Heat networks are a key strategic technology for reducing emissions from heating our homes and buildings. Launched in September 2022, the Heat Network Support Unit (HNSU) supports the growth of heat networks by addressing key challenges in the pre-capital stages of heat network development and building capacity across the public sector to deliver successful projects.

The HNSU supports the development of new low or zero emission heat network projects. Communal heating systems or the decarbonisation of existing fossil fuelled heat networks are excluded. Support for expansion of existing heat networks will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

The Heat Network Support Unit is part of Heat and Energy Efficiency Scotland, the national public energy agency for Scotland.

Function

The support available from the HNSU is as follows:

• Advisory only: Advice, guidance or support in a ‘critical friend’ capacity.
• Funding only: Grant funding for the costs associated with the conduction of a detailed feasibility study, detailed project development (i.e. Outline Business Case) or the commercialisation of a heat network opportunity.
• Advisory and funding: Grant funding with additional advisory support from HNSU partners.

We are also active in:

• project identification, aggregation and stakeholder engagement
• working group management and stakeholder workshops
• policy linkage and review

Partners

The Heat Network Support Unit is sponsored by the Scottish Government, with Scottish Futures Trust and Zero Waste Scotland as core partners.