‘The Heat Networks (Scotland) Act 2021’ provides a legal framework for the establishment of a regulatory system for heat networks in Scotland. The Act is intended to encourage greater deployment of heat networks in Scotland, in the context of ambitious emissions reduction and fuel poverty targets. Further detail on the importance of heat networks and heat network zoning can be found in the ‘Heat Networks Delivery Plan’ and wider ‘Heat in Buildings Strategy’.

Within the Act, each local authority is required to carry out a review to consider whether one or more areas in its area is likely to be particularly suitable for the construction and operation of a heat network . Following this review by a local authority, a further requirement of the Act is to make a decision on whether either the local authority itself or the Scottish Ministers should proceed to consider designation of areas as Heat Network Zones.

Further detail on heat network zones can be found in Section 1.2 of this document. After each review, the local authority must publish a statement in relation to each area considered which provides a rationale for decisions made regarding particular suitability. Each area considered likely to be particularly suitable must be identified the area by reference to a map and the statement must justify the route chosen for consideration for designation.

For each area progressed for consideration for designation by a local authority, consultation is required, as is subsequent publication of a decision on whether to designate or not.