SOSE welcomes global leading initiative to help decarbonise South of Scotland

Published: 13 May 2022

We have welcomed a new initiative called HeatSource that will position Scotland as a global leader in the supply chain and manufacturing for heat pumps and heat networks.

Backed by £376,000 from Scottish Enterprise, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and South of Scotland Enterprise, HeatSource will grow the capacity, capability and competitiveness of the supply chain that is essential to decarbonising Scotland’s built environment.

Why is this project important?

Decarbonising heat is a key priority in achieving Net Zero targets worldwide to address the climate emergency, with heating accounting for more than 40% of global CO2 emissions.

Who is taking forward HeatSource and what will it achieve?

  • Following a competitive tender, Scottish Enterprise has appointed Built Environment-Smarter Transformation (BE-ST) to deliver the HeatSource activity over the next 18 months.
  • This will include the creation of a new online information hub that will help companies involved in manufacturing, installation, training and the wider heating systems supply chain maximise the opportunities around zero carbon heating.
  • The initiative involves a review of the sector’s current position to get an understanding of products and services already in development, as well as identifying potential skills gaps and barriers to growth.
  • As part of the HeatSource network, companies involved in the supply chain or looking to enter the market can be signposted to further opportunities to accelerate growth such as collaboration projects, contracts, funding and research initiatives.

Throughout the three-year project, BE-ST’s strategic partnership with ETP – Scotland’s energy research alliance involving 14 independent Scottish higher education institutions – will help to connect industry partners with academic experts in the field, helping to drive innovation.

Our Director for Net Zero, Dr Martin Valenti

“At SOSE, we want to drive the South of Scotland’s just transition to NetZero for a thriving, more prosperous and wellbeing economy.

“A vital component of this journey is realising the potential of the growing low carbon heat market and ensuring the industry can maximise the opportunities that arise from the decarbonisation of heat and investment in energy efficiency projects in Scotland and beyond.

“The Scottish Government’s Heat in Buildings Strategy alone requires an estimated investment of some £33billion in our homes and non-domestic premises over the next two decades.

“This national endeavour signals an unprecedented growth opportunity for the supply chain in our region too.

“We are therefore very excited to be involved in this new HeatSource initiative alongside our enterprise agency partners, and look forward to seeing the benefits it can bring  to the South of Scotland over the next 18 months, and beyond.”

Scottish Enterprise’s Director of Economic Opportunities and Climate, Suzanne Sosna

“Decarbonising heat will be vital if we are to meet Scotland’s Net Zero targets and move beyond energy transition to transformation.

“Scottish Enterprise is taking forward HeatSource with enterprise partners and BE-ST as part of wider work to maximise the economic opportunities in the growing low carbon heat market across Scotland to develop a just energy transition as we heat homes and buildings more sustainably.

“The project aims to support industry to take advantage of the opportunities and bring the supply chain together across manufacturing, research and development, installation and more to build on our expertise and create a robust, resilient and growing low carbon heat supply chain in Scotland.”

Emma Church, Impact Manager at BE-ST

“As part of the HeatSource initiative we are hoping to encourage and support new entrants into the low carbon heating market and, as well as creating a knowledge base, we will be developing a match-making platform to help maximise opportunities where companies can work together.

“Scotland could become a leader in the delivery of low carbon heat over the next few years, and we’re keen to support SMEs to make the most of the opportunities and new markets, while delivering the important decarbonisation that is urgently needed."