Labour MSPs Sarah Boyack and Ken MacIntosh visited Star Renewable Energy’s premises in Glasgow on 20 November, following the shipping of its innovative Neatpump, from Glasgow to E.ON’s community energy centre in Cranbrook.

The renewable heat technology will allow renewable heating and hot water to be delivered to 300 new homes through a network of super-insulated underground pipes and will eventually deliver the harvested heat to 3,500 new homes and 1.4 million square feet of industrial space.

The large scale heat pump was shipped from Star’s factory in Thornliebank Industrial Estate. The zero carbon ammonia technology works by collecting cold water from rivers and streams and harvesting sunshine to heat homes in a sustainable way.

Scottish Labour MSP Sarah Boyack said, 'Star Energy’s innovative heat pump technology is a prime example of world leading Scottish engineering which can deliver safe, clean renewable heat. This will help to let us end our dependency on fossil fuels and tackle climate change. 

“Heating our homes makes up 55% of Scotland’s energy consumption and accounts for 50% of our carbon emissions.  At the moment only 3.8% of heat comes from renewables so Star has to be congratulated in playing its part to make this huge stride forward in Cranbrook.

“Scotland’s cities are built on rivers so we’re well placed to deploy ambitious, effective local heat networks throughout our communities. Our local authorities and the Scottish Government must exploit this home grown technology if we are going to succeed in decarbonising our economy, reducing fuel poverty, and creating new jobs.”