19 October 2025
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Olivia Smalley, Head of Policy and Communications at the Heat Pump Association, shares her expert opinion on Scotland’s Heat Pump Policy Momentum.
Scotland has a key opportunity to lead the UK in the transition to low-carbon heating, with the Climate Change Committee projecting that 93% of existing homes will need to have low-carbon heating by 20451. With lots of ongoing policy discussions, we have shared our key asks for the Scottish Government to accelerate heat pump deployment2.
Earlier this month, the HPA brought working heat pumps to the Scottish Parliament for our “Hear, See and Feel a Heat Pump” event. It was a chance for MSPs to experience the technology first-hand and speak directly with manufacturers and technical and policy experts. We welcomed representatives from 5 different parties to bust myths and raise awareness of the role of heat pumps in providing economic benefits and carbon savings to Scotland.
We are urging the Scottish Government to introduce and pass an ambitious Heat in Buildings Bill before the end of this Parliament2. Heat pump installations in Scotland need to rise from just over 7,600 in 2024 to 35,000 by 20301, so the bill must support the rollout of zero-direct emissions heating systems. To get there, we need certainty, investment in skills, and support for households and businesses to make the switch.
Scotland already produces more renewable electricity than it uses, with the equivalent of over a third exported in 2023. Using that clean energy to heat homes is a strategic win to cut emissions, boost energy security, and keep economic benefits local.
With the right leadership, Scotland has the ability to set a precedent for other UK nations to follow in the journey to transitioning to clean heating.
Source
1. CCC, Scotland’s Carbon Budgets: Advice for the Scottish Government (2025)
2. HPA Key Policy Asks for the Scottish Government at heatpumps.org.uk (2025)
