Renewable Heat
Heating represents 40 percent of total energy consumed in the UK, and at present, only 1 percent of the UK’s heating demand is generated using renewable sources. This figure may have to rise dramatically to 12 percent by 2020 to allow the UK to reach its emissions targets, which will require substantial projects to be initiated in a short period of time.
The main sources of renewable heat are biomass, solar radiation and geothermal heat. Other technologies such as air, water and ground source heat pumps and combined heat and power (CHP) plants can also help reduce the CO2 emissions associated with heating requirements.
SEGEC will look to identify the most appropriate combinations of technologies, partners and funding with a view towards pushing the renewable heat sector in Scotland and across Europe forward. We are well positioned to use our influence and expertise to initiate the kind of demonstration and deployment projects that are required to help overcome the technical, financial and social barriers which exist at present for renewable heat.
A main priority for SEGEC is knowledge transfer between EU member states and, when considering renewable heat, Scotland can certainly learn a lot from continental Europe. Scandinavia in particular is currently leading the way in the biomass sector and has many established district heating schemes whereby a single source provides heating for a number of surrounding buildings. Similarly, the market for solar thermal systems in Germany is significantly larger than its Scottish counterpart, providing noteworthy lessons to be learned.
SEGEC also intends to take advantage of established partnerships with Scottish universities to encourage best practice in research and development, which will both increase the efficiency and decrease the cost of renewable heat technologies. We can also call for changes in UK and EU legislation for the benefit of the renewable heat sector.
For further information on SEGEC's activities in this area, please contact Jamie Robinson, Thematic Manager for Renewable Heat, at Jamie.robinson@segec.org.uk.
