Delivering Heat Decarbonisation in Scotland
February 11, 2026
This report summarises evidence and recommendations from a heat pump industry roundtable convened by SNIPEF and Nesta at the Energy Training Academy in Dalkeith on 11 February 2026, attended by the Cabinet Secretary for Housing, Màiri McAllan MSP. Installers, manufacturers and sector stakeholders provided frontline insight into the practical challenges of scaling heat pump deployment across Scotland.
Participants emphasised that the plumbing and heating profession is committed to delivering Scotland’s heat decarbonisation ambitions, but current market conditions, policy design and delivery structures are constraining sustainable growth. Demand for heat pumps has plateaued and remains concentrated among households able to absorb higher upfront costs, while electricity pricing relative to gas continues to weaken the financial case for many consumers.
Operational challenges within the Home Energy Scotland funding process were also highlighted. Although the grant and loan offer remains attractive, delays, limited transparency and consumer-led payment mechanisms can create cashflow risk for installers and slow the replacement of failed boilers.
Quality assurance and workforce development were identified as critical to scaling the market responsibly. Participants stressed that heat pump installation requires structured apprenticeships and practical experience rather than short technical courses, warning that inconsistent competence could undermine consumer confidence.
The roundtable also highlighted wider structural issues, including procurement models that limit SME participation, inconsistencies in new build installation standards, and the need for stronger tenant education within social housing programmes. Participants agreed that scaling deployment will depend on reforms to funding mechanisms, stronger skills pathways, clearer quality assurance and procurement models that enable capable local installers to participate directly in delivery.
