Scottish Government to offer loans for eco-friendly home improvements

By SCOTT MACNAB
Published on 22/06/2012 14:11

Scots are being offered Government loans to install new green energy heating system in their homes, it was announced today.

Energy minister Fergus Ewing said an extra 5 million pounds will be available as loans of up to £10,000 for renewable heat technology projects such as biomass boilers and heat pumps in their own homes.

“The Scottish Government has the most ambitious renewable energy targets in the world, but the growth of microgeneration is not simply about meeting targets,” Mr Ewing said.

“This work can help contribute to Scotland’s transition to a low carbon economy, it can support jobs in Scotland and create new ones, and it can help energy efficiency, reducing bills and taking more households out of fuel poverty.

It is part of a national drive, launched today Mr Ewing, which aims to encourage people to install “microgeneration” technologies own homes, businesses and schools.

The Government wants to make it easier for people to get the loans on offer, make the planning and regulation system simpler and ensure there are enough people with the skills to install the equipment.