Held on the Parliament’s doorstep, the event attracted representatives from five political parties, including Net Zero, Energy and Climate spokespersons and members of the Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee and the Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee. With the refreshed Heat in Buildings Bill and Draft Climate Change Plan on the horizon, the timing was strategic.
Attendees saw both air-to-water and ground source heat pumps operating live, while industry experts were on hand to answer technical questions and dispel common myths. Olivia Smalley, Head of Policy and Communications at the HPA, said the event was “a brilliant opportunity to showcase heat pumps directly to MSPs,” adding that it helped “highlight the urgent need for policy certainty” and demonstrated the sector’s readiness to scale up deployment.
Mitsubishi Electric’s Achilleas Georgiou emphasised the importance of direct engagement: “It’s vital that policymakers can see for themselves how proven, efficient, low-carbon technologies like heat pumps can help decarbonise Scotland’s homes.” He reiterated the manufacturer’s commitment to supporting the Heat in Buildings Bill and helping households and businesses transition to cleaner heating.
Nesta Scotland’s Robin Parker noted that thousands of heat pumps have already been installed across Scotland, but that many politicians may not be familiar with their performance. “Most heat pump owners are happy with the technology,” he said. “The job now for our politicians is to put in place the policies that will mean many more people can put Scotland’s abundant renewable electricity to use heating their homes.”
Cormac Wright of NIBE echoed the call for confidence and collaboration: “Scotland has a unique opportunity to lead the way on low-carbon heating. Events like this are vital for building trust among policymakers and the public.”
Garry Felgate, Chief Executive of The MCS Foundation, pointed to Scotland’s leadership in heat pump uptake but warned that progress must accelerate. “We need an ambitious Heat in Buildings Bill to deliver that by setting out a clear path to phase out fossil fuel heating from 2035.”
The HPA’s full policy recommendations for the Scottish Government, including regulatory reform, financial incentives, and workforce development, can be found in its Scotland Policy document.