Fund aims to encourage innovative solutions
A £30m low-carbon heating fund has been launched.
Innovative solutions to heating buildings are being prioritised as part of the new initative which has been called the Scottish Low Carbon Heat Fund.
Up to 50% of the capital cost of a new project will be available.
Scotland's energy minister Paul Wheelhouse said: "It's estimated that Scotland's homes are responsible for the emission of six million tonnes of harmful carbon dioxide into our atmosphere every year, 15% of all emissions.
"In order to meet Scotland's ambitious proposed climate change targets, we estimate that nearly every Scottish home - unless already on a renewable heat supply - will need to have a change to its heating system by 2045, if not before.
"The Scottish government is already making inroads to that target, by committing to ensuring that all new homes use renewable or low carbon heat by 2024, but we also want to create an environment where existing homes transition to renewable solutions as well."
Citizens Advice Scotland has called for funding to be made to individuals as well as larger organisations.
Spokesman Dr Jamie Stewart said: "While this investment is focussed on businesses and organisations, it's essential that similar packages are available to those who currently struggle to heat their homes.
"This will ensure that the benefits of renewable heating can be experienced by those who need it most.
"It is vital that the cost of cutting emissions doesn't fall heaviest on the poorest people."
WWF Scotland's climate and energy policy manager Robin Parker added: "In the face of the climate crisis, it's good to see Scottish government support for businesses and organisations to tap into low-carbon heat.
"However, we urgently need to embrace more transformational approaches to decarbonise heat, that rapidly start giving thousands of people every year access to fossil fuel-free heating, with tried-and-tested technologies like heat pumps and district heating.
"That means ambitious changes to building standards, a heat pump sector deal, district heating legislation and an accelerated national energy efficiency programme."
