Scotland's Heat Network Fund: application guidance
Information on the Heat Network Fund, including eligibility and how to apply.
After you apply
Application process
The application process can take up to 3 months to complete, subject to required information being provided by the applicant.
Your completed application will be assessed by a panel consisting of Scottish Government officials with technical and financial experts. Projects submitting applications will be assessed against the eligibility criteria and budget availability.
If the panel decide that the application does not meet the SHNF’s eligibility requirements and mandatory criteria, feedback will be provided on the reasons for this. Scottish Government officials will offer a dialogue with project leads to assist development of the project towards a position where SHNF grant can be offered.
If the application passes the panel, it may be subject to due diligence checks undertaken by our due diligence contractor to ensure information provided is accurate and robust. The findings of the due diligence process may require further evidence to be provided or can result in a decision not to offer grant funding unless the project’s circumstances change.
Scoring
The applications will be scored by a panel based on the answers within the application form and supporting evidence which shows that the project will meet the SHNF’s mandatory criteria. The scoring system is:
|
Quality of evidence provided |
Scoring methodology for quality criteria |
|
0 Unacceptable |
Response is inadequate. The response failed to demonstrate an ability to meet the requirement. |
|
1 Poor |
Response is generally poor. The response addresses some elements of the requirement but contains insufficient/limited detail or explanation to demonstrate how the requirement will be fulfilled. |
|
2 Acceptable |
Response is relevant and acceptable. The response addresses a broad understanding of the requirement but may lack detail on how the response will be fulfilled in certain areas. |
|
3 Good |
Response is relevant and good. The response is sufficiently detailed to demonstrate a good understanding and provides details on how the requirements will be fulfilled. The proposal may require further development but is considered credible in all areas. |
|
4 Excellent |
Response is completely relevant and excellent overall. The response is comprehensive, unambiguous and demonstrates a thorough understanding of the requirement and provides details of how the requirement will be met in full. |
SHNF’s key aim is to contribute to the long-term target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2045. Therefore, the question requesting evidence of the potential of the project to contribute to the anticipated reduction of greenhouse gas must score a minimum of 3, or Satisfactory, against these criteria.
Achieving a particular score does not automatically constitute a formal offer of support and should not be regarded as such. Any offer will be subject to the conclusion of formal legal missives. Scottish Ministers reserve the right not to award any support at all under this programme.
Changes in circumstances
Any changes in circumstances, which would affect your project’s eligibility to apply to be supported through SHNF, must be reported to the SHNF Team immediately. Failure to do so may lead to the application being rendered invalid and support to be withdrawn.
Contact
Email: HeatNetworkFund@gov.scot
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