The Scottish Government's recent announcement that the 2030
climate target will be scrapped is a blow to the country's efforts
towards a greener future. Prof. Dave
Pearson, Royal Academy of Engineering Visiting Professor at
Edinburgh Napier University, is joining other experts in calling
for urgent action on the Heat in Buildings Bill – so that it does
not meet the same fate.
GLASGOW,
Scotland, April 24, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- In a
letter addressed to the Secretary for Energy and Net Zero,
Mairi McAllan, Prof. Pearson and 24
other signatories – representing various parts of the supply chain
– underlined the Bill's central role in combating climate change
and improving energy efficiency in homes.
"If Scotland's reputation as a world leader
on climate change is not to be diminished, it is now more important
than ever that we see rapid progress on this Bill and supporting
measures."
"If Scotland's reputation as a world leader on climate change is
not to be diminished, it is now more important than ever that we
see rapid progress on this Bill and supporting measures, not only
to demonstrate that the country's net zero ambitions are more than
just words, but also to give certainty to the business that will be
central to making the transition happen," the letter reads.
Clear policies, mandatory standards, and support for compliance
are all vital to facilitate investment and growth in clean heating
technologies. Experts are in agreement that there can be no more
delays in introducing clear, ambitious legislation along with clear
guidelines and timetables.
Prof. Pearson says, "It is clear that the major problem in
decarbonisation lies in the existing building stock, of which much
is multi-owner in Scottish Cities. The only plausible way to the
classical tenement flat is with district heating – and this is
exactly what is happening at Queens Quay, with additional new clean
heat connections being provided to existing tenement properties at
West Dunbartonshire's network by
Vital Energi.
"The reason this advancement is so special is that the heat
comes from the Star Refrigeration manufactured River Source
district heat pump, which utilises low carbon to harvest heat from
the Clyde estuary, delivering three times the effect as would occur
from direct electric use."
The Scottish Government needs to introduce the Heat in Buildings
Bill to Parliament promptly and complete the parliamentary process
by the end of 2025 – paving the way not only for a more efficient
and environment-friendly method to heat Scottish homes, but also to
new opportunities for investment and growth in the energy sector.
The letter also called for the UK Government to advance electricity
price reform, making clean heat the more cost-effective
solution.
Prof. Pearson adds, "Whilst everyone is very proud of the
numerous water source heat pumps we have supplied, the key question
be answered is: When will the abundance of clean electricity being
curtailed at Scottish wind farms be channelled to beneficial use by
adjusting the price?"
"This last point can easily be deflected to Westminster as a
reserved matter, but the Scottish Government could underpin a
series of power connections from wind farms (existing and planned)
to the ideal locations for river source heat pumps. By doing so
they would slash the bloated grid electricity costs inflicted upon
all operators of heat pumps across the country and create a tsunami
of private investment creating jobs and taxes – all at no cost to
the Government. To see electricity generated cleanly in
Scotland and sold to the grid for
around 7p/kWh costing over 30p/kWh even just a few miles away
strikes me terror at how inappropriate the current arrangements
are. This isn't just a tweak that is needed as proposed by the REMA
work but a transformational change. Given this is unlikely anytime
soon the only credible solution is that the Scottish Government
facilitate a parallel local grid for key consumption activity. A
simple underwriting to the private sector would achieve the market
confidence that would see a private wire provision thus unlocking
the investment model for clean district heating. Heat offtake
legislation without this will fail to see clean heat delivered and
the employment opportunities that underpin a Just Transition will
simply not arise."
More information about Star Renewable Energy and parent company
Star Refrigeration can be found here:
https://www.star-ref.co.uk.
Media Contact
Anna Flanagan, Star Refrigeration
Ltd, 01416387916, annaflanagan@star-ref.co.uk,
www.star-ref.co.uk
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SOURCE Star Refrigeration Ltd