the most efficient and sustainable heating solutions for homes and are a vital part of Scotland’s plans to reach Net Zero by 2045.”
“Government incentives, such as the HES Grant and Loan, make the switch to greener and cleaner energy more accessible and affordable, whilst ensuring the quality of their renewable installation.”
Claire Daly, Head of Policy and Advocacy at WWF Scotland said: “These figures are very impressive, it’s particularly good to see the islands and rural areas of Scotland making the switch to renewable heating. 1 in 3 Scottish households are currently in fuel poverty while our reliance on fossil fuel heating is creating damaging carbon pollution. The recently announced Heat in Buildings should help accelerate the move to cleaner heating that will free households from unstable fossil fuel prices and make the most of our ever-cheaper renewables.”
“These results from MCS show that with the right grant support and regulation, people can have the certainty they need to make the switch to cleaner, greener forms of heating.”
Overall, in 2024, Scotland has delivered more than 23,000 renewable installations, including heat pumps, solar PV, and battery storage. This brings Scotland’s all-time certified installation count to 230,000 which accounts for 9 per cent of households in Scotland with an MCS certified renewable installation.
