Scotland offers £3.3 million for biomass heating

Scottish businesses have until 4 September to apply for funding assistance under the Scottish Government’s Biomass Heat Scheme.

A total of £3.3 million in European funding has been allocated to help Scottish businesses install biomass heating systems and district heating systems.

“Almost half of the energy used in Scotland goes towards heating and hot water,” said Energy Minister Jim Mather. “Scotland must lead the fight against climate change and our ambition is to become the green energy capital of Europe. To do that, we need to build a viable renewable heat sector.”

Mather added, “We have the forestry resource and the skills and there is a huge opportunity for Scottish business to use more biomass heating, especially in areas not connected to the gas grid. Business can reduce emissions and potentially cut costs, while creating new green jobs and supporting rural economies. The use of more wood fuel will help build a more sustainable economy and contribute to a low-carbon Scotland.”

In total, projects funded so far will install approximately 7 megawatts of renewable heat energy.

The Scottish Biomass Heat Scheme is managed in partnership between Scottish Government and Forestry Commission Scotland. The scheme is targeted at businesses, specifically small and medium-sized enterprises. The scheme will also encourage the development of district heating demonstrators from private developers.

The maximum grant available is £100,000, although additional support for district heating projects may be considered on a case-by-case basis.