Faced with the climate challenge and the need to reduce carbon emissions, Scotland is testing an innovative solution with electric wallpaper capable of heating homes. This technology could revolutionize domestic heating in a country where 84% of homes still rely on gas.
Scottish innovation that could transform our interiors
On the streets of Glasgow, twelve apartments are currently taking part in a unique experience. Their ceilings are covered witha revolutionary wallpaper that radiates infrared heat in just three minutes after switching on. This technology, developed by Scottish researchers in collaboration with Glasgow City Council and the West of Scotland Housing Association, represents a promising alternative to traditional and polluting gas boilers.
An urgent need for solutions for energy-intensive buildings
Scotland faces a particular challenge. The country is home to some of the oldest buildings in Europe, whose insulation often leaves something to be desired. These buildings lose three times more heat than their newer European counterparts. This situation combined with the country’s geographical position (closer to the Arctic than most European nations) results in considerable energy consumption for heating.
A simple, but effective technology
The principle of this innovative wallpaper is based on the use of copper and graphene strips. Powered by electricity, it emits infrared radiation which effectively heats the living space. The major advantage lies in its compatibility with renewable energies, the necessary electricity being able to come from the numerous offshore wind farms in the North Sea.
This innovation comes at a good time for Scotland, which has set an ambitious target to be carbon neutral by 2045. Domestic heating currently accounts for 36% of the country’s annual carbon emissions. In addition to reducing the carbon footprint, this technology improves indoor air quality by eliminating combustion fumes characteristic of traditional systems.
A promising deployment in Glasgow
The city of Glasgow has around 70,000 apartment buildings, constituting an ideal testing ground for this new technology. The first feedback from equipped residents is encouraging. IoT sensors and analytics based on artificial intelligence allow you to precisely monitor the effectiveness of the system. This initiative is part of a broader program led by Scotland Beyond Net Zero, a coalition of climate and sustainable development experts from different Scottish universities. Would you be willing to use such a device at home?
- Scotland trials electric heating wallpaper to replace gas boilers
- This technology uses strips of copper and graphene to emit infrared heat
- First tests on 12 apartments in Glasgow show promising results to reach carbon neutrality target in 2045
