Scotland is on track to increase heat pump adoption by a third (34%) in 2023, data from the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) has revealed.
Installations in Scotland reached 5,000 this year so far.
While it’s been a positive year for the technology, Scotland’s rate of heat pump adoption stands below the UK as a whole, which has upped heat pump adoption by 45% after 30,000 were installed between January and July.
The Scottish government offers homeowners the Home Energy Scotland (HES) Grant & Loan, which provides consumers £7,500 towards the installation of a heat pump, with eligible households in rural areas receiving up to £9,000.
There is a similar scheme offering up to £7,500 in the UK.
Ian Rippin, chief executive of MCS, said: “Our data shows that a growing number of homeowners across Scotland are investing in heat pumps which are one of the most efficient and sustainable heating solutions for homes and are a vital part of Scotland’s plans to reach Net Zero by 2045.
“Government incentives, such as the HES Grant and Loan, make the switch to greener and cleaner energy more accessible and affordable, whilst ensuring the quality of their renewable installation.”
When it comes to heat pump uptake in Scotland, Na h-Eileanan Siar is the top performing local authority in Scotland, with one in five (20.45%) households having a certified heat pump installation. The Orkney Islands follow with 14.71%, then Argyll and Bute with 8.81%.
Claire Daly, head of policy and advocacy at WWF Scotland, said: “These figures are very impressive, it’s particularly good to see the islands and rural areas of Scotland making the switch to renewable heating.
“One in three Scottish households are currently in fuel poverty while our reliance on fossil fuel heating is creating damaging carbon pollution.
“The recently announced Heat in Buildings should help accelerate the move to cleaner heating that will free households from unstable fossil fuel prices and make the most of our ever-cheaper renewables.
“These results from MCS show that with the right grant support and regulation, people can have the certainty they need to make the switch to cleaner, greener forms of heating.”
Overall, in 2024, Scotland has delivered more than 23,000 renewable installations, including heat pumps, solar PV, and battery storage. This brings Scotland’s all-time certified installation count to 230,000 which accounts for 9% of households in Scotland with an MCS certified renewable installation.