Scotland’s new climate plan promises long-term decarbonisation but delays heat pump expansion, prompting criticism from advisers and campaigners who warn the slow pace risks undermining emissions targets.
The Scottish government has unveiled a new long-term climate plan confirming it will take a decade before significantly increasing the installation of heat pumps, a move already drawing criticism from climate advisers and campaigners.
The targets for replacing gas and oil-fired boilers form part of a 15-year climate change plan aimed at cutting emissions and reshaping Scotland’s energy system. Ministers say heating will be fully decarbonised by 2045 and argue the strategy will create jobs, reduce energy bills and shield households from volatile fossil fuel prices.
However, official figures show that most emissions reductions from heating are not expected until after 2035.
The timeline has been challenged by the independent Climate Change Committee, which warned last month that the pace of heat pump rollout is too slow and carries “significant risk”. Campaigners say around 110,000 heat pumps must be installed over the next five years to keep Scotland on track, but argue the government’s plan falls short of that requirement.
The updated climate framework follows a shift away from annual emissions targets to five-year carbon budgets. Ministers say the change aligns Scotland with other UK administrations and allows for yearly fluctuations, such as increased gas demand during colder winters.
According to the government, the plan could generate £42.3 billion in financial benefits and cost savings by 2040.
Key measures include phasing out the need for petrol and diesel cars by 2030, expanding woodland creation to 18,000 hectares each year and accelerating peatland restoration efforts.
The announcement comes as the UK government confirmed that developers in England will be required to install solar panels and heat pumps in all new homes. It also said plug-in solar panels that homeowners can install themselves on balconies will soon be available in supermarkets. These smaller systems are already widely used across Europe but are not currently sold in the UK due to safety regulations.
In Scotland, gas and oil-based heating systems have already been banned in new build homes since two years ago. The New Build Heat Standard requires climate-friendly alternatives, including heat pumps, district heating systems or wood burners.
Climate Action Secretary Gillian Martin described the plan as “a routemap to realising economic and social gains for people across Scotland as part of a fair and just transition.”
“It highlights the potential of growth areas ranging from renewables to heat networks to the circular economy and sets out our commitment to increase investment in areas that will simultaneously decarbonise Scotland and improve our lives,” she said.
Environmental campaigners have urged faster action and called on political parties to clearly outline their climate commitments.
Scottish Greens net zero spokesperson Patrick Harvie said it was “extraordinary” that the government had “made no meaningful change to any actual climate policy, after the draft plan was widely dismissed as lacklustre”.
Scottish Conservative energy spokesman Douglas Lumsden criticised the strategy as “another uncosted SNP plan which will make hard-pressed Scots poorer”.
Scottish Labour’s net zero and energy spokeswoman Sarah Boyack said strong leadership and a focus on delivery would be essential for the next government.
