A NEW £30 million fund to help businesses and organisations in Scotland develop innovative low-carbon heating infrastructure solutions for buildings is now open for projects to make applications.

The Scottish Low Carbon Heat Funding will provide financial support covering 50% of the total eligible costs of a capital project – including those focused on reducing emissions – up to a maximum of £10m.

The funding is part of a wider Low Carbon Infrastructure Transition Programme which was introduced by the Scottish Government in 2015 in partnership with Scottish Enterprise, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Scottish Futures Trust and sector specialists.

Energy Minister Paul Wheelhouse said: “It’s estimated that Scotland’s homes are responsible for the emission of six million tonnes of harmful carbon dioxide into our atmosphere every year – 15% of all emissions.

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“In order to meet Scotland’s ambitious proposed climate change targets, we estimate that nearly every Scottish home – unless already on a renewable heat supply – will need to have a change to its heating system by 2045, if not before.

“The Scottish Government is already making inroads to that target by committing to ensuring that all new homes use renewable or low-carbon heat by 2024, but we also want to create an environment where existing homes transition to renewable solutions as well. The problem is too big for the government to tackle on its own, so we are tapping into the significant expertise and talent that exists within Scotland.

“We are giving people the means to take the initiative and effect change through deployment of innovative, low-carbon approaches to heating.

“By taking this approach we’re also supporting jobs, building skills, and ultimately creating end products with an environmental and social benefit.”