What?
Heat Network Scotland (HNS) is a new membership-based organisation bringing together industry, academia, communities, and government to support the development of heat networks and explore their role in delivering a clean, affordable, just, and resilient Scottish energy system.

Why?
Heat networks are among the most cost-effective ways to deliver affordable, low-carbon heat in densely populated areas, including cities and towns, as well as large rural settlements. They offer a range of additional benefits, including the ability to use residual/waste heat and renewable heat sources, provide electric grid balancing services, enhance security of supply, and support economic growth and local job creation. In Scotland, heat networks are expected to play a central role in building decarbonisation, supplying around 7TWh (9%) [1] of national heat demand by 2035 [2] , with coverage potentially reaching 67% in some urban areas [3] .

However, despite the strategic importance of heat decarbonisation and the essential role heat networks are bound to play, the sector is at a critical juncture. There is no single place to fully engage and discuss the challenges and opportunities presented by heat networks. The coordination is currently fragmented, with stakeholders operating in silos and relying on primarilyLondon-based organisations that focus primarily on UK policies, not taking into account specific Scottish circumstances.

Scotland needs a trusted, coordinated space where the sector can connect, collaborate, engage with key stakeholders, and share best practice. HNS can fill the current void, support the sector’s voice, and accelerate the progress towards a resilient, fair, and Net-Zero energy system.

HNS Aims
● Be a Home: Build a strong, collaborative heat-network community. Promote best practice and provide a knowledge platform, cross-sector networking, support skills development, and facilitate joined-up actions.
● Be a Voice: Publish evidence for policy advocacy, disseminate market updates and support a strategy that brings clarity, vision, and long term security for HN development.

What makes HNS unique?
● Specifically focuses on heat network technology
● Led by a broad membership base which includes academics, industry, local authorities, and communities
● Focus on Scottish policy context, specific Scottish renewable energy landscape, or housing archetypes
● Sustainable long term funding model based on membership fees, events, and in-kind contribution from members

Why and When to join?
HNS has opened a window of opportunity between November 2025 and March 2026 for organisations to join as Founding Members.
Founding membership is open to industry, local authorities, academic, or third sector organisations.
Founding membership provides many benefits, including:
● One-off opportunity to become a founding member of an important, strategic organisation
● Recognition as a strategic partner in developing and shaping the Scottish heat network sector
● Sponsorship of the launch event included
● Visibility across all events, activities, and communication materials
● Seat on the steering board with the ability to shape the agenda and guide future activities.

Where?
HNS is an independent, not-for-profit organisation hosted at Edinburgh Futures Institute, Lauriston Place (EH3 9EF)

What next?
HNS is in its pre-launch phase. If your organisation is interested in joining Heat Network Scotland, taking an advisory role, or becoming a Member/Founding Member, please contact:
Antoine Reguis (PhD, MBA): a.reguis@napier.ac.uk

[1] Heat Networks (Scotland) Act 2021
[2] from 0.8% in 2022
[3] Strategic Heat Network Analysis for Edinburgh (Turner & Townsend and WSP Report, July 2025)