RHI re-opens with revised tariffs

Published: January 2012

As expected, the Renewable Heat Incentive for large biomass installations was sharply reduced when the scheme opened to applicants after a delay to resolve its compatibility with EU state-aid rules. The new rate for large biomass of 1 MWh and above is 1 p/kWh, compared with 2.6 p/kWh previously. There was an increase in the rate for smaller commercial biomass of less than 1 MW and also for small and large ground-source commercial heat pumps.

Commenting on the reduced rate for large commercial biomass, Adrian Walker, managing director of Hoval, said, ‘Looking on the positive side of this development, I believe it will encourage selection and specification of biomass on sound engineering grounds so that this technology is used to its full potential in conjunction with other energy-efficient heating technologies. Ultimately, this will result in more balanced systems that deliver a better solution for the end client and the environment.’

Commercial ground-source heat pumps below 100 kW saw their rate increased from 4.3 to 4.5 p/kWh. The rate for larger commercial ground-source heat pumps has risen from 3 to 3.2 p/kWh.

Small biomass less than 200 kW now receives 7.9 p/kWh for the first 1314 h of their rated output, up from 7.6 p/kWh and 2 p/kWh after that (up from 1.9 p/kWh).

Medium biomass up to 1 MW now receives 4.9 p/kWh for the first 1314 h, up from 4.7 p/kWh, and 2 p/kWh after that, up from 1.9 p/kWh.

The rate for solar thermal up to 200 kW remains at 8.5 p/kWh.

The tariff duration remains at 20 years.