Thread by @fabriceleveque

Great to see draft #HeatNetworksBill laid in @ScotParl by @ScotGovEnergy today 👏

Heat networks can grow our use of #renewable heat & cut emissions on the path to #NetZero

Here's a rundown of the key policies in the Bill (THREAD) @ScotRenew 🔥

parliament.scot/parliamentaryb…

The Bill will introduce a Scottish Heat Networks License, to technical standards & customer service (within devolved powers). Important to ensure we build high-quality #HeatNetworks in future (2/9)

A ‘Network Wayleave Right’: license will confer powers to lay pipes to the edge of a building, inspired by the Danish obligation to connect. Won’t solve the anchor load problem but will address issues around if/where pipes can go. Who pays is key question #climatechange (3/9)

Exclusive Heat Network Zones: now for the fun stuff! Local Authorities will be given the power to designate Heat Network Zones. An exclusive right to build & operate heat networks in those zones – a ‘Zone Permit’ - can then be awarded by competitive tender #goingoinggone 🔨(4/9)

Exclusive zones will de-risk investment (and lower costs) and encourage ‘strategic development’ (building networks in the right places & where they can grow). Zone Permit holders should have plans to expand & will be aided by exclusive access to nearby opportunities (5/9)

Heat Network Consent: new heat networks will need to apply to @scotgov for permission. Separate planning approval for heat network pipes will no longer be needed. Projects within a Heat Network Zone will need to hold the relevant 'Zone Permit' (6/9) #abouttime

#HeatNetworks License will also start to give heat network operators the same rights of access to land & roads that other networks (gas, electricity...) enjoy. Some powers to be added to the Bill later – all will help make construction cheaper and easier🚧 #renewables (7/9)

Initial verdict: great to see some bold measures, particularly on #exclusivity. Lots of detail still to be confirmed. This & the new £50m heat network fund show @ScotGovEnergy starting to take #ClimateEmergency seriously. Lots of hard work going on 👏(8/9)

BUT before we see the sector grow at the speed that we need, some major problems need to be tackled: #1 clarity on the future of the #RenewableHeatIncentive @beisgovuk please; and #2 Government help for local authorities to scope, zone & tender projects at speed & scale ⏱️(9/9)