Housing and industry groups have warned Scottish First Minister John Swinney against promoting hydrogen boilers to heat homes.

Swinney has hailed hydrogen as an “exciting opportunity” for domestic heating ahead of the Government’s publication of its Heat in Buildings Bill which is expected to promote green alternatives such as heat pumps in Scotland.

However, the Plumbing and Heating Federation, which represents businesses across Scotland and Northern Ireland, believes the Government should prioritise heat pumps and building upgrades instead.

Scott Sanford, technical and skills manager at the federation, warns that hydrogen is “neither cost-effective nor efficient” for domestic heating.

He explains that producing green hydrogen typically requires more renewable energy than heat pumps.

“Instead of diverting resources into speculative hydrogen heating schemes, we should focus on proven, readily deployable options like heat pumps, heat networks, and building upgrades,” Sanford added.

“Homeowners, landlords and businesses need clarity and confidence about which technologies are truly safe, affordable, and effective as we transition to low-carbon heating.”

The Existing Homes Alliance has also pointed to research that shows hydrogen “makes no sense for domestic heating”.

The UK government’s independent climate advisers - the Climate Change Committee - recently warned that while the annual rate of heat pump installations needs to hit 1.5 million by 2035, it sees “no role” for hydrogen in heating buildings, including homes.

By the end of 2028, it is proposed that all privately rented homes in Scotland will need a minimum EPC band C rating, with the Government pushing to ban new gas boilers in all properties as it aims to hit net zero by 2045.

Households can apply for up to two home renewable systems per property worth up to £17,500 in total, with £10,000 available for heat pumps.