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HeatSource publish a monthly round up of news, events and activities from across the Clean Heat sector in Scotland, subscribe to make sure you’re among the first to hear about future opportunities, funding and publications relevant to your organisation.
All Energy 2026 - 25 years of the UK's leading renewables and low energy conference
All-Energy remains one of the standout dates in the net zero and clean energy calendar, and this year’s event once again demonstrated the scale of ambition and activity taking place across the sector. With packed plenary sessions, busy breakout rooms and bustling show floor theatres, the conference brought together industry, government and innovators from across the energy ecosystem.
The exhibition floor was as lively as ever, with new additions including a dedicated skills zone featuring Glasgow Science Centre’s on-the-road exhibitions, giving attendees the opportunity to get hands-on with interactive displays and explore future skills pathways in the sector.
Day one opened with contributions from sector leaders including Guy Jefferson and Michael Shanks. Both speakers reinforced the scale and pace of infrastructure investment required to meet decarbonisation targets and strengthen energy security through home-grown generation and manufacturing. A consistent theme throughout was the need for greater collaboration and coordination to maximise opportunities for existing supply chains and secure skilled jobs across the UK.
While these messages were welcome, there was noticeably less focus on heat than many in the sector had hoped for. Beyond references to breaking the link between electricity and gas pricing, there was limited discussion around scaling heat networks or accelerating support for the clean heat transition away from fossil fuels. It was a sentiment echoed in many of the conversations we had with members of the HeatSource network throughout the event.
Those who have been involved with HeatSource from the beginning may remember that the network itself was launched at All-Energy in 2022, when the conference featured a dedicated Heat Decarbonisation theatre. While heat-related content was still present this year across the Built Environment and Community Energy and Future Grid theatres, the appetite for the topic was clear, with several heat network sessions reaching standing room only capacity.
With consultations currently underway on a number of Heat Network Regulations, alongside the highly anticipated publication of the Heat in Buildings Bill, there is a real opportunity for next year’s conference to place a stronger spotlight on clean heat. The level of engagement this year demonstrated that the audience, expertise and momentum are already there.
Heat networks - installation and maintenance licence: consultation
The Scottish Government consultation on the Installation and Maintenance Licence for Heat Networks remains open until 5 June 2026. The consultation forms part of the continued development of Scotland’s heat networks regulatory framework and seeks views on proposals relating to licensing requirements for those installing and maintaining heat network systems.
To support engagement with the consultation, Scottish Government are planning to host an online consultation event on Thursday 28 May from 10:00–11:30am. The session will provide stakeholders with an opportunity to explore the proposals in more detail, discuss potential impacts on the sector and share feedback ahead of the consultation closing date.
Further information, including a registration link, will be shared shortly. In the meantime, interested stakeholders are encouraged to hold the date in their calendars to allow attendance.
Support
Apply for the MCS Certification fund
Installer businesses working towards MCS certification can access financial support through the MCS Certification Fund. The fund helps reduce some of the costs linked to becoming MCS certified and supports businesses taking the next step.
Recent news
The SHiFT research consortium has received a EUR 10 million grant from the EU to develop and test technologies to harness geothermal resources beyond 400 °C.
The program is an ambitious three-year plan with the goal of significantly enhancing the utilisation potential of geothermal fields through deeper and hotter wells, while substantially advancing knowledge in geothermal research.
Scotland’s New Heat Networks Licensing Regime: What You Need To Know
An opt-in licensing regime enabling heat network developers to access statutory rights and powers comparable to gas and electricity providers - including compulsory purchase, wayleave rights, road works powers and land survey rights.
Events
Heat Pump Ready Programme Round 2: innovation funding competition | Launch Webinar - 6th May 2026
The Heat Pump Ready Programme innovation funding competition will support applied research and development projects. The programme supports developing and bringing forward innovative technologies focusing on overcoming the following identified barriers to heat pump uptake
The Future Of Warm, Efficient, Low Carbon Affordable Homes | 21st May - Dakota Eurocentral Hotel
Join Mitsubishi Electric, along with Industry Leading experts, as we help you to understand the latest government policies around sustainable home heating. Take inspiration from successful local projects and understand the opportunities this evolving landscape provides for your existing housing stock and future developments.
CIBSE Scotland Conference 2026 - Heating the Future | 27 May
This year’s conference theme, Heating the Future: Innovation and Collaboration for Heat Networks and Large-Scale Heat Pumps in Scotland, explores how innovation and cross-sector collaboration are driving the transition to low-carbon heat across Scotland.
2nd European Geothermal Energy 2026: Exploration, Drilling & Reservoir Management | 15–16 September 2026
Geothermal energy is playing an increasingly important role in Europe’s energy transition, with growing focus on scaling projects that can deliver long-term, low carbon heat and power.
This two-day conference brings together industry leaders, developers, investors and policymakers to explore the latest approaches to geothermal exploration, drilling and reservoir management. The programme will focus on reducing project risk, improving drilling efficiency, supporting long-term reservoir performance and navigating evolving regulatory and financing frameworks.
HeatSource Champion News
Plymouth City Council has awarded a £3.5bn contract to Vital Energi Utilities to develop and deliver a city-wide heat network.
The concession covers schemes in Plymouth’s South Coast and Derriford areas, which were identified as suitable for low-carbon heat networks through a government zoning pilot.
Potential main customers include the University of Plymouth, Arts University Plymouth, Devon & Cornwall Police, Theatre Royal Plymouth and the National Marine Aquarium.
Full insights from Star Refrigeration’s Industrial Heat Pump Survey
A recent industrial heat pump survey by Star Refrigeration offers a compelling snapshot of how UK manufacturers are currently managing heat, and where the biggest opportunities lie for decarbonisation and efficiency gains.
The findings highlight:
- Only 24% average system utilisation
- Over 50% of heating systems are more than 20 years old
- Many sites still lack reliable data on heat use and system performance
- Cost and carbon reduction are now equal priorities for investment decisions
Scottish Enterprise's green heat newsletter
Receive periodic information on market opportunities relating to green heat, including funding grants, market reports, relevant events, innovation and exports. Sign up here.
Heat Network Support Unit Newsletter
The Heat Network Support Unit (HNSU) supports the growth of heat networks by addressing key challenges in the pre-capital stages of heat network development and building capacity across the public sector to deliver successful projects. Sign up here.
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