Government Incentives for Renewable Technologies
Renewable Electricity Feed In Tariffs
The Government has recently announced the actual feed in tariffs that will apply to all renewable electricity generation projects. These tariffs come into effect on April 1st 2010. The numbers are a little more generous than was widely expected by the industry. There are 6 different rates for photo-voltaic installations dependent on size and there are the same number of bands for wind turbine generated electricity. Hydro power, micro CHP and anaerobic digestion are also included in the tariff structure. See electricity tariff details for a full listing of tariffs versus size for renewable electricity projects.
Renewable Heat Incentives
At the begining of February the government published a consultation document regarding its Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI). This incentive will replace other forms of grant for renewable heat generating technologies including biomass boilers, heat pumps and solar thermal, bio gas and bio liquids. Although this scheme is still in consultation it is expected that it will come into force in April 2011 and will provide payments based on estimated renewable energy contribution in much the same way as the feed in tariffs apply to renewable electricity generation. It is thought that changes to the currently proposed incentive levels will be minor between now and final publication. Although the scheme does not come into force until 2011, all MCS accredited installations since July 2009 will be eligible for the scheme and will be treated as if they were completed on the first day the scheme comes into force. This has been promised to ensure that installations continue in the curent year. We have been through the consultation document in some detail and have a number of comments and observations which can be read on our Renewable Heat Incentives page. See Renewable Heat Incentive tariff details for a full listing of tariffs versus size for renewable heat projects.