UK launches Renewable Heat Incentive scheme to promote Renewables

The English government has launched the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI). The scheme by the government of UK is to provide fiscal incentives and is aimed at promoting the use of renewable energy in the country. This website describes the scheme as open and has more information for consumers.

Consumers willing to join the scheme will “receive quarterly payments for seven years for the amount of clean, green renewable heat their system produces.”

In order to get the most out of these heating systems, properties should be energy efficient. Therefore, customers must undergo a Green Deal Assessment to ensure proper insulation, etc. before they can take advantage of the incentive program. Tariffs for each technology are as follows:

“This is the first scheme anywhere of its kind in the world,” U.K. Energy Minister Greg Barker said. “Not only will people have warmer homes and cheaper fuel bills, they will reduce their carbon emissions, and will also get cash payments for installing these new technologies.”

The twin scheme renewable promotional programme-The Renewable Heat Incentive covers Domestic and Non-Domestic categories with each having its own separate tariffs, joining conditions, rules and application processes. Consumers can apply for one of the two schemes depending on the criterion.

For domestic consumers, the heating system should heat only a single dwelling unit.  In addition, an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is also needed.  For commercial or public enterprises, the non domestic option will apply.

The domestic RHI will support air-to-water heat pumps, ground and water source heat pumps, biomass-only boilers and biomass pellet stoves with back boilers, and flat plate and evacuated tube solar thermal panels.

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