SNIPEF warns against relying on a late surge in heat pump installations
February 25, 2026
Following the Climate Change Committee’s warning that Scotland’s plans rely too heavily on a late surge in heat pump installations, SNIPEF Chief Executive Fiona Hodgson said:
“It is right that the Climate Change Committee has highlighted the risks of backloading delivery into the late 2030s. Delaying scale up until the mid-2030s would place significant strain on skills readiness, supply chains and installation quality.
"Scotland cannot rely on a last minute acceleration. Heat decarbonisation requires steady growth across this decade to build accredited competence, strengthen supply chains and give businesses the confidence to invest.
"Our evidence from installers shows that the constraint lies in the depth of training and practical experience required for high quality heat pump installation. Expanding volumes without sustained investment in apprenticeships and hands on training would risk undermining quality and consumer confidence.
"Support schemes must operate at the speed of real world purchasing decisions. In boiler breakdown scenarios, households need rapid approvals and payment certainty. If systems are slow or unpredictable, consumers will revert to fossil fuel replacements.
"Heat in Buildings legislation must be aligned with a credible long term workforce strategy, proportionate standards and procurement models that enable capable local SMEs to participate directly in delivery.”
