Scotland’s Energy Minister Fergus Ewing has announced that the country will now join England in benefitting from the renewable heat incentive (RHI). Homeowners will also receive support for the installation of renewable heat technologies such as heat pumps, solar thermal or biomass boilers under the Renewable Heat Premium Payment.

By joining the scheme, Scotland takes a step toward meeting its target to produce 11% of heat from renewables by 2020. Last year the country recorded three times the amount of renewable heat demand than the UK, reaching a total of 3% for 2010.

“Scotland is warming to renewable heating but we need to accelerate the use of green technologies. Small businesses to the largest industrial users of heat will be eligible for the RHI, while individuals will get help to install new equipment that can cut bills and reduce fuel poverty.

“The schemes, due to start in the autumn, will create new jobs in manufacturing, supply and installation, cut emissions and boost the move away from traditional fossil fuels for heat,” said Ewing.