Scottish Government’s net zero heating plans ‘untested and will cost jobs’, warns union

GMB Scotland has raised serious concerns about plans to ban gas boilers in new homes

Patrick Harvie. Picture: Fraser Bremner - Pool/Getty Images

Ministers’ plans to stop homes being heated by gas are uncosted, untested and will risk jobs, according to the biggest trade union in the energy sector.

GMB Scotland has raised grave concerns about Scottish Government plans to ban gas boilers in new homes and retool energy performance certificates to downgrade homes with gas heating as part of the drive to net zero.

The union, with members across the oil, gas and nuclear industries, has now written to Patrick Harvie, the zero carbon buildings minister, asking for urgent talks and warning his plans are rushed and unrealistic.

The GMB accused the government of needlessly risking jobs in oil and gas, undermining Scotland’s energy security and risking huge bills for households.

Mr Harvie said switching to low-carbon heating is essential for meeting climate targets and has the potential to cut costs in the long run. He said Scotland has the most generous grants available to households that want to switch to climate-friendly heating systems of all the UK nations.

The Scottish Government said the Home Energy Scotland Grant and Loan Scheme provides grants of up to £7,500 for domestic owner occupiers to install both heat and energy efficiency measures, and as much again in loan funding, plus a rural uplift for eligible properties.

However, Claire Greer, GMB Scotland organiser in energy, raised concerns the cost of installing heat pumps, for example, will be prohibitive for most households and, even with grants, will force many into debt. Meanwhile, the union warned the cost of new homes could also be driven upwards if gas heating is banned in new-builds next year.

Greer said: “Heat pumps and other new technology will run on electricity which is more expensive than gas and, so far, ministers cannot explain how energy needs will be met by electricity alone. The economic, social and strategic importance of gas cannot be understated and demands policy-making that is properly planned, tested and costed.”

Instead of spending billions of pounds removing gas networks, Greer said, ministers should increase investment in new hydrogen technologies provided through the existing network, adapted using the expertise of gas engineers.

She said: “The road to net zero simply cannot be paved with the livelihoods of tens of thousands of gas workers when a viable alternative exists. We hear a lot about the supposed ‘just transition’ but there is nothing just about the impact on workers in the energy sector and there is nothing just about households forced to endure unnecessary costs and higher bills.”

The Scottish Government wants all residential homes to meet band C requirements in energy performance certificate standards by 2033. A consultation has been launched on reforming EPC ratings but under current legislation, gas boilers will be banned from new buildings from April.

Mr Harvie said: “Switching to low-carbon heating is essential to meet our legal climate targets supported by all parties and has the potential to cut costs for all of us in the long run, and make us less dependent on volatile and increasingly expensive fossil fuels. Polling suggests that the majority of people in Scotland want to see that change happen.

“Heat pumps are a proven heating technology which have been around for decades and are used in countries across Europe. Of all of the UK nations, Scotland has the most generous grants available to households that want to switch to climate-friendly heating systems.

"We estimate that 16,400 jobs will be supported across the economy in 2030 as a result of investment in the deployment of zero emissions heat, with further jobs supported through retrofit energy efficiency works.

“We published our Heat In Buildings Strategy almost two years ago and, later this summer we will consult on proposals that might be included in a Heat in Buildings Bill and aim to set out further details of any planned new regulations. We want to hear from as many people as possible, across all areas of Scotland, on ways to help us ensure that we design the right protections and exemptions from the start – making sure the transition is just, fair and effective.”