Scots have invented a heated wallpaper to replace gas boilers

© Shutterstock/Olya Detry

Faced with the climate challenge and the need to reduce carbon emissions, Scotland is testing an innovative solution with an electric wallpaper capable of heating homes. This technology could revolutionise domestic heating in a country where 84% of homes still rely on gas.

Scottish innovation that could transform our homes

On the streets of Glasgow, twelve flats are currently taking part in a unique experiment. Their ceilings are covered in a revolutionary wallpaper that diffuses infrared heat in just three minutes after being switched 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, often with poor insulation. These buildings lose three times more heat than their more recent European counterparts. This, combined with the country’s geographical position (closer to the Arctic than most European nations), means that it consumes considerable energy for heating.

A simple but effective technology

© Pexels Urlapovaanna

The principle of this innovative wallpaper is based on the use of copper strips and graphene. Powered by electricity, it emits infrared radiation that effectively heats the living space. The major advantage lies in its compatibility with renewable energies, as the necessary electricity can come from the numerous offshore wind farms in the North Sea.

This innovation comes at an opportune time for Scotland, which has set itself an ambitious target of carbon neutrality 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 the combustion fumes characteristic of traditional systems.

A promising deployment in Glasgow

The city of Glasgow has around 70,000 apartments in blocks of flats, making it an ideal testing ground for this new technology. Initial feedback from residents equipped with the technology is encouraging. IoT sensors and analytics based on artificial intelligence enable precise monitoring of system efficiency. This initiative is part of a broader programme 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 in your home ?

• Scotland is testing electric heated wallpaper to replace gas boilers
• The technology uses strips of copper and graphene to emit infrared heat
• The first tests on 12 flats in Glasgow show promising results for reaching the target of carbon neutrality by 2045

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