The Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme Regulations 2018

Statutory Instruments

2018 No. 611

Energy

The Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme Regulations 2018

Made

21st May 2018

Coming into force in accordance with regulation 1

The Secretary of State, in exercise of the powers conferred by sections 100 and 104(2) of the Energy Act 2008 M1 , makes the following Regulations.

In accordance with section 105(3) M2 of that Act, a draft of this instrument was laid before Parliament and approved by a resolution of each House of Parliament.

In accordance with section 100(7) of that Act, the Secretary of State has obtained the consent of the Scottish Ministers to the making of these Regulations.

Marginal Citations

M1 2008 c.32. Section 100 was amended by section 51 of the Infrastructure Act 2015 (c.7) and by S.I. 2011/2195.

M2 Section 105 (Parliamentary control of subordinate legislation) was amended by section 51 of the Infrastructure Act 2015 which inserted subsections (3A) to (3I) concerning provisions which require the affirmative resolution procedure.

PART 1 E+W+S Introductory provisions

Citation and commencement E+W+S

1.—(1) These Regulations may be cited as the Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme Regulations 2018 and come into force on the day after the day on which they are made.

Interpretation E+W+S

2.—(1) In these Regulations—

“accreditation” means accreditation of an eligible installation by the Authority M3 following an application under regulation 30;

“accredited RHI installation” means an eligible installation which has been given accreditation;

“additional biomethane” has the meaning given in regulation 77;

“additional RHI capacity” has the meaning given in regulation 76;

“air source heat pump” means a plant which generates heat by absorbing energy stored in the form of heat in the ambient air;

“anaerobic digestion” means the bacterial fermentation of biomass in the absence of oxygen;

“applicant” means a person who makes an application for accreditation, an application for registration, or an application for a tariff guarantee;

“approved sustainable fuel” means solid biomass which is listed under a scheme approved by the Secretary of State in accordance with regulation 51;

“biogas production plant” means a plant which produces biogas by anaerobic digestion, gasification or pyrolysis;

“building” means any permanent or long-lasting building or structure of whatever kind and whether fixed or moveable which, except for doors and windows, is wholly enclosed on all sides with a roof or ceiling and walls;

“certified installer” means a person who is certified by the Microgeneration Certification Scheme M4 or a scheme which is—

(a)

equivalent to that scheme; and

(b)

under which installers are certified to that scheme's standards by a certification body or organisation accredited to F1 ... EN ISO/IEC 17065:2012 M5 [F2 or a subsequent version of that standard];

“CHP system” means a system which generates power and is (or may be) operated for purposes including the supply to any premises (using liquid or steam) of heat produced in association with that power;

“CHPQA” means, except in regulation 27, the Combined Heat and Power Quality Assurance Standard, Issue 6, October 2016 M6 [F3 or a subsequent version of that standard, whichever was relevant at the time of certification];

“class 2 heat meter” means a heat meter which—

(a)

complies with the relevant requirements set out in Annex I to the Measuring Instruments Directive;

(b)

complies with the specific requirements listed in Annex VI (Thermal energy meters (MI-004)) to that Directive; and

(c)

falls within accuracy class 2 as defined in Annex VI (Thermal energy meters (MI-004)) to that Directive;

“coefficient of performance” means the ratio of the amount of heating or cooling in kilowatts provided by a heat pump to the kilowatts of power consumed by the heat pump;

“combustion unit” means—

(a)

a boiler which uses solid biomass, or solid biomass contained in waste, as fuel; or

(b)

a boiler, turbine or engine which uses biogas as fuel;

“commissioned”, in relation to an eligible installation [F4 or equipment used to produce biomethane for injection], means the completion of such procedures and tests as constitute, at the time they are undertaken, the usual industry standards and practices for commissioning that type of eligible installation [F5 or equipment used to produce biomethane for injection] in order to demonstrate that it is capable of operating and delivering heat to the premises or process for which it was installed [F6 , or producing biomethane for injection];

“connected person”, in relation to an applicant or a participant, means any person connected to them within the meaning of section 1122 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010 M7 ;

“connection agreement” means an agreement between a person who proposes to inject biomethane into a pipe-line system and the operator of the pipe-line system which provides for the design and construction of a connection whereby the biomethane may be injected into the pipe-line system;

“consumer prices index” means—

(a)

the consumer prices index calculated and published by the Office for National Statistics; or

(b)

where the index is not published for a year, any substituted index or figures published by that Office;

“current information” means information which is no more than five working days out of date;

[F7 “date of accreditation” means in relation to an accredited RHI installation which is—

(a)

not a replacement plant, the later of—

(i)

the first day which falls on or after the date of receipt by the Authority of the application for accreditation on which, in the Authority’s opinion, both—

(aa)

the application was properly made, and

(bb)

the plant met the eligibility criteria; and

(ii)

the day on which the plant was first commissioned; or

(b)

a replacement plant, the date of accreditation of the original plant;]

“date of registration”, in relation to a producer of biomethane for injection, means the first day which falls on or after the date of receipt by the Authority of the application for registration on which the application was, in the Authority's opinion, properly made;

“deep geothermal”, in relation to energy, means naturally occurring energy located and extracted from at least 500 metres beneath the surface of solid earth, and a “deep geothermal plant” means a plant which generates heat using such energy;

“design heat load”, in relation to ground source heat pumps that are capable of heating and cooling, means the heat flow required to achieve the planned heating requirements for that plant;

“domestic premises” means single, self-contained premises used wholly or mainly as a private residential dwelling where the fabric of the building has not been significantly adapted for non-residential use;

“eligibility criteria” has the meaning given in regulation 4;

“eligible biomethane” has the meaning given in regulation 73;

“eligible installation” means a plant which meets the eligibility criteria;

[F8 “eligible purpose”—

(a)

where the installation capacity of an accredited RHI installation is modified under regulation 52A by the addition of one or more ground source heat pumps, in relation to that additional ground source heat pump or pumps, means either of the following purposes—

(i)

heating a space;

(ii)

heating water;

(b)

otherwise, means a purpose specified in regulation 3(2);]

“energy content” means the energy contained within a substance (whether measured by a calorimeter or determined in some other way) expressed in terms of the substance's gross calorific value within the meaning of BS 7420:1991 (Guide for the determination of calorific values of solid, liquid and gaseous fuels (including definitions)) M8 ;

“energy crop” means—

(a)

a perennial crop planted at high density, the stems of which are harvested above ground level at intervals of less than 20 years and which is one of the following—

(i)

Acer pseudoplatanus (also known as sycamore);

(ii)

Alnus (also known as alder);

(iii)

Betula (also known as birch);

(iv)

Castanea sativa (also known as sweet chestnut);

(v)

Corylus avellana (also known as hazel);

(vi)

Fraxinus excelsior (also known as ash);

(vii)

Populus (also known as poplar);

(viii)

Salix (also known as willow);

(ix)

Tilia cordata (also known as small-leaved lime); or

(b)

a perennial crop which is one of the following—

(i)

Arundo donax (also known as giant reed);

(ii)

Bambuseae, where the crop was planted after 31st December 1989 and is grown primarily for the purpose of being used as fuel;

(iii)

Miscanthus;

(iv)

Panicum;

(v)

Pennisetum, other than Pennisetum setaceum (also known as fountain grass), Pennisetum clandestinum (also known as kikuyu grass) and Pennisetum villosum (also known as feathertop grass);

(vi)

Phalaris;

“environmental permit” means a permit issued in accordance with the provisions of the Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016 M9 or the Pollution Prevention and Control (Scotland) Regulations 2012 M10 ;

“environmental quality assurance scheme” means a voluntary scheme which establishes environmental or social standards in relation to the production of biomass or matter from which biomass is derived;

“EPC” means an energy performance certificate within the meaning given—

(a)

in relation to a property in England and Wales, by regulation 2(1) of the Energy Performance of Buildings (England and Wales) Regulations 2012 M11 ;

(b)

in relation to a property in Scotland, by regulation 2(1) of the Energy Performance of Buildings (Scotland) Regulations 2008 M12 ;

[F9 “extension application” has the meaning given in regulation 3B(3);]

“GWh” means gigawatt hours;

“gasification” means the substoichiometric oxidation or steam reformation of a substance to produce a gaseous mixture containing two or all of the following: carbon, methane or oxides of carbon;

“gas transporter” means the holder of a licence granted under section 7 of the Gas Act 1986 M13 ;

“ground loop”, in relation to a shared ground loop system, means the equipment which absorbs energy stored in the form of heat in the ground, including heat in water in the ground, or in surface water;

“ground source heat pump” means—

(a)

in the case of a shared ground loop system, the piece of equipment installed in each premises which generates heat in those premises using the heat energy provided by the ground loop;

(b)

in all other cases, a plant which generates heat by absorbing energy stored in the form of heat in the ground, including water in the ground, or in surface water, but does not include a plant which is a deep geothermal plant;

“guaranteed tariff” has the meaning given in regulation 35(9);

“heat loss calculation” means a calculation of heat lost which is carried out in accordance with the guidance issued by the Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineers and contained in CIBSE Guide C: Reference Data (2007 edition) M14 ;

“heat meter” has the same meaning as that given to “thermal energy meter” in Annex VI (Thermal energy meters (MI-004)) to the Measuring Instruments Directive;

“initial tariff” means the tariff calculated in accordance with regulation 60;

“injection” means the introduction of gas into a pipe-line system operated by a gas transporter;

“installation capacity”—

(a)

in the case of a CHP system to which regulation 12(2)(b) or 13 applies, means the capacity determined by the formula—

where—

i

X is the total installed peak heat output capacity of all the combustion units to which regulation 12(2)(b) or 13 applies which use the same source of energy;

ii

Y is the total installed peak heat output capacity of all the combustion units forming part of the CHP system; and

iii

P is the total installed peak heat output capacity of the CHP system;

(b)

in the case of a shared ground loop system, means the sum of the total installed peak heat output capacities of each of the ground source heat pumps which form part of the shared ground loop system;

(c)

for any other plant, means the total installed peak heat output capacity of the plant;

“kWh” means kilowatt hours;

“kWhth” means kilowatt hours thermal;

“kWth” means kilowatt thermal;

“large installation” means—

(a)

a plant which generates heat from biogas with an installation capacity of 600kWth or above;

(b)

a plant which generates heat using geothermal sources;

(c)

a plant which is, or forms part of, a new solid biomass CHP system;

(d)

any other plant which has an installation capacity of at least 1MWth;

[F10 “local and national laws” means laws applying in the locality in which the site is situated, whether made at a local or national level;]

“maximum additional capacity” has the meaning given in regulation 77;

“maximum initial capacity” means the maximum volume of biomethane, expressed in cubic metres per quarterly period which a participant is entitled to supply for injection under the network entry agreement applicable to the biomethane in relation to which an application for registration under regulation 32 is made;

“Measuring Instruments Directive” means Directive 2014/32/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 February 2014 on the harmonisation of the laws of the Member States relating to the making available on the market of measuring instruments (recast) M15 ;

“MWth” means megawatt thermal;

“net heat input” means the rate of heat (expressed as the amount of heat over time) which is supplied to the plant by the fuel used, based on the net calorific value of that fuel;

“network entry agreement” means an agreement between a person who injects biomethane and a gas transporter under which the person who injects biomethane is entitled to inject biomethane into the pipe-line system operated by that gas transporter;

“new solid biomass CHP system” means a CHP system which meets the requirements in regulation 13;

“new-build property” means a property which is supplied with heat by a plant in respect of which an application for accreditation has been made, and which was first occupied on or after the date on which the plant was first commissioned;

“NOₓ” means oxides of nitrogen;

“ongoing obligations” means the obligations specified in Part 4 and regulations 48 to 50;

“original biomethane” means biomethane which is produced by a relevant producer (within the meaning given in regulation 56) and which falls within that producer's maximum initial capacity;

[F11 “original plant” means an accredited RHI installation which is replaced by a replacement plant;]

“participant” means—

(a)

the owner of an accredited RHI installation or, where there is more than one such owner, the owner with authority to act on behalf of all owners in accordance with regulation 30(3); or

(b)

a producer of biomethane for injection [F12 whose name appears on the central register referred to in regulation 32(10)(b)];

“periodic support payments” has the meaning given in regulation 3;

“pipe-line system” has the same meaning as in section 5(10) of the Gas Act 1986 M16 ;

“PM” means particulate matter;

“process” means any process other than the generation of electricity;

“properly insulated” means—

(a)

in respect of piping which is situated below the ground, insulated in accordance with—

(i)

BS EN 253 (2009) M17 ;

(ii)

BS EN 15632:2 and 3 (2010) and 15632:4 (2009) M18 ; or

(iii)

BS EN 15698:1 (2009) M19 ;

(b)

in respect of piping which is situated above the ground, insulated so that the relevant maximum permissible heat losses set out in BS 5422:2009 M20 are not exceeded;

“properly made”, in relation to an application, means—

(a)

in the case of an application made under regulation 30, an application which provides the information required by regulation 30(2) and (3);

(b)

in the case of an application made under regulation 32, an application which provides the information required by regulation 32(2) and (4); and

(c)

in the case of an application made under regulation 35, an application which provides the information required by regulation 35(4) or (5);

“pyrolysis” means the thermal degradation of a substance in the absence of an oxidising agent (other than that which forms part of the substance itself) to produce char and one or both of gas and liquid;

“quarterly period” means the first, second, third or fourth quarter of any year commencing with, or with the anniversary of—

(a)

in relation to an accredited RHI installation, the tariff start date for that installation;

(b)

in relation to a producer of biomethane for injection who is registered in relation to any original biomethane or additional biomethane, the tariff start date for the original biomethane;

“relevant tariff” means the tariff applicable to the source of energy and technology and installation capacity of an accredited RHI installation, or to the production of biomethane;

[F13 “replacement plant” means a plant which is installed in place of an original plant and uses the same source of energy and technology as the original plant;]

“retail prices index” means—

(a)

the general index of retail prices (for all items) published by the Office for National Statistics; or

(b)

where the index is not published for a year, any substituted index or figures published by that Office;

“RHI emission certificate” means a document which meets the requirements in regulation 6;

“the Scheme” has the meaning given in regulation 3(1);

[F14 “Scheme closure” has the meaning given in regulation 3A(1);]

“seasonal performance factor”, in relation to an air source heat pump or a ground source heat pump, means the ratio of its heat output to electricity input expressed as an average over a year;

“shared ground loop system” means a system in which a ground loop provides heat energy through a hydraulic connection to two or more ground source heat pumps installed in separate or the same premises, provided that not more than one ground source heat pump is installed in a single domestic premises;

“solar collector” means a liquid filled flat plate or evacuated tube solar collector;

“steam measuring equipment” means all the equipment needed to measure to the Authority's satisfaction the mass flow rate and energy of steam, including at least the following components—

(a)

a flow meter;

(b)

a pressure sensor;

(c)

a temperature sensor; and

(d)

a digital integrator or calculator able to determine the cumulative energy in megawatt hours thermal which has passed a specific point;

“subsequent tariff” means the tariff calculated in accordance with regulation 62;

[F15 “subsequent version”, in relation to a standard, means an issue or version of that standard approved by the Secretary of State under regulation 2A;]

“tariff” means the payment rate per kWhth in respect of an accredited RHI installation and per kWh in respect of biomethane injection;

“tariff end date” means the last day of the tariff lifetime;

“tariff guarantee” means a guarantee granted in accordance with regulation 35(7);

“tariff lifetime”—

(a)

in relation to an accredited RHI installation, means the period for which periodic support payments are payable for that installation; or

(b)

in relation to a participant who is a producer of biomethane for injection, means the period for which that person is eligible to receive periodic support payments;

“tariff period” means a three month period commencing with 1st January, 1st April, 1st July or 1st October in any year;

“tariff start date”—

(a)

in relation to an accredited RHI installation, means the date of accreditation of that installation;

(b)

in relation to original biomethane in respect of which a producer of biomethane is registered, means the date of registration for that biomethane;

(c)

in relation to additional biomethane in respect of which a producer of biomethane is registered, means the date of registration for that additional biomethane;

“testing laboratory” means an organisation which carries out the testing of emissions from a plant either at permanent laboratory premises or away from those premises;

“type-testing range” means a range of plants which have the same construction and design so that the testing of one or more plants in that range gives results capable of applying to all plants in the range, provided that—

(a)

where the installation capacity of the smallest of the plants in the range is less than or equal to 500 kWth, the ratio of the installation capacity of the smallest plant to that of the largest plant in the type-testing range for which tests are carried out is no more than 1:2; or

(b)

where the installation capacity of the smallest of the plants is greater than 500 kWth, then the difference in installation capacity between the smallest and largest of the plants within the type-testing range for which tests are carried out is no more than 500 kWth;

“waste” has the meaning given in Article 3(1) of Directive 2008/98/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on waste of 19 November 2008 M21 and includes excreta produced by animals;

“working day” means any day other than—

(a)

a Saturday, Sunday, Good Friday, or Christmas Day; or

(b)

a day which is a bank holiday in England, Wales or Scotland under the Banking and Financial Dealings Act 1971 M22 .

(2) Except in regulations 35 and 74, where these Regulations provide for a figure to be rounded, that figure must be rounded to the nearest hundredth of a penny, with any two hundredth of a penny being rounded upwards.

Textual Amendments

F1 Words in reg. 2(1) omitted (1.4.2022) by virtue of The Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/159), regs. 1(3), 32(a)(i)

F2 Words in reg. 2(1) inserted (1.4.2022) by The Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/159), regs. 1(3), 32(a)(ii)

F3 Words in reg. 2(1) inserted (1.4.2022) by The Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/159), regs. 1(3), 32(b)

F4 Words in reg. 2(1) inserted (20.6.2018) by The Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/635), regs. 1(2), 9(a)(i)

F5 Words in reg. 2(1) inserted (20.6.2018) by The Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/635), regs. 1(2), 9(a)(ii)

F6 Words in reg. 2(1) inserted (20.6.2018) by The Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/635), regs. 1(2), 9(a)(iii)

F7 Words in reg. 2(1) substituted (1.10.2018) by The Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/635), regs. 1(4), 9(b)

F8 Words in reg. 2(1) substituted (1.4.2021) by The Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2021 (S.I. 2021/76), regs. 1(4)(b), 8(a)

F9 Words in reg. 2(1) inserted (1.3.2021) by The Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2021 (S.I. 2021/76), regs. 1(2)(b)(ii), 8(b)

F10 Words in reg. 2(1) inserted (1.10.2018) by The Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/635), regs. 1(4), 9(c)

F11 Words in reg. 2(1) inserted (1.10.2018) by The Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/635), regs. 1(4), 9(d)

F12 Words in reg. 2(1) substituted (1.4.2021) by The Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2021 (S.I. 2021/76), regs. 1(4)(b), 8(c)

F13 Words in reg. 2(1) inserted (1.10.2018) by The Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/635), regs. 1(4), 9(e)

F14 Words in reg. 2(1) inserted (1.3.2021) by The Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2021 (S.I. 2021/76), regs. 1(2)(b)(ii), 8(d)

F15 Words in reg. 2(1) inserted (1.4.2022) by The Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/159), regs. 1(3), 32(c)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C1 Reg. 2(1) modified (temp.) (coming into force in accordance with reg. 1(2) of the amending S.I.) by The Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Temporary Modification) Regulations 2021 (S.I. 2021/346), regs. 1(2), 2(2)

Marginal Citations

M3 The “Authority” means the Gas and Electricity Markets Authority; see section 100(3) of the Energy Act 2008.

M4 Details of which are available at www.microgenerationcertification.org

M5 The ISBN for the English language version of this standard is ISBN 978 0 580 78472 9. This standard was published by the British Standards Institution on 31st October 2012 and copies, including hard copies, can be obtained at www.bsigroup.com.

M6 This standard was published by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and is available, including in hard copy, at www.gov.uk/guidance/combined-heat-power-quality-assurance-programme.

M7 2010 c.4.

M8 The ISBN for the English language version of this standard is ISBN 0 580 19482 5. This standard was published by the British Standards Institution on 28th June 2011 and copies, including hard copies, can be obtained at www.bsigroup.com.

M9 S.I. 2016/1154, as amended by S.I. 2018/110. By virtue of regulation 73 of the Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016 (“the 2016 Regulations”), a permit issued under the Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2010 (S.I. 2010/675), which are revoked by the 2016 Regulations, is treated as issued under the 2016 Regulations.

M10 S.S.I. 2012/360, as amended by S.S.I.2014/267. There are other amending instruments but none is relevant.

M11 S.I. 2012/3118, as amended by S.I. 2016/284. There are other amending instruments but none is relevant.

M12 S.S.I. 2008/309, to which there are amendments not relevant to these Regulations.

M13 1986 c.44. Section 7 was substituted by section 5 of the Gas Act 1995 (c.45), and amended by sections 3(2) and 76 of, and paragraph 4 of Schedule 6, and paragraph 1 of Schedule 8 to, the Utilities Act 2000 (c.27), by section 149(5) of the Energy Act 2004 (c.20), and by S.I. 2011/2704.

M14 The ISBN for the English language version of this standard is ISBN 978 1903287 804. This standard was published by the Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineers in 2007 and copies, including hard copies, can be obtained at www.cibse.org.

M15 OJ L 96, 29.3.2014, p149.

M16 Section 5(6) to (10) was inserted by section 149(3) of the Energy Act 2004.

M17 The ISBN for the English language version of this standard is ISBN 978 20 580 84650 2. This standard was published by the British Standards Institution on 31st January 2009 and copies, including hard copies, can be obtained at www.bsigroup.com.

M18 The ISBN for the English language versions of these standards are ISBN 978 0 580 83312 0, ISBN 978 0 580 83313 7, and ISBN 978 0 580 58239 4. The first two of these standards were published on 28th February 2010 and the latter on 28th February 2009 by the British Standards Institution and copies, including hard copies, can be obtained at www.bsigroup.com.

M19 The ISBN for the English language version of this standard is ISBN 978 0 580 58925 6. This standard was published by the British Standards Institution on 31st January 2009 and copies, including hard copies, can be obtained at www.bsigroup.com.

M20 The ISBN for the English language version of this standard is ISBN 978 0 580 69184 3. This standard was published by the British Standards Institution on 31st December 2008 and copies, including hard copies, can be obtained at www.bsigroup.com.

M21 OJ No L 312, 22.11.2008, p3.

M22 1971 c.80.

[F16 Approval of subsequent versions of standards E+W+S

2A.   The Secretary of State may, in relation to a standard specified in a provision of these Regulations, approve for the purpose of that provision an issue or version of that standard which—

(a) is published on or after 1st April 2022; and

(b) supersedes the standard specified in that provision.]

Textual Amendments

F16 Reg. 2A inserted (1.4.2022) by The Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/159), regs. 1(3), 33

Renewable heat incentive scheme E+W+S

3.—(1) These Regulations make provision for the continuation of the incentive scheme to facilitate and encourage the renewable generation of heat (“ the Scheme”) established by the Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme Regulations 2011 M23 (which are revoked by regulation 92).

(2) Subject to paragraph (4) and Parts 6 and 9, the Authority must make, to participants who are owners of accredited RHI installations, payments (referred to in these Regulations as “periodic support payments”) for generating heat that is—

(a) used in a building for any of the following purposes—

(i) heating a space;

(ii) heating water;

(iii) carrying out a process; or

(b) used otherwise than in a building for either of the following purposes carried out on a commercial basis—

(i) cleaning;

(ii) drying.

(3) Subject to Part 9, the Authority must make periodic support payments to participants who are producers of biomethane for injection.

(4) The Authority must not make periodic support payments for the generation of heat by an accredited RHI installation which the Authority considers is used for an excluded heat use.

(5) For the purposes of paragraph (4), the following are excluded heat uses—

(a) drying digestate, where the heat is generated by an accredited RHI installation with a tariff start date—

(i) on or after the date on which these Regulations come into force; or

(ii) on or after 14th December 2016 but before the date on which these Regulations come into force, provided that the participant has elected to be subject to this regulation by notice to the Authority no later than one month after the date on which these Regulations come into force;

(b) where paragraph (6) applies—

(i) drying woodfuel, except where the heat is generated by an installation to which paragraph [F17 (7), (8), (8A) or (8B)] applies;

(ii) drying, cleaning, or processing waste [F18 , except where the heat is generated by an installation to which paragraph (8B) applies];

(iii) heating water in a swimming pool, other than one which is used for a municipal or commercial purpose [F19 , except where the heat is generated by an installation to which paragraph (8B) applies].

(6) This paragraph applies where—

(a) the application for accreditation, including an application for additional RHI capacity, is received by the Authority; or

(b) the participant otherwise begins to use heat generated by the installation for a use in paragraph (5)(b),

on or after the date on which these Regulations come into force;

(7) This paragraph applies to an installation where the Authority is satisfied that—

(a) the installation replaces a fossil fuel heat source which has been used to dry woodfuel in two out of the three preceding years;

(b) the installation will meet a heat demand for commercial woodfuel drying that has existed previously in any two of the preceding three years; and

(c) the capacity or heat output, or both, of the installation is not more than 10% above that of the fossil fuel heat source it replaces.

(8) This paragraph applies to an installation where—

(a) the Authority is satisfied that the development of the installation commenced before 29th January 2018; and

(b) the application for accreditation was, in the Authority's opinion, properly made no later than 6 months after the date on which these Regulations come into force.

[F20 (8A) This paragraph applies to a replacement plant where paragraph (7) or (8) applied to the original plant.

(8B) This paragraph applies to a replacement plant where paragraph (6) did not apply to the original plant.]

(9) For the purposes of paragraph (5)(b)(i) the Authority may request evidence from the applicant to demonstrate that the wood which is being, or is intended to be, dried is not woodfuel.

(10) For the purposes of paragraph (8)(a) the Authority may request evidence from the applicant, including in particular—

(a) that—

(i) any necessary planning permission has been granted; or

(ii) planning permission is not required;

(b) of construction costs of the installation;

(c) that any necessary equipment has been ordered or received and paid for.

(11) For the purposes of paragraph (5)—

“digestate” means any substance, except biogas, which is generated from a biogas production plant producing biogas by anaerobic digestion;

“woodfuel” means any wood which is intended to be burned, including in particular—

(a)

woodchip;

(b)

logs;

(c)

pellets;

(d)

briquettes; and

(e)

waste wood including sawdust,

regardless of whether the wood will undergo any other process before burning.

Textual Amendments

F17 Words in reg. 3(5)(b)(i) substituted (1.10.2018) by The Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/635), regs. 1(4), 10(1)(a)

F18 Words in reg. 3(5)(b)(ii) inserted (1.10.2018) by The Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/635), regs. 1(4), 10(1)(b)

F19 Words in reg. 3(5)(b)(iii) inserted (1.10.2018) by The Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/635), regs. 1(4), 10(1)(c)

F20 Reg. 3(8A)(8B) inserted (1.10.2018) by The Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/635), regs. 1(4), 10(2)

Marginal Citations

M23 S.I. 2011/2860, as amended by S.I. 2013/1033, 2013/2410, 2013/3179, 2014/1413, 2015/197, 2015/477, 2016/718, 2016/1197, 2017/727 and 2017/857.

[F21 Closure of the Scheme to applications E+W+S

3A.— (1) Subject to this regulation—

(a) the Scheme is closed to applications from midnight at the end of 31st March 2021 (“Scheme closure”); and

(b) the Authority must not grant an application where it would result in a tariff start date that falls on or after 1st April 2021.

(2) An applicant under regulation 3B who is granted an extension of time under that regulation may make an application for accreditation under regulation 30 on or before 31st March [F22 2023].

(3) Paragraph (4) applies where, on or after 20th July 2020—

(a) the Authority issues a notice under regulation 35(7) or re-issues such a notice under regulation 35(7A) [F23 , (7B), (7C), (8A), (8B) or (8C)]; and

(b) the notice states a date which falls after Scheme closure as the date by which, for the purposes of the tariff guarantee, the plant must be commissioned or injection of biomethane must commence.

(4) The applicant to whom the notice was [F24 issued—

(a) where the notice has been reissued under regulation 35(7B) or (8B), may on or before 31st March 2023 make an application for accreditation under regulation 30 in respect of the plant to which the tariff guarantee relates;

(b) where the notice has been reissued under regulation 35(7C) or (8C), may on or before 31st March 2023 make an application for registration under regulation 32 in respect of the production of biomethane to which the tariff guarantee relates; or

(c) where the notice has not been reissued, may on or before 31st March 2022—

(i) make an application for accreditation under regulation 30 in respect of the plant to which the tariff guarantee relates; or

(ii) make an application for registration under regulation 32 in respect of the production of biomethane to which the tariff guarantee relates.]

(5) The Authority must [F25 not grant—

(a) an application for accreditation mentioned in paragraph (2) or (4)(a) where it would result in a tariff start date that falls on or after 1st April 2023;

(b) an application for registration mentioned in paragraph (4)(b) where it would result in a tariff start date that falls on or after 1st April 2023;

(c) an application for accreditation or application for registration mentioned in paragraph (4)(c) where it would result in a tariff start date that falls on or after 1st April 2022.]

(6) In paragraph (1), “application” means—

(a) an application for accreditation under regulation 30 (including an application for additional RHI capacity but not including an accreditation application under regulation 55A(1));

(b) an application for registration under regulation 32;

(c) an application for preliminary accreditation under regulation 33;

(d) an application for preliminary registration under regulation 34;

(e) an application for a tariff guarantee under regulation 35;

(f) an application under regulation 77(1) to be registered in respect of additional biomethane.

Textual Amendments

F21 Regs. 3A-3C inserted (1.3.2021) by The Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2021 (S.I. 2021/76), regs. 1(2)(b)(iii), 9

F22 Word in reg. 3A(2) substituted (1.4.2022) by The Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/159), regs. 1(3), 34(a)

F23 Words in reg. 3A(3)(a) substituted (1.4.2022) by The Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/159), regs. 1(3), 34(b)

F24 Words in reg. 3A(4) substituted (1.4.2022) by The Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/159), regs. 1(3), 34(c)

F25 Words in reg. 3A(5) substituted (1.4.2022) by The Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/159), regs. 1(3), 34(d)

Extension applications E+W+S

3B.— (1) This regulation applies where—

(a) a person (“the owner”) has invested significant capital or significant human or material resource in the development of a plant on or before 17th August 2020 (as evidenced by documents provided in accordance with Schedule 2A) with the intention of applying for the plant to be accredited; and

(b) the plant is not expected to be commissioned before Scheme closure.

(2) The owner may apply for an extension of time in which to make an application for accreditation under regulation 30.

(3) An application for extension of time under paragraph (2) (“extension application”) must be made—

(a) on or after 1st March 2021; and

(b) before Scheme closure.

(4) An extension application must be—

(a) in writing in such form as the Authority requires; and

(b) supported by sufficient evidence specified in Schedule 2A to satisfy the Authority that significant capital or significant human or material resource was invested in project development on or before 17th August 2020.

(5) An applicant may not—

(a) amend an extension application; or

(b) make a further extension application in relation to the same plant, without first withdrawing the original application.

(6) The Authority may grant the applicant an extension of time if satisfied that—

(a) the extension application is properly made; and

(b) the applicant has provided the evidence mentioned in paragraph (4).

(7) The Authority may, in granting an extension application, attach such conditions as it considers to be appropriate.

(8) Where the Authority does not grant an extension application, it must notify the applicant in writing that the extension application has been rejected, giving reasons.

(9) For the purpose of paragraph (6)(a), an extension application is properly made if it contains the following information—

(a) the plant’s proposed source of energy and technology;

(b) the date on which the applicant expects the plant to be commissioned;

(c) the total heat which the applicant expects the plant to generate each year for eligible purposes;

(d) the expected installation capacity of the plant;

(e) the proposed location of the plant;

(f) evidence as to the proposed heat use;

(g) the applicant’s name and address;

(h) a declaration that the plant will be owned by the applicant, or jointly owned by the applicant and one or more other persons;

(i) such further information specified in Schedule 2 as the Authority may require.

(10) This regulation does not apply in respect of a plant which, when commissioned, will—

(a) generate heat from solid biomass or solid biomass contained in waste with an installation capacity of 1MWth or above;

(b) be a new solid biomass CHP system;

(c) generate heat using geothermal sources;

(d) generate heat from biogas with an installation capacity of 600kWth or above;

(e) be a ground source heat pump with an installation capacity of 100kWth or above;

(f) be a shared ground loop system with an installation capacity of 100kWth or above.

(11) In this regulation, “plant” does not include a plant which is additional RHI capacity.

Textual Amendments

F21 Regs. 3A-3C inserted (1.3.2021) by The Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2021 (S.I. 2021/76), regs. 1(2)(b)(iii), 9

Budget allocation for extension applications E+W+S

3C.— (1) The Secretary of State—

(a) must determine and publish the budget allocation for extension applications (the “budget allocation”) for the 2022/2023 financial year;

(b) may review the budget allocation for that financial year;

(c) may, as a result of such a review, increase the budget allocation;

(d) may determine and publish that part of the budget allocation which will be allocated to a particular technology or group of technologies.

(2) For the purpose of determining the budget allocation for the 2022/2023 financial year, the Secretary of State must publish—

(a) an estimate of inflation for that financial year; and

(b) load factors applicable for each relevant technology.

(3) The Authority must consider extension applications in the order in which it receives them, and must not grant an extension application where the estimated total extension application commitment for the 2022/2023 financial year would exceed the budget allocation for that year if the extension application were granted.

(4) Following an increase in budget allocation pursuant to paragraph (1)(c), or any decrease in the estimated total extension application commitment resulting from the withdrawal or rejection of an extension application, the Authority must proceed to consider outstanding applications in the order in which they were received.

(5) In this regulation—

“estimated annual payment”, for an extension application, means—

C x LF x H x T x I

where—

(i) C is the expected installation capacity of a plant to which regulation 3B applies;

(ii) LF is the heat load factor for the plant’s technology, published by the Secretary of State under paragraph (2);

(iii) H is the number of hours in the 2022/2023 financial year;

(iv) T is the tariff which will apply if the plant becomes accredited under regulation 30; and

(v) I is the estimate of inflation for the 2022/2023 financial year, published by the Secretary of State under paragraph (2);

“estimated total extension application commitment”, in relation to the 2022/2023 financial year, means the sum of the estimated annual payments for every extension application which has not been withdrawn by the applicant or rejected by the Authority;

“the 2022/2023 financial year” means the 12 month period commencing on 1st April 2022 and ending with 31st March 2023.]

Textual Amendments

F21 Regs. 3A-3C inserted (1.3.2021) by The Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2021 (S.I. 2021/76), regs. 1(2)(b)(iii), 9

PART 2 E+W+S Eligibility and matters relating to eligibility

CHAPTER 1 E+W+S Eligible installations

Eligible installations E+W+S

4.—(1) A plant meets the criteria for being an eligible installation (the “eligibility criteria”) if—

(a) regulation 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 or 15 applies; and

(b) the plant satisfies the requirements set out in—

(i) regulation 16(1);

(ii) regulation 17; F26 ...

[F27 (iii) regulation 17A; and

(iv) Chapter 3].

(2) But this regulation is subject to regulations 19 [F28 , 20 and 55A(5)].

Textual Amendments

F26 Word in reg. 4(1)(b)(ii) omitted (1.10.2018) by virtue of The Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/635), regs. 1(4), 11(1)(a)

F27 Reg. 4(1)(b)(iii)(iv) substituted for reg. 4(1)(b)(iii) (1.10.2018) by The Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/635), regs. 1(4), 11(1)(b)

F28 Words in reg. 4(2) substituted (1.10.2018) by The Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/635), regs. 1(4), 11(2)

CHAPTER 2 E+W+S Eligibility criteria for technologies

Eligible installations generating heat from solid biomass E+W+S

5.—(1) This regulation applies if the plant complies with all of the following requirements—

(a) it generates heat from solid biomass, excluding solid biomass contained in waste;

(b) in the case of a plant with an installation capacity of 45kWth or less, the plant meets the requirements in regulation 18;

(c) in the case of a plant for which an application for accreditation is made on or after 24th September 2013—

(i) an environmental permit subsists in relation to that plant, or

(ii) an RHI emission certificate applies to that plant.

(2) Paragraph (1)(c) does not apply to plants in respect of which preliminary accreditation was granted before 24th September 2013 (and such preliminary accreditation has not been withdrawn).

(3) For the purposes of this regulation, an RHI emission certificate applies to a plant (A) if the information in that certificate is based on testing—

(a) A;

(b) a plant of the same make, model and installation capacity as A; or

(c) any other plant in the same type-testing range as A.

RHI emission certificates E+W+S

6.  An RHI emission certificate is a document that meets the following requirements—

(a) the document must be issued by a testing laboratory;

(b) where the information contained in the document is based on testing carried out on or after 24th September 2013, the testing laboratory that issued the document must be accredited to BS EN ISO/IEC [F29 17025:2017 or a subsequent version of that standard] at the time of testing; and

(c) the document must contain the information set out in Schedule 1.

Textual Amendments

F29 Words in reg. 6(b) substituted (1.4.2022) by The Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/159), regs. 1(3), 35

Eligible installations generating heat from solid biomass contained in waste E+W+S

7.  This regulation applies if the plant generates heat from solid biomass contained in waste.

Eligible installations generating heat using solar collectors E+W+S

8.  This regulation applies if the plant complies with all of the following requirements—

(a) it generates heat using a solar collector;

(b) it has an installation capacity of less than 200kWth;

(c) in the case of a plant with an installation capacity of 45kWth or less, the plant meets the requirements in regulation 18.

Eligible installations generating heat using ground source heat pumps E+W+S

9.—(1) This regulation applies if the plant complies with all of the following requirements—

(a) it is a ground source heat pump;

(b) where the tariff start date of the plant is on or after the date on which these Regulations come into force, it does not form part of a shared ground loop system;

(c) it generates heat using naturally occurring energy;

(d) in the case of a plant with an installation capacity of 45kWth or less, the plant meets the requirements in regulation 18;

(e) it has a coefficient of performance of at least 2.9; and

(f) in the case of a plant in respect of which an application for accreditation is made on or after 28th May 2014—

(i) the plant is designed and installed to operate with a seasonal performance factor of at least 2.5; and

(ii) where the plant is capable of heating and cooling, a design heat load for the plant has been calculated in accordance with BS EN [F30 12831-1:2017 or a subsequent version of that standard].

(2) Paragraph (3) applies where—

(a) an application for accreditation in respect of the plant is made on or after 28th May 2014; and

(b) the plant was first commissioned on or after 4th December 2013.

(3) Where this paragraph applies, the requirement in paragraph (1)(c) is deemed to be satisfied where, in addition to using naturally occurring energy in the form of heat, the plant—

(a) uses solar energy which—

(i) has been gathered by any means other than by a solar collector which is an accredited RHI installation; and

(ii) is stored in the ground in the form of heat;

(b) uses heat from space cooling or process cooling; or

(c) uses heat from processes other than the generation of heat.

Textual Amendments

F30 Words in reg. 9(1)(f)(ii) substituted (1.4.2022) by The Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/159), regs. 1(3), 36

Eligible installations generating heat using air source heat pumps E+W+S

10.  This regulation applies if the plant complies with all of the following requirements—

(a) it is an air source heat pump;

(b) in the case of a plant with an installation capacity of 45kWth or less, the plant meets the requirements in regulation 18;

(c) it has a coefficient of performance of at least 2.9;

(d) it has been designed and installed to operate with a seasonal performance factor of at least 2.5;

(e) it is not designed to provide cooling; and

(f) it is not designed to use heat in air which has been expelled—

(i) from a building; or

(ii) directly from a process which generates heat.

Eligible installations which are shared ground loop systems E+W+S

11.—(1) This regulation applies if the plant is a shared ground loop system which complies with the requirements in paragraphs (2) and (4).

(2) Each ground source heat pump which forms part of the shared ground loop system must comply with the following requirements—

(a) it was first commissioned as part of the shared ground loop system on or after 14th December 2016;

(b) it generates heat using naturally occurring energy;

(c) in the case of a ground source heat pump installed in domestic premises with an installed peak heat output capacity of 45kWth or less, it meets the requirements in regulation 18;

(d) it has a coefficient of performance of at least 2.9;

(e) it is designed and installed to operate with a seasonal performance factor of at least 2.5;

(f) where it is capable of heating and cooling and is not installed in domestic premises, a design heat load for the ground source heat pump has been calculated in accordance with BS EN [F31 12831-1:2017 or a subsequent version of that standard];

(g) where it is installed in domestic premises, an EPC must have been issued for that premises and one of the following requirements must be met—

(i) the property is a new-build property; or

(ii) the period commencing with the date on which the EPC was issued and ending on the date of application under regulation 30 is less than 24 months and the requirements in paragraph (5) are met.

(3) The requirement in paragraph (2)(b) is deemed to be satisfied where, in addition to using naturally occurring energy in the form of heat, the ground source heat pump—

(a) uses solar energy which—

(i) has been gathered by any means other than by a solar collector which is an accredited RHI installation; and

(ii) is stored in the ground in the form of heat;

(b) uses heat from space cooling or process cooling; or

(c) uses heat from processes other than the generation of heat.

(4) The shared ground loop system must be designed and installed to operate with a seasonal performance factor of at least 2.5.

(5) For the purposes of paragraph (2)(g)(ii), the requirements in this paragraph are met if the EPC—

(a) does not include a recommendation report;

(b) includes a recommendation report which does not recommend that loft insulation or cavity wall insulation is installed; or

(c) includes a recommendation report which recommends that loft insulation or cavity wall insulation is installed, but that insulation cannot be installed as its installation—

(i) is prevented by restrictions on the building as a consequence of its status as a listed building, its location in a conservation area or the material impact that such installation would have on a species protected in accordance with the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 M24 ;

(ii) would otherwise be unlawful; or

(iii) is not feasible due to local environmental conditions or the structure of the property.

Textual Amendments

F31 Words in reg. 11(2)(f) substituted (1.4.2022) by The Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/159), regs. 1(3), 37

Marginal Citations

M24 1981 c.69.

Eligible installations which are CHP systems E+W+S

12.—(1) This regulation applies if the plant is a CHP system which complies with the requirements in paragraphs (2) and (3).

(2) The requirements in this paragraph are that the CHP system generates heat and power from—

(a) one of the sources of energy set out in paragraph (5) alone; or

(b) solid biomass, solid biomass contained in waste or biogas, alone or in any combination or with any other source of energy, provided that—

(i) the combustion unit in which that solid biomass, solid biomass contained in waste or biogas is burned was first commissioned as part of a CHP system on or after 4th December 2013;

(ii) the combustion unit was new at the time of installation;

(iii) (except in relation to the use of solid biomass contaminated with fossil fuel) the combustion unit in which that solid biomass, solid biomass contained in waste or biogas is burned is a separate combustion unit from that in which any other fuel is burned.

(3) Where energy is supplied to the CHP system from a combustion unit in which solid biomass (excluding solid biomass contained in waste) is burned, the requirements in this paragraph are that where an application for accreditation relating to the CHP system of which the combustion unit forms part was made on or after 24th September 2013, that combustion unit complies with the requirements in regulation 5(1)(c)(i) or (ii).

(4) The requirements in paragraph (2)(b)(i) and (ii) are deemed to be satisfied where the combustion unit was previously supplying energy for the generation of power only and the plant to which it supplies energy was first commissioned as a CHP system on or after 4th December 2013.

(5) The sources of energy referred to in paragraph (2)(a) are—

(a) solid biomass (excluding solid biomass contained in waste);

(b) solid biomass contained in waste;

(c) biogas, provided that the combustion unit in which the biogas is burned does not generate heat from solid biomass;

(d) deep geothermal energy.

(6) In the case of a CHP system which generates heat and power from biogas, references in this regulation to “combustion unit” include the biogas production plant which produces the biogas which is used in the combustion unit.

Eligible installations which are new solid biomass CHP systems E+W+S

13.—(1) This regulation applies if the plant is a CHP system which complies with the requirements in paragraphs (2) and (3).

(2) The requirement in this paragraph is that the CHP system is certified under CHPQA.

(3) The requirements in this paragraph are that the CHP system generates heat and power from solid biomass (excluding solid biomass contained in waste) alone or in combination with any other source of energy provided that the combustion unit in which that solid biomass is burned—

(a) is first commissioned as part of a CHP system on or after 4th December 2013;

(b) was new at the time of installation;

(c) except in relation to the use of solid biomass contaminated with fossil fuel, is a separate combustion unit from that in which any other fuel is burned; and

(d) complies with the requirements in regulation 5(1)(c)(i) and (ii).

(4) The requirements in paragraph (3)(a) and (b) are deemed to be satisfied where the combustion unit was previously supplying energy for the generation of power only and the plant to which it supplies energy is first commissioned as a CHP system on or after 4th December 2013.

Eligible installations generating heat using geothermal sources E+W+S

14.  This regulation applies if the plant generates heat using naturally occurring energy located and extracted from at least 500 metres beneath the surface of solid earth.

Eligible installations generating heat using biogas E+W+S

15.  This regulation applies if the plant generates heat from biogas alone.

Other eligibility requirements for technologies E+W+S

16.—(1) The requirements referred to in regulation 4(b)(i) are—

(a) except where regulation 12(2)(b) or 13 applies—

(i) in the case of a plant generating heat using biogas combustion with an installation capacity of 200kWth or above or an air source heat pump, the plant was first commissioned on or after 4th December 2013;

(ii) in all other cases, installation of the plant was completed and the plant was first commissioned on or after 15th July 2009;

(b) except where regulation 12(2)(b) or 13 applies, the plant was new at the time of installation;

(c) the plant uses liquid or steam as a medium for delivering heat to the space, water or process or to any of the purposes in regulation 3(2)(b); and

(d) the heat generated by the plant is used for an eligible purpose.

(2) In the case of a CHP system—

(a) the requirements of paragraph (1)(a)(i) and (b) are deemed to be satisfied where a plant was previously generating electricity only, using biogas, and was first commissioned as a CHP system on or after 4th December 2013; and

(b) the requirements of paragraph (1)(a)(ii) and (b) are deemed to be satisfied where the plant was previously generating electricity only, using solid biomass, solid biomass contained in waste, or biogas, and was first commissioned as a CHP system on or after 15th July 2009.

(3) But the requirements of paragraph (1)(a) and (b) are not satisfied where the plant was previously generating heat only and was first commissioned as a CHP system on or after 15th July 2009.

Planning permission E+W+S

17.  The requirement referred to in regulation [F32 4(1)(b)(ii)] is that, where an application for accreditation is made on or after the date on which these Regulations come into force, any necessary planning permission has been granted in relation to the plant.

Textual Amendments

F32 Words in reg. 17 substituted (1.10.2018) by The Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/635), regs. 1(4), 12

[F33 Environmental permits and declaration of compliance E+W+S

17A.   The requirements referred to in regulation 4(1)(b)(iii) are that, where an application for accreditation is made on or after 1st October 2018—

(a) any necessary environmental permits are held in relation to the plant; and

(b) a declaration is made that the plant complies, and will continue to comply, with all local and national laws including those relating to the protection of the environment.]

Textual Amendments

F33 Reg. 17A inserted (1.10.2018) by The Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/635), regs. 1(4), 13

Certification for installation of microgeneration heating equipment E+W+S

18.—(1) A plant meets the requirements set out in this regulation if it is certified under—

(a) the Microgeneration Certification Scheme M25 as installed in accordance with a relevant installation standard in that scheme; or

(b) a scheme—

(i) where installers are certified to that scheme's standards by a certification body or organisation accredited to F34 ... EN ISO/IEC 17065:2012 M26 [F35 or a subsequent version of that standard];

(ii) where the plant is installed in accordance with the installation requirements applicable to the plant under that scheme on the plant's first commissioning date and which are equivalent to a relevant installation standard; and

(iii) which is equivalent to the Microgeneration Certification Scheme.

(2) In paragraph (1), if the first commissioning date for the plant is on or after the date on which these Regulations come into force, “relevant installation standard” means—

(a) where the plant generates heat from solid biomass or solid biomass contained in waste, version 4.2 of the document entitled “Microgeneration Installation Standard: MIS 3004 requirements for MCS contractors undertaking the supply, design, installation, set to work, commissioning and handover of solid biofuel heating systems” published on 6th May 2015 M27 [F36 or a subsequent version of that standard];

(b) where the plant is a ground source heat pump or [F37 air source heat pump—

(i) Issue 1.0 of the document entitled “Microgeneration Installation Standard: MIS 3005-D The Heat Pump Standard (Design)”, published on 1st December 2021, or a subsequent version of that standard; and

(ii) Issue 1.0 of the document entitled “Microgeneration Installation Standard: MIS 3005-I The Heat Pump Standard (Installation)”, published on 1st December 2021, or a subsequent version of that standard; or]

(c) where the plant generates heat using a solar collector, [F38 Issue 5.0 of the document entitled “Microgeneration Installation Standard: MIS 3001 The Solar Thermal Standard (Installation)”, published on 1st December 2021, or a subsequent version of that standard].

(3) In paragraph (1), if the first commissioning date for the plant is earlier than the date on which these Regulations come into force, “relevant installation standard” means any installation requirements applicable to the plant under the Microgeneration Certification Scheme, or an equivalent scheme, on the plant's first commissioning date.

Textual Amendments

F34 Words in reg. 18(1)(b)(i) omitted (1.4.2022) by virtue of The Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/159), regs. 1(3), 38(a)(i)

F35 Words in reg. 18(1)(b)(i) inserted (1.4.2022) by The Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/159), regs. 1(3), 38(a)(ii)

F36 Words in reg. 18(2)(a) inserted (1.4.2022) by The Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/159), regs. 1(3), 38(b)

F37 Words in reg. 18(2)(b) substituted (1.4.2022) by The Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/159), regs. 1(3), 38(c)

F38 Words in reg. 18(2)(c) substituted (1.4.2022) by The Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/159), regs. 1(3), 38(d)

Marginal Citations

M25 Details of which are available at www.microgenerationcertification.org

M26 The ISBN for the English language version of this standard is ISBN 978 0 580 78472 9. This standard was published by the British Standards Institution on 31st October 2012 and copies, including hard copies, can be obtained at www.bsigroup.com.

M27 Published on www.microgenerationcertification.org.

Plants comprising more than one plant E+W+S

19.—(1) Subject to paragraphs (2) and (3), the eligibility criteria are not met if the plant in respect of which eligibility is being determined comprises more than one plant.

(2) A plant is not treated as comprising more than one plant for the purposes of paragraph (1) where it comprises two or more plants (“component plants”) which—

(a) use the same source of energy and technology;

(b) form part of the same heating system;

(c) are not accredited RHI installations; and

(d) meet the eligibility criteria, but the requirements in regulation 18 do not need to be met where the combined installation capacity of the component plants is over 45kWth.

(3) Additional RHI capacity is not to be regarded as a separate plant for the purpose of this regulation.

Excluded plants E+W+S

20.—(1) The eligibility criteria are not met if the plant—

(a) is generating heat predominantly for the use of one domestic premises, except where it is also generating heat for one or more other domestic premises;

(b) is, in the Authority's opinion, generating heat solely for a purpose which is not an eligible purpose, or for an excluded heat use within the meaning of regulation 3(4); or

(c) is a plant which—

(i) is additional RHI capacity and was first commissioned more than 12 months after the original installation (within the meaning of regulation 76) was first commissioned;

(ii) generates heat using a solar collector or, in the case of additional RHI capacity commissioned before 4th December 2013, using biogas; and

(iii) has an installation capacity which, together with the installation capacities of all related plants, is 200kWth or above.

(2) For the purposes of this regulation, “related plant” means any plant for which an application for accreditation has been made (whether or not it has been accredited) which uses the same source of energy and technology and forms part of the same heating system as the plant referred to in paragraph (1)(c).

CHAPTER 3 E+W+S Eligibility criteria in relation to metering and steam measuring

Metering of plants in simple systems where application for accreditation of the plant was made before 24th September 2013 E+W+S

F39 21.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F39 Reg. 21 omitted (1.4.2021) by virtue of The Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2021 (S.I. 2021/76), regs. 1(4)(b), 10(a)

Metering of plants in complex systems where application for accreditation of the plant was made before 24th September 2013 E+W+S

F40 22.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F40 Reg. 22 omitted (1.4.2021) by virtue of The Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2021 (S.I. 2021/76), regs. 1(4)(b), 10(b)

Metering F41 ... E+W+S

23.—(1) Subject to regulation 24, this regulation applies to any plant in respect of which an application for accreditation is made F42 ....

(2) Subject to paragraph (3) and regulation 27—

(a) where heat generated by the plant is delivered by liquid—

(i) one class 2 heat meter, and

(ii) such other class 2 heat meters as may be necessary,

must be installed so as to enable the kWhth of heat generated by that plant which is used for eligible purposes to be determined;

(b) where heat generated by the plant is delivered by steam—

(i) such steam measuring equipment as may be necessary, and

(ii) such class 2 heat meters to measure any condensate returning to the plant as may be necessary,

must be installed so as to enable the kWhth of heat generated by that plant which is used for eligible purposes to be determined.

(3) For the purposes of determining the heat generated by a plant which is used for eligible purposes it is not necessary to measure heat loss—

(a) which may be disregarded in accordance with regulation 75(2), or

(b) for which a heat loss calculation may be provided in accordance with regulation 75(4) or (5).

Textual Amendments

F41 Words in reg. 23 heading omitted (1.4.2021) by virtue of The Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2021 (S.I. 2021/76), regs. 1(4)(b), 11(a)

F42 Words in reg. 23(1) omitted (1.4.2021) by virtue of The Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2021 (S.I. 2021/76), regs. 1(4)(b), 11(b)

Metering in respect of shared ground loop systems E+W+S

24.—(1) Subject to paragraph (2), regulation 23 applies in respect of each ground source heat pump which forms part of a shared ground loop system.

(2) But where a ground source heat pump which forms part of a shared ground loop system is installed in domestic premises, regulation 23 only applies if one or more of the following conditions is met—

(a) the ground source heat pump provides heat to the same property as another plant (“plant B”), unless plant B—

(i) is a solar thermal plant;

(ii) is designed and installed to heat only one room;

(iii) captures heat from air which is expelled from the property and transfers that heat into fresh air entering that property without generating additional heat;

(iv) is an immersion heater for a domestic hot water cylinder or is any other plant which solely generates heat for the purpose of heating domestic hot water; or

(v) is a supplementary electric heater which is controlled by the same control system as the control system governing the ground source heat pump;

(b) the property to which the ground source heat pump provides heat was occupied for less than 183 days in the 12 month period ending with the tariff start date for the shared ground loop system and is not a new-build property; or

(c) the ground source heat pump is capable of using a fuel when generating heat for an eligible purpose.

(3) Where a ground source heat pump which forms part of a shared ground loop system is installed in domestic premises and one or more of the conditions in paragraph (2) is met, a certified installer must have been responsible for the installation of any heat meter required by these Regulations.

Electricity metering in respect of ground source and air source heat pumps in respect of which the application for accreditation is made on or after 28th May 2014 and shared ground loop systems E+W+S

25.—(1) This regulation applies to any ground source heat pump or air source heat pump in respect of which an application for accreditation is made on or after 28th May 2014 and to shared ground loop systems.

(2) Where this regulation applies to a ground source heat pump or air source heat pump, the following meters must be installed—

(a) such electricity meters as will enable the seasonal performance factor of the heat pump to be determined to the satisfaction of the Authority;

(b) in the case of a ground source heat pump, where that heat pump is capable of simultaneous heating and cooling, such metering as will enable the heat drawn from the ground, including water in the ground, or from surface water, to be measured.

(3) Where this regulation applies to a shared ground loop system—

(a) paragraph (2)(a) applies in respect of each ground source heat pump which forms part of the shared ground loop system for which heat is required to be metered under regulation 24;

(b) where heat generated by a ground source heat pump which forms part of the shared ground loop system is not required to be metered under regulation 24, such electricity meters must be installed as will enable the electrical input into the ground source heat pumps to be metered;

(c) paragraph (2)(b) applies in respect of the ground loop where any of the ground source heat pumps which form part of the shared ground loop system is capable of simultaneous heating and cooling;

(d) where a ground source heat pump is installed in domestic premises—

(i) such electricity meters must be installed as will enable the measurement of the electrical input into—

(aa) any supplementary electric heater that is controlled by the same control system which governs the ground source heat pump; or

(bb) any immersion heater for a domestic hot water cylinder where the heater is controlled by the same control system which governs the ground source heat pump; and

(ii) any electricity meter installed in accordance with paragraph (i) which is not an on-board meter, must—

(aa) be properly calibrated;

(bb) be properly installed by, or under the responsibility of, a certified installer;

(cc) be in good working order; and

(dd) bear a label which identifies the ground source heat pump, supplementary electric heater or immersion heater being metered; and

(e) such electricity meters must be installed as will enable the electrical input into any ground loop circulation pump to be measured, and those which are not on-board meters must—

(i) be properly calibrated;

(ii) be properly installed;

(iii) be in good working order; and

(iv) bear a label which identifies the circulation pump being metered.

(4) An electricity meter installed in accordance with paragraph (3) in domestic premises must, except in the case of an on-board meter, meet the relevant requirements set out in Annex 1 to the Measuring Instruments Directive, the specific requirements listed in Annex V (Active electrical energy meters (MI-003)) to that Directive and the requirements for accuracy class A as defined in Annex V to that Directive.

(5) In this regulation, “on-board meter” means an electricity meter which is integrated into a ground source heat pump and is able to display the electricity consumption, in kWh, of the ground source heat pump, including where applicable, the electricity consumption of a ground loop circulation pump contained within it.

Shared meters E+W+S

26.—(1) The heat generated by a plant must be individually metered.

(2) But the heat generated by two or more plants may be metered using one meter provided that—

(a) the plants use the same source of energy and technology;

(b) the plants will, once given accreditation, be eligible to receive the same tariff;

(c) the plants will then share the same tariff start date and tariff end date; and

(d) it is the Authority's opinion that a single meter is capable of metering the heat generated by all of those plants.

Metering of CHP systems generating electricity only before commissioning as a CHP system E+W+S

27.—(1) This regulation applies where the plant is a CHP system and the requirements of regulation 16(1)(a) and (b) are deemed to be satisfied in accordance with regulation 16(2).

(2) Where this regulation applies, any existing heat meter or steam measuring equipment installed before 28th November 2011 may continue to be used by a participant to measure the heat generated by the CHP system and used for eligible purposes, provided that the CHP system was registered under the CHPQA before that date.

(3) For the purpose of this regulation, “the CHPQA” means the Combined Heat and Power Quality Assurance Standard, Issue 3, January 2009, as published by the Department of Energy and Climate Change M28 .

Marginal Citations

M28 This standard is available at https://www.chpqa.com/guidance_notes/documents/CHPQA_Standard_Issue3.pdf. Hard copies may be obtained from CHPQA Programme, The Gemini Building, Fermi Avenue, Didcot, OX11 0QR.

Matters relating to all heat meters and steam measuring equipment E+W+S

28.—(1) All heat meters installed or used in accordance with these Regulations must, where applicable—

(a) be calibrated prior to use;

(b) be calibrated correctly for any water/ethylene glycol mixture;

(c) be (or have been) properly installed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions; and

(d) be positioned to provide accurate measurements.

(2) All steam measuring equipment installed or used in accordance with these Regulations must be—

(a) calibrated prior to use;

(b) capable of displaying measured steam pressure and temperature;

(c) capable of displaying the current steam mass flow rate and the cumulative mass of steam which has passed through it since it was installed;

(d) properly installed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions; and

(e) positioned to provide accurate measurements.

(3) The requirements in paragraphs (1)(c) and (2)(d) are deemed to be met where the Authority is satisfied that, were the plant to be accredited, the participant would not as a consequence of the failure to install in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions, be entitled to receive periodic support payments which were materially different from those which would have been payable had the manufacturer's instructions been complied with.

Additional metering requirements for plants generating heat from biogas E+W+S

29.  Where a plant is generating heat from biogas, the following additional metering requirements apply—

(a) a class 2 heat meter must be installed to meter any heat directed from the plant combusting the biogas to the biogas production plant; and

(b) a class 2 heat meter must be installed to meter any heat supplied to the biogas production plant from any source other than—

(i) the plant combusting the biogas; and

(ii) where the biogas has been produced by anaerobic digestion, the feedstock from which it was produced.

PART 3 E+W+S Accreditation, registration and tariff guarantees

Applications for accreditation E+W+S

30.—(1) An owner of a plant, including a plant which is additional RHI capacity, may apply for it to be accredited.

(2) All applications for accreditation must be made in writing to the Authority and must be supported by—

(a) such of the information specified in Schedule 2 as the Authority may require;

(b) a declaration that the information provided by the applicant is accurate to the best of the applicant's knowledge and belief;

(c) a declaration that the applicant is the owner, or one of the owners, of the plant for which accreditation is being sought;

(d) if the plant is a large installation, a declaration as to the total heat in kWhth which the applicant expects that plant to generate each year for eligible purposes; and

(e) any other declarations which the Authority reasonably requires in order to allow the application to be determined.

(3) The Authority must, where the plant is owned by more than one person, require that—

(a) an application submitted under this regulation is made by only one of those owners;

(b) the applicant has the authority from all other owners to be the participant for the purposes of the Scheme; and

(c) the applicant provides to the Authority, in such manner and form as the Authority may request, evidence of that authority.

(4) Where the Authority considers that further information is necessary for the purpose of determining an application it may by notice—

(a) specify further information which the applicant is required to provide under Schedule 2;

(b) specify a period of no less than four weeks starting with the date of the notice within which that information must be provided; and

(c) inform the applicant that failure to provide the requested information within that period may result in the application being rejected.

(5) The Authority may by notice extend the period specified in a notice under paragraph (4)(b) where it is satisfied that it is reasonable to do so.

(6) The Authority may reject an application for accreditation if, within the period specified under paragraph (4)(b) or, where applicable, paragraph (5), the applicant has failed to provide the information specified in a notice given under paragraph (4).

[F43 (6A) The Authority may reject an application for accreditation if the Authority considers that—

(a) the plant is materially different from the plant which was proposed in an extension application under regulation 3B;

(b) there has been a material change in circumstances such that, had the extension application been made after the change, it would have been rejected;

(c) the information on which the decision to grant the extension application was based was incorrect in a material particular;

(d) the applicant failed to comply with any condition imposed under regulation 3B(7).

(6B) For the purpose of paragraph (6A)(a)—

(a) the Authority may take into account such matters as are, in the Authority’s opinion, relevant, including—

(i) the location of the plant;

(ii) the installation capacity of the plant; and

(iii) the source of energy and technology or design of the plant;

(b) a plant is materially different in a case where—

(i) the installation capacity is at least 10% greater or smaller than the installation capacity proposed in an extension application under regulation 3B; or

(ii) the installation capacity is such that a different tariff would apply.]

(7) Before accrediting a plant, the Authority may request entry to the site without notice at any reasonable hour to carry out site inspections, in order to satisfy itself that the plant should be accredited.

(8) The Authority may, in granting accreditation, attach such conditions as it considers to be appropriate.

(9) Where an application for accreditation has, in the Authority's opinion, been properly made and the Authority is satisfied that the plant is an eligible installation the Authority must (subject to paragraphs (12) to (14) and regulations [F44 3A,] 31 and 81(4))—

(a) accredit the eligible installation;

(b) notify the applicant in writing that the application has been successfully completed and the applicant is a participant;

(c) enter on a central register maintained by the Authority the applicant's name and such other information as the Authority considers necessary for the proper administration of the Scheme;

(d) notify the applicant of any conditions attached to the accreditation;

(e) in relation to an applicant who is or will be generating heat from solid biomass or solid biomass contained in waste, having regard to the information provided by the applicant, specify by notice to the applicant which of regulation 37, 38 or 39 applies;

(f) provide the applicant with a written statement (“statement of eligibility”) including the following information—

(i) the date of accreditation;

(ii) the tariff which will apply;

(iii) the process and timing for providing meter readings;

(iv) details of the frequency and timetable for periodic support payments; and

(v) the tariff lifetime and tariff end date.

[F45 (9A) Where a plant is accredited after Scheme closure following an extension application under regulation 3B, the tariff applicable at the tariff start date is the initial tariff which would have applied in accordance with regulation 60 had the tariff start date been the date on which the properly made extension application (within the meaning of regulation 3B(9)) was received by the Authority.]

(10) Where the Authority does not accredit a plant it must notify the applicant in writing that the application for accreditation has been rejected, giving reasons.

(11) Once a specification made in accordance with paragraph (9)(e) has been notified to an applicant, it cannot be changed except where the Authority considers that an error has been made or on the receipt of new information by the Authority which demonstrates that the specification should be changed.

(12) The Authority—

(a) must not accredit an eligible installation if it has not been commissioned;

(b) may reject an application to accredit an eligible installation where the Authority rejected a previous application for accreditation made by the applicant, or a connected person, on the ground that information contained in the previous application was incorrect or misleading in a material particular.

(13) The Authority may refuse to accredit an eligible installation where it considers that one or more of the applicable ongoing obligations will not be complied with.

(14) The Authority must not accredit a plant if—

(a) it is, or at any time has been, an accredited domestic plant;

(b) an application for accreditation of the plant has been made under the Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme Regulations 2014 M29 and that application has not been withdrawn by the applicant or rejected by the Authority;

(c) it provides heat to the same property as an accredited domestic plant or a plant for which an application for accreditation under those Regulations has been made which has not been withdrawn or rejected;

(d) the applicant refused to allow the Authority access to the site for the purposes of a site inspection under paragraph (7), and—

(i) the Authority is not satisfied that the refusal was reasonable; and

(ii) any subsequent access granted by the applicant for the purposes of a site inspection was not sufficient to enable the Authority to satisfy itself that the plant should be accredited.

(15) In this regulation “accredited domestic plant” has the meaning given by regulation 2(1) of the Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme Regulations 2014.

Textual Amendments

F43 Reg. 30(6A)(6B) inserted (1.4.2021) by The Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2021 (S.I. 2021/76), regs. 1(4)(b), 12(a)

F44 Word in reg. 30(9) inserted (1.4.2021) by The Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2021 (S.I. 2021/76), regs. 1(4)(b), 12(b)

F45 Reg. 30(9A) inserted (1.4.2021) by The Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2021 (S.I. 2021/76), regs. 1(4)(b), 12(c)

Marginal Citations

M29 S.I. 2014/928, to which there are amendments not relevant to these Regulations.

Treatment of grants from public funds E+W+S

31.—(1) Subject to paragraphs (2) and (6), the Authority must not accredit an eligible installation or register a producer of biomethane for injection in respect of any original biomethane or additional biomethane unless the applicant has given notice (which the Authority has no reason to believe is incorrect) that, as applicable—

(a) no grant from public funds has been paid or will be paid in respect of any of the costs of purchasing or installing the eligible installation or any of the equipment used to produce the biomethane for which the applicant is intending to claim periodic support payments; or

(b) such a grant was paid and has been repaid to the person or authority who made it.

(2) Where some or all of the purchase or installation costs of the eligible installation or the equipment used to produce any original biomethane were funded by any grant from public funds and—

(a) the applicant demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Authority that the person or authority who made the grant has—

(i) refused to accept repayment of the grant, or

(ii) ceased to exist; or

(b) paragraph (3) applies,

the Authority may accredit the eligible installation or register the producer of biomethane for injection (as the case may be), but a grant funding deduction must be deducted from each quarterly periodic support payment in accordance with paragraphs (4) and (5).

(3) This paragraph applies where—

(a) a grant originates from funds raised by the National Lottery; and

(b) on or after 15th July 2009 but not later than 28th November 2014—

(i) installation of the plant was completed and the plant was first commissioned; or

(ii) installation of the equipment used to produce biomethane was completed and injection of biomethane produced by that applicant has commenced.

(4) A grant funding deduction for each quarterly period is calculated in accordance with the following formula—

where—

a

for the quarterly period commencing on the tariff start date, the figure that the Authority believes, based on all relevant information available to the Authority at the time, represents the total value of any grants from public funds to which paragraph (2) refers;

b

for any subsequent quarterly period that does not include 1st April of any year, the value of A in the previous quarterly period;

c

for any subsequent quarterly period that includes 1st April of any year, the value of A in the previous quarterly period adjusted by the percentage increase or decrease in the consumer prices index for the previous calendar year, the resulting figure being rounded.

(5) Where a grant funding shortfall arises, the Authority must deduct from the periodic support payments (“P”) payable in the subsequent quarterly period and any quarterly period thereafter, the grant funding deduction for that period together with such part of the grant funding shortfall as remains outstanding provided that the total amount so deducted does not exceed P.

(6) Where an application for registration in respect of additional biomethane is made under regulation 77—

(a) a reference to a grant in paragraph (1) does not include a grant in respect of equipment used to produce that additional biomethane if the equipment is also used to produce original biomethane and a grant funding deduction is already being made in respect of the grant; and

(b) paragraphs (2) to (4) do not apply in respect of the application.

(7) In this regulation—

“grant from public funds” means a grant made by a public authority or by any person distributing funds on behalf of a public authority;

“grant funding shortfall” means the amount by which the grant funding deduction exceeds the periodic support payment in any quarterly period;

“National Lottery” means the National Lottery as referred to in section 1 of the National Lottery etc. Act 1993 M30 .

Marginal Citations

M30 1993 c.39. Section 1 was amended by section 3 of the National Lottery Act 2006 (c.23).

Producers of biomethane E+W+S

32.—(1) A producer of biomethane for injection may apply to the Authority to be registered as a participant.

(2) Applications for registration must be in writing and supported by—

(a) such of the information specified in Schedule 2 as the Authority may require;

(b) a declaration that the information provided by the applicant is accurate to the best of the applicant's knowledge and belief;

(c) details of the process by which the applicant proposes to produce biomethane for injection; and

(d) a declaration as to the volume in cubic metres of biomethane which the applicant expects to produce for injection each year.

(3) Before registering a producer of biomethane for injection as a participant, the Authority may request access without notice at any reasonable hour to carry out inspections of any equipment which is being used to produce the biomethane for which the applicant is intending to claim periodic support payments (including equipment used to produce the biogas from which that biomethane is made) in order to satisfy itself that the applicant should be registered.

(4) Where the applicant is not also the person producing the biogas used to make the biomethane in respect of which that application is made, the Authority may require—

(a) that the applicant has the authority from all persons who produce the biogas from which the biomethane is made to be the participant; and

(b) that the applicant provides to the Authority, in such manner and form as the Authority may request, evidence of that authority.

[F46 (4A) Where a producer of biomethane for injection makes an application for registration on or after 20th June 2018, the Authority must not register an applicant unless—

(a) the applicant has specified the biogas production plant to be used for the purposes of its registration; and

(b) the equipment used to produce biomethane has been commissioned.]

(5) Where the Authority considers that further information is necessary for the purpose of determining an application, it may by notice—

(a) specify further information which the applicant is required to provide;

(b) specify a period of no less than four weeks starting with the date of the notice within which that information must be provided; and

(c) inform the applicant that failure to provide the requested information within that period may result in the application being rejected.

(6) The Authority may by notice extend the period specified in a notice under paragraph (5)(b) where it is satisfied that it is reasonable to do so.

(7) The Authority may refuse to register an applicant if, within the period specified under paragraph (5)(b) or, where applicable, (6), the applicant has failed to provide the information specified in a notice given under paragraph (5).

(8) The Authority may in registering an applicant attach such conditions as it considers appropriate.

(9) The Authority must specify the maximum initial capacity in respect of which the participant is registered.

(10) Where the application for registration has, in the Authority's opinion, been properly made, the Authority must (subject to paragraphs (11) to (14) and regulations [F47 3A,] 31 and 81(4))—

(a) notify the applicant in writing that registration has been successfully completed and the applicant is a participant;

(b) enter on a central register maintained by the Authority the date of registration and the applicant's name;

(c) notify the applicant of any conditions attached to their registration as a participant;

(d) notify the applicant of the maximum initial capacity specified in accordance with paragraph (9); and

(e) send the applicant a statement of eligibility including [F48 the tariff end date and such other] of the information specified in regulation 30(9)(f) as the Authority considers applicable.

(11) The Authority may refuse to register an applicant where it considers that one or more of the applicable ongoing obligations will not be complied with.

(12) Where an application for registration is made on or after the date on which these Regulations come into force, the Authority must not register an applicant unless any necessary planning permission has been granted in respect of the processes by which the biogas which is used to produce the biomethane is produced, the biogas is converted into biomethane, or the biomethane is injected.

[F49 (12A) Where an application for registration is made on or after 1st October 2018, the Authority must not register an applicant unless—

(a) any necessary environmental permits have been granted in respect of the processes by which the biogas which is used to produce the biomethane is produced, the biogas is converted into biomethane, or the biomethane is injected; and

(b) a declaration is made that the processes by which the biogas which is used to produce the biomethane is produced, the biogas is converted into biomethane, or the biomethane is injected comply, and will continue to comply, with all local and national laws including those relating to the protection of the environment.]

(13) The Authority—

(a) must not register an applicant if it would result in periodic support payments being made to more than one participant for the same biomethane;

(b) must not register an applicant where the applicant refused to allow the Authority access for the purposes of an inspection under paragraph (3), and—

(i) the Authority is not satisfied that the refusal was reasonable; and

(ii) any subsequent access granted by the applicant for the purposes of an inspection was not sufficient to enable the Authority to satisfy itself that the applicant should be registered;

(c) may refuse to register an applicant if the Authority refused a previous application for registration made by the applicant, or a connected person, on the ground that information contained in the previous application was incorrect or misleading in a material particular;

[F50 (d) in the case of an application for registration made on or after 20th June 2018, may refuse to register an applicant where the Authority is satisfied that the biogas production plant specified in accordance with paragraph (4A)(a) has been used for the purposes of the registration of any other participant].

(14) The Authority must not register an applicant unless at the time of making the application, injection of biomethane produced by that applicant has commenced.

(15) Where the Authority does not register an applicant it must notify the applicant in writing that the application for registration has been rejected, giving reasons.

Textual Amendments

F46 Reg. 32(4A) inserted (20.6.2018) by The Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/635), regs. 1(2), 14(a)

F47 Word in reg. 32(10) inserted (1.4.2021) by The Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2021 (S.I. 2021/76), regs. 1(4)(b), 13(a)

F48 Words in reg. 32(10)(e) substituted (1.4.2021) by The Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2021 (S.I. 2021/76), regs. 1(4)(b), 13(b)

F49 Reg. 32(12A) inserted (1.10.2018) by The Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/635), regs. 1(4), 14(b)

F50 Reg. 32(13)(d) inserted (20.6.2018) by The Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/635), regs. 1(2), 14(c)

[F51 Interaction with the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation E+W+S

32A.— (1) This regulation applies in relation to a participant who is a producer of biomethane for injection.

(2) No periodic support payments may be made to the participant in respect of any proportion of biomethane injected in a quarterly period where an RTF certificate has been issued under the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligations Order 2007 in respect of that proportion of biomethane.

(3) In this regulation, “RTF certificate” has the meaning given in section 127 of the Energy Act 2004.]

Textual Amendments

F51 Reg. 32A inserted (1.4.2021) by The Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2021 (S.I. 2021/76), regs. 1(4)(b), 14

Preliminary accreditation E+W+S

33.—(1) Subject to paragraphs (2) and (3), the Authority may, upon the application by a person who proposes to construct or operate an eligible installation which has not yet been commissioned, grant preliminary accreditation in respect of that eligible installation.

(2) The Authority must not grant preliminary accreditation to any plant under this regulation unless evidence has been provided from the relevant planning authority that—

(a) any necessary planning permission has been granted; or

(b) planning permission is not required.

(3) The Authority must not grant preliminary accreditation to any plant under this regulation if, in its opinion, that plant is unlikely to generate heat for which periodic support payments may be paid.

(4) An application for preliminary accreditation must be in writing and supported by such of the information specified in Schedule 2 as the Authority may require and declarations as to—

(a) the date on which the applicant expects the plant to be commissioned;

(b) the total heat in kWhth which the applicant expects the plant to generate each year for eligible purposes once the plant has been commissioned; and

(c) the installation capacity of the plant.

(5) Where the Authority considers that further information is necessary for the purpose of determining an application for preliminary accreditation it may by notice—

(a) specify further information which the applicant is required to provide under Schedule 2;

(b) specify a period of no less than four weeks starting with the date of the notice within which that information must be provided; and

(c) inform the applicant that failure to provide the requested information within that period may result in the application being rejected.

(6) The Authority may by notice extend the period specified in a notice under paragraph (5)(b) where it is satisfied that it is reasonable to do so.

(7) The Authority may reject an application for preliminary accreditation if, within the period specified under paragraph (5)(b) or, where applicable, paragraph (6), the applicant has failed to provide the information specified in a notice given under paragraph (5)

(8) The Authority may attach such conditions as it considers appropriate in granting preliminary accreditation under this regulation.

(9) Where a plant has been granted preliminary accreditation (and such preliminary accreditation has not been withdrawn) and an application for accreditation is made under this Part [F52 before Scheme closure], the Authority must, subject to paragraphs (3) and (12) to (14) of regulation 30, and regulations 31 and 81(4), grant that application unless it is satisfied that—

(a) there has been a material change in circumstances since the preliminary accreditation was granted such that, had the application for preliminary accreditation been made after the change, it would have been refused;

(b) any condition attached to the preliminary accreditation has not been complied with;

(c) the information on which the decision to grant the preliminary accreditation was based was incorrect in a material particular such that, had the Authority known the true position when the application for preliminary accreditation was made, it would have been refused; or

(d) there has been a change in applicable legislation since the preliminary accreditation was granted such that, had the application for preliminary accreditation been made after the change, it would have been refused.

(10) Where any of the circumstances mentioned in paragraph (11) apply in relation to a preliminary accreditation which the Authority has granted and having regard to those circumstances the Authority considers it appropriate to do so, the Authority may—

(a) withdraw the preliminary accreditation;

(b) amend the conditions attached to the preliminary accreditation;

(c) attach conditions to the preliminary accreditation.

(11) The circumstances referred to in paragraph (10) are as follows—

(a) in the Authority's view there has been a material change in circumstances since the preliminary accreditation was granted;

(b) any condition attached to the preliminary accreditation has not been complied with;

(c) the Authority considers that the information on which the decision to grant the preliminary accreditation was based was incorrect in a material particular;

(d) there has been a change in the applicable legislation since the preliminary accreditation was granted such that, had the application for preliminary accreditation been made after the change, it would have been refused.

(12) The Authority must send the applicant a notice setting out—

(a) its decision on an application for preliminary accreditation of a plant or on the withdrawal of any preliminary accreditation;

(b) any condition attached to the preliminary accreditation or any amendment to those conditions,

specifying the date on which the granting or withdrawal of preliminary accreditation is to take effect and, where applicable, the date on which any conditions (or amendments to those conditions) attached to the preliminary accreditation are to take effect.

(13) In paragraph (1), the reference to a person who proposes to construct an eligible installation includes a person who arranges for the construction of the eligible installation.

(14) This regulation does not apply to a plant which will generate heat using—

(a) a solar collector;

(b) a ground source heat pump with an installation capacity below 100kWth or an air source heat pump with an installation capacity below 45kWth;

(c) a shared ground loop system with an installation capacity below 100kWth; or

(d) solid biomass or solid biomass contained in waste, provided that the plant will have an installation capacity below 200kWth.

Textual Amendments

F52 Words in reg. 33(9) inserted (1.3.2021) by The Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2021 (S.I. 2021/76), regs. 1(2)(b)(iv), 15

Preliminary registration of biomethane producers E+W+S

34.—(1) The Authority may grant preliminary registration to a person who—

(a) proposes to produce biomethane for injection; and

(b) has not yet started production.

(2) The Authority must not grant preliminary registration to any plant under this regulation unless evidence has been provided from the relevant planning authority that—

(a) any necessary planning permission has been granted in respect of the processes by which the biogas which is used to produce the biomethane is produced, the biogas is converted into biomethane, or the biomethane is injected; or

(b) planning permission is not required.

(3) An application for preliminary registration must be in writing and supported by such of the information specified in Schedule 2 as the Authority may require and declarations as to—

(a) the date on which the applicant expects that injection will commence;

(b) the volume in cubic metres of biomethane which the applicant expects to produce for injection each year once injection has commenced; and

(c) the expected maximum initial capacity.

(4) Where the Authority considers that further information is necessary for the purpose of determining an application for preliminary registration, it may by notice—

(a) specify further information which the applicant is required to provide;

(b) specify a period of no less than four weeks starting with the date of the notice within which that information must be provided; and

(c) inform the applicant that failure to provide the requested information within that period may result in the application being rejected.

(5) The Authority may by notice extend the period specified in a notice under paragraph (4)(b) where it is satisfied that it is reasonable to do so.

(6) The Authority may refuse to grant preliminary registration if, within the period specified under paragraph (4)(b) or, where applicable, (5), the applicant has failed to provide the information specified in a notice given under paragraph (4).

(7) The Authority may attach such conditions as it considers appropriate in granting preliminary registration under this regulation.

(8) The Authority must not grant preliminary registration unless it is satisfied that a connection agreement in relation to the proposed production of biomethane has been entered into.

(9) Where a person has been granted preliminary registration (and such preliminary registration has not been withdrawn) and an application for registration is made under this Part [F53 before Scheme closure], the Authority must, subject to regulations 31 and 32(4) [F54 , (4A),] and (11) to (14), grant that application unless it is satisfied that—

(a) there has been a material change in circumstances since the preliminary registration was granted such that, had the application for preliminary registration been made after the change, it would have been refused;

(b) any condition attached to the preliminary registration has not been complied with;

(c) the information on which the decision to grant the preliminary registration was based was incorrect in a material particular such that, had the Authority known the true position when the application for preliminary registration was made, it would have been refused;

(d) there has been a change in applicable legislation since the preliminary registration was granted such that, had the application for preliminary registration been made after the change, it would have been refused.

(10) Where any of the circumstances mentioned in paragraph (11) apply in relation to the preliminary registration which the Authority has granted, and having regard to those circumstances the Authority considers it appropriate to do so, the Authority may—

(a) withdraw the preliminary registration;

(b) amend the conditions attached to the preliminary registration;

(c) attach conditions to the preliminary registration.

(11) The circumstances referred to in paragraph (10) are as follows—

(a) in the Authority's view there has been a material change in circumstances since the preliminary registration was granted;

(b) any condition attached to the preliminary registration has not been complied with;

(c) the Authority considers that the information on which the decision to grant the preliminary registration was based was incorrect in a material particular;

(d) there has been a change in the applicable legislation since the preliminary registration was granted such that, had the application for preliminary registration been made after the change, it would have been refused.

(12) The Authority must send the applicant a notice setting out—

(a) its decision on an application for preliminary registration or on the withdrawal of any preliminary registration;

(b) any condition attached to the preliminary registration or any amendment to those conditions,

specifying the date on which the granting or withdrawal of preliminary registration is to take effect and, where applicable, the date on which any conditions (or amendments to those conditions) attached to the preliminary registration are to take effect.

Textual Amendments

F53 Words in reg. 34(9) inserted (1.3.2021) by The Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2021 (S.I. 2021/76), regs. 1(2)(b)(v), 16

F54 Word in reg. 34(9) inserted (20.6.2018) by The Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/635), regs. 1(2), 15

Tariff guarantees E+W+S

35.—(1) At or after 10.00 am on the date on which these Regulations come into force or, if that is not a working day, on the next working day, a person who proposes to—

(a) construct and operate a plant to which paragraph (3) applies and which has not yet been commissioned; or

(b) produce biomethane for injection but has not yet started production,

may make an application for a tariff guarantee in respect of that plant or that production (as the case may be), in accordance with this regulation.

(2) An applicant for a tariff guarantee may not—

(a) amend an application made under paragraph (1);

(b) make a further application under paragraph (1) in relation to the same plant or the same production, without first withdrawing the original application.

(3) This paragraph applies in respect of a plant which, when commissioned, will—

(a) generate heat from solid biomass or solid biomass contained in waste with an installation capacity of 1MWth or above;

(b) generate heat using geothermal sources;

(c) generate heat from biogas with an installation capacity of 600kWth or above;

(d) be a ground source heat pump with an installation capacity of 100kWth or above;

(e) be a new solid biomass CHP system; or

(f) be a shared ground loop system with an installation capacity of 100kWth or above.

(4) In the case of an applicant who proposes to construct and operate a plant to which paragraph (3) applies, an application must be in writing, in such form as the Authority requires, and include the following information—

(a) the plant's proposed source of energy and technology;

(b) the date on which the applicant expects the plant to be commissioned;

(c) the total heat in kWhth which the applicant expects the plant to generate each year for eligible purposes;

(d) the expected installation capacity of the plant;

(e) in the case of a plant which will be, or which will form part of a new solid biomass CHP system, the power efficiency (within the meaning of regulation 68(4)) which the applicant expects the plant to achieve;

(f) the proposed location of the plant;

(g) evidence as to the proposed heat use;

(h) the applicant's name and business address;

(i) a declaration that the plant will be owned by the applicant, or jointly owned by the applicant and one or more other persons;

(j) evidence from the relevant planning authority that—

(i) any necessary planning permission has been granted; or

(ii) planning permission is not required;

(k) any further information which the Authority may require.

(5) In the case of an applicant who proposes to produce biomethane for injection, the application must be in writing, in such form as the Authority requires, and include the following information—

(a) the date on which the applicant expects the injection of biomethane to commence;

(b) the expected maximum initial capacity;

(c) the location of the place where biomethane will be injected in accordance with the network entry agreement applicable to that biomethane;

(d) evidence that a connection agreement has been entered into;

(e) the applicant's name and business address;

(f) the volume in cubic metres of eligible biomethane which the applicant intends to inject each year;

(g) evidence from the relevant planning authority that—

(i) any necessary planning permission has been granted in respect of the processes by which the biogas which is used to produce the biomethane is produced, the biogas is converted into biomethane, or the biomethane is injected; or

(ii) planning permission is not required;

(h) any further information which the Authority may require.

(6) Subject to paragraphs (16) and (17), where the application has, in the Authority's opinion, been properly made, it must issue a notice (a “provisional tariff guarantee notice”) stating—

(a) that a tariff guarantee will be granted if the Authority is satisfied that financial close has been reached;

(b) the evidence which is required for the purposes of sub-paragraph (a);

[F55 (c) the date by which such evidence must be provided, which must be no later than—

(i) 3 weeks from the date on which the provisional tariff guarantee notice is issued; or

(ii) 31st March 2021,

whichever is the earlier;]

(d) the date on which the properly made application was received by the Authority; and

(e) the guaranteed tariff which will apply if the plant becomes accredited under regulation 30 or the producer of biomethane for injection becomes registered under regulation 32.

(7) Where the Authority is satisfied that the applicant has provided the information specified in the provisional tariff guarantee notice within the time limit stated in the notice, the Authority must grant a tariff guarantee by notice to the applicant stating—

(a) the guaranteed tariff which will apply if the plant becomes accredited under regulation 30 or the producer of biomethane for injection becomes registered under regulation 32;

(b) the date by which, for the purposes of the tariff guarantee, the plant must be commissioned or injection of biomethane must commence;

(c) a description of the plant or equipment used to produce biomethane to which the tariff guarantee applies;

(d) the information which the applicant must supply to the Authority during the period of the tariff guarantee, and the frequency with which that information must be supplied; and

(e) any further conditions which the Authority thinks fit in relation to the tariff guarantee.

[F56 (7A) Where the Authority has issued a notice under paragraph (7) before 20th July 2020 for an application made on or after 17th July 2019 and before 29th June 2020, the Authority may re-issue the notice substituting a date no later than 31st March 2022 as the date by which, for the purposes of the tariff guarantee, the plant must be commissioned or the injection of biomethane must commence.]

[F57 (7B) Where a notice under paragraph (7) in respect of a plant to which paragraph (3) applies has been reissued under paragraph (7A), the Authority may re-issue the notice substituting a date no later than 31st March 2023 as the date by which, for the purposes of the tariff guarantee, the plant must be commissioned.

(7C) Where a notice under paragraph (7) has been reissued under paragraph (7A) to an applicant who proposes to produce biomethane for injection and the applicant is not eligible to make an application for a tariff guarantee under regulation 4(1) of the Green Gas Support Scheme Regulations 2021 in respect of that production, the Authority may re-issue the notice substituting a date no later than 31st March 2023 as the date by which, for the purposes of the tariff guarantee, the injection of biomethane must commence.]

(8) The Authority may revoke a tariff guarantee at any time before the applicant is notified in accordance with regulation 30(9) or 32(10) if—

(a) there has been a material change in circumstances such that, had the application for the tariff guarantee been made after the change, it would have been refused;

(b) the applicant fails to comply with conditions imposed in accordance with paragraph (7)(b), (d) or (e);

(c) the Authority considers that the information on which the decision to grant the tariff guarantee was based was incorrect in a material particular; or

(d) the Authority considers that the plant or the production and injection of biomethane is materially different from the plant or production and injection of biomethane which was proposed under paragraph (4) or (5).

[F58 (8A) Where the Authority has revoked a tariff guarantee before 20th July 2020 for an application made on or after 17th July 2019 and before 29th June 2020 because the applicant failed to meet the condition imposed in accordance with paragraph (7)(b), the Authority may reissue a notice under paragraph (7) substituting a date no later than 31st March 2022 as the date by which, for the purposes of the tariff guarantee, the plant must be commissioned or the injection of biomethane must commence.]

[F59 (8B) Where a notice under paragraph (7) has been reissued under paragraph (8A) in respect of a plant to which paragraph (3) applies, the Authority may re-issue the notice substituting a date no later than 31st March 2023 as the date by which, for the purposes of the tariff guarantee, the plant must be commissioned.

(8C) Where a notice under paragraph (7) has been reissued under paragraph (8A) to an applicant who proposes to produce biomethane for injection and the applicant is not eligible to make an application for a tariff guarantee under regulation 4(1) of the Green Gas Support Scheme Regulations 2021 in respect of that production, the Authority may re-issue the notice substituting a date no later than 31st March 2023 as the date by which, for the purposes of the tariff guarantee, the injection of biomethane must commence.]

(9) Subject to paragraphs (10) and (11), where—

(a) a plant in respect of which a tariff guarantee has been granted becomes accredited; or

(b) a producer of biomethane for injection in respect of which a tariff guarantee has been granted becomes registered,

the tariff applicable at the tariff start date is the initial tariff which would have applied in accordance with regulation 60 had the tariff start date been the date referred to in paragraph (6)(d) (the “guaranteed tariff”).

(10) Where in any 12 month period commencing with the tariff start date or the anniversary of the tariff start date—

(a) the heat produced by the accredited RHI installation and used for eligible purposes exceeds 250GWh; or

(b) the biomethane injected by a producer of biomethane exceeds 250GWh,

the guaranteed tariff will apply to the first 250GWh of such heat or biomethane only.

(11) [F60 In relation to tariff guarantee applications made before 17th July 2019, the] guaranteed tariff does not apply where—

(a) the tariff start date in relation to an accredited RHI installation is earlier than the date given under paragraph (4)(b) or the tariff start date for a producer of biomethane for injection is earlier than the date given in accordance with paragraph (5)(a);

(b) the tariff guarantee has been revoked; or

(c) the tariff start date in relation to an accredited RHI installation or producer of biomethane for injection is—

(i) 183 or more days after the date given in accordance with paragraph (4)(b) or (5)(a); or

(ii) after 31st January 2020,

whichever is the earlier.

[F61 (11A) In relation to tariff guarantee applications made on or after [F62 29th June 2020 and before 20th July 2020], the guaranteed tariff does not apply where—

(a) the tariff start date in relation to an accredited RHI installation is earlier than the date given under paragraph (4)(b) or the tariff start date for a producer of biomethane for injection is earlier than the date given in accordance with paragraph (5)(a);

(b) the tariff guarantee has been revoked; or

(c) the tariff start date in relation to an accredited RHI installation or producer of biomethane for injection is—

(i) 183 or more days after the date given in accordance with paragraph (4)(b) or (5)(a); or

(ii) after 31st January 2021,

whichever is the earlier.]

[F63 (11B) In relation to tariff guarantee applications made on or after 17th July 2019 and before 29th June 2020 or on or after 20th July 2020, the guaranteed tariff does not apply where—

(a) the tariff start date in relation to an accredited RHI installation is earlier than the date given under paragraph (4)(b) or the tariff start date for a producer of biomethane for injection is earlier than the date given in accordance with paragraph (5)(a);

(b) the tariff guarantee has been revoked and a notice under paragraph (7) has not been reissued under paragraph (8A); or

(c) the tariff start date in [F64 relation to—

(i) an accredited RHI installation in respect of which a notice under paragraph (7) has been reissued under paragraph (7B) or (8B) is after 31st March 2023;

(ii) a producer of biomethane for injection to whom a notice under paragraph (7) has been reissued under paragraph (7C) or (8C) is after 31st March 2023; or

(iii) any other accredited RHI installation or producer of biomethane for injection is after 31st March 2022.]]

(12) Where the Authority revokes a tariff guarantee, it must send a notice to the participant specifying—

(a) the reason for the revocation;

(b) details of the applicant's right of review.

(13) For the purposes of paragraph (8)(d)—

(a) the Authority may take into account such matters as are, in the Authority's opinion, relevant, including —

(i) the location of the plant or place where biomethane is injected;

(ii) the installation capacity of the plant or maximum initial capacity of biomethane; and

(iii) the source of energy and technology or design of the plant;

(b) a plant is materially different in a case where—

(i) the installation capacity is at least 10% greater or smaller than the installation capacity proposed under paragraph (4);

(ii) the installation capacity is such that a different tariff would apply.

(14) The Secretary of State—

(a) must determine and publish the budget allocation for tariff guarantees (the “budget allocation”) for each of the financial years 2018/2019, 2019/2020 [F65 , 2020/2021, 2021/2022 and 2022/2023];

(b) must publish—

(i) estimates of inflation for each of the relevant financial years;

(ii) load factors applicable for each relevant technology;

(iii) quarterly biomethane production factors;

(c) may review the budget allocation for a current or future relevant financial year;

(d) may, as a result of such a review, increase a budget allocation, provided that such increase may only take effect on 1st February, 1st May, 1st August or 1st November in a relevant financial year.

[F66 (e) may determine and publish that part of the budget allocation which will be allocated to a particular technology or group of technologies.]

(15) The Authority must publish the following information on its website—

(a) current information in aggregate form as to—

(i) the number of tariff guarantee applications made;

(ii) the number of provisional tariff guarantee notices issued;

(iii) the number of tariff guarantee applications granted;

(iv) the sources of energy and technology and capacity of the plants in respect of which tariff guarantees have been granted; and

(b) the estimated total tariff guarantee commitment for each of the relevant financial years.

(16) The Authority must consider applications for a tariff guarantee in the order in which they are received by it, and must not—

(a) issue a provisional tariff guarantee notice where the estimated total tariff guarantee commitment for a relevant financial year would exceed the budget allocation for that year if the tariff guarantee were granted;

(b) issue a provisional tariff guarantee notice in respect of any subsequent application for consideration except where granting a tariff guarantee would not cause the budget allocation for a relevant financial year to be exceeded.

(17) Following an increase in budget allocation pursuant to paragraph (14)(d), or any decrease in the estimated total tariff guarantee commitment resulting from the withdrawal or rejection of a tariff guarantee application, the Authority must proceed to consider outstanding applications in the order in which they were received.

(18) In this regulation—

“estimated annual payment”, in relation to an application for a tariff guarantee, means—

(a)

in the financial year in which the applicant expects the plant to be commissioned, or the injection of biomethane to commence (as the case may be)—

(b)

in any subsequent financial year—

where—

i

D is the number of days in the financial year starting with the date on which the applicant expects the plant to be commissioned, or the injection of biomethane to commence (as the case may be);

ii

E is the estimated heat;

iii

I is the estimate of inflation for that financial year, published by the Secretary of State;

iv

T is the guaranteed tariff which will apply if the plant becomes accredited under regulation 30 or the producer of biomethane for injection becomes registered under regulation 32; and

v

Y is the number of days in the financial year;

“estimated heat”—

(a)

in relation to a plant to which paragraph (3) applies, means—

where—

i

C is the expected installation capacity of the plant;

ii

H is the number of hours in the year; and

iii

LF is the heat load factor for the plant's technology, published by the Secretary of State;

(b)

in relation to the production of biomethane for injection, means—

where—

i

V is the maximum volume in cubic metres of eligible biomethane which the applicant can inject each year, based on data from the relevant connection agreement;

ii

F is 9.1 M31 ; and

iii

P is the average of the quarterly biomethane production factors, published by the Secretary of State, for all applicable quarters of the relevant financial year, starting from the date on which the applicant expects the injection of biomethane to commence, expressed as a decimal and rounded to four decimal places;

“estimated total tariff guarantee commitment”, in relation to a relevant financial year, means the sum of the estimated annual payments for every application for a tariff guarantee—

(a)

for which a provisional tariff guarantee notice has been issued; and

(b)

which has not been withdrawn by the applicant or rejected by the Authority;

“financial close” means the date on which the applicant has entered into all financing agreements in relation to all the funding required for the construction of the proposed plant, or the production and injection of biomethane;

“financial year” means a 12 month period commencing on 1st April and ending with the following 31st March.

Textual Amendments

F55 Reg. 35(6)(c) substituted (20.7.2020) by The Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/650), regs. 1, 3(2)(a)

F56 Reg. 35(7A) inserted (20.7.2020) by The Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/650), regs. 1, 3(2)(b)

F57 Reg. 35(7B)(7C) inserted (1.4.2022) by The Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/159), regs. 1(3), 39(a)

F58 Reg. 35(8A) inserted (20.7.2020) by The Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/650), regs. 1, 3(2)(c)

F59 Reg. 35(8B)(8C) inserted (1.4.2022) by The Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/159), regs. 1(3), 39(b)

F60 Words in reg. 35(11) substituted (17.7.2019) by The Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1052), regs. 1, 5(1)

F61 Reg. 35(11A) inserted (17.7.2019) by The Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1052), regs. 1, 5(2)

F62 Words in reg. 35(11A) substituted (20.7.2020) by The Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/650), regs. 1, 3(2)(d)

F63 Reg. 35(11B) inserted (20.7.2020) by The Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/650), regs. 1, 3(2)(e)

F64 Words in reg. 35(11B)(c) substituted (1.4.2022) by The Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/159), regs. 1(3), 39(c)

F65 Words in reg. 35(14)(a) substituted (20.7.2020) by The Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/650), regs. 1, 3(2)(f)(i)

F66 Reg. 35(14)(e) inserted (20.7.2020) by The Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/650), regs. 1, 3(2)(f)(ii)

Marginal Citations

M31 This is a factor to account for the calorific value per cubic metre of biomethane (10 kWh/m³) and proportion of eligible biomethane per unit of biomethane injected (0.91).

PART 4 E+W+S Ongoing obligations for participants

CHAPTER 1 E+W+S Ongoing obligations relating to the use of solid biomass to generate heat

Interpretation E+W+S

36.  In this Part—

“allocating authority” has the same meaning as in section 24(1) of the Waste and Emissions Trading Act 2003 M32 ;

“landfill gas” means gas formed by the digestion of material in a landfill;

“municipal waste” has the same meaning as in section 21 of the Waste and Emissions Trading Act 2003 M33 ;

“standby generation” means the generation of electricity by equipment which is not used frequently or regularly to generate electricity and where all the electricity generated by that equipment is used by the accredited RHI installation;

“waste collection authority” has the same meaning as in section 30(3) of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 M34 ;

“waste disposal authority” has the same meaning as in section 30(2) of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 M35 .

Marginal Citations

M32 2003 c.33. Section 24(1) was amended by S.I. 2013/141.

M33 Section 21(3) was amended by S.I. 2011/2499.

M34 1990 c.43. Section 30(3) was amended by paragraph 17(3) of Schedule 9 to the Local Government (Wales) Act 1994 (c.19), and subsection (3)(c) was amended by paragraph 167(3) of Schedule 13 to the Local Government etc. (Scotland) Act 1994 (c.39).

M35 Section 30(2)(f) was substituted by paragraph 17(2) of Schedule 9 to the Local Government (Wales) Act 1994, and paragraph (g) was amended by paragraph 167(3) of Schedule 13 to the Local Government etc. (Scotland) Act 1994.

Participants using solid biomass contained in waste E+W+S

37.—(1) This regulation applies to a participant generating heat in an accredited RHI installation from solid biomass contained in waste.

(2) The proportion of solid biomass contained in the waste must be a minimum of 10%.

(3) For the purposes of paragraph (2)—

(a) the proportion of solid biomass contained in the waste is to be determined by the Authority for every quarterly period;

(b) it is for the participant to provide, in such form as the Authority may require, evidence to demonstrate to the Authority's satisfaction the proportion of the energy content of the waste used in any quarterly period which is composed of fossil fuel, to enable the Authority to determine the proportion of solid biomass in accordance with sub-paragraph (c);

(c) the proportion of solid biomass is the energy content of the waste used in any quarterly period to generate heat less the energy content of any fossil fuel of which that waste is in part composed, expressed as a percentage of the energy content of that waste.

(4) The participant may use fossil fuel (other than fossil fuel mentioned in paragraph (3)(c)) in an accredited RHI installation for the following permitted ancillary purposes only—

(a) cleansing other fuels from the accredited RHI installation's combustion system prior to using fossil fuel to heat the combustion system to its normal temperature;

(b) the heating of the accredited RHI installation's combustion system to its normal operating temperature or the maintenance of that temperature;

(c) the ignition of fuels of low or variable calorific value;

(d) emission control;

(e) in relation to accredited RHI installations which are CHP systems, standby generation or the testing of standby generation capacity.

(5) The energy content of the fossil fuel used during any quarterly period for the permitted ancillary purposes specified in paragraph (4) must not exceed 10% of the energy content of all the fuel used by that accredited RHI installation or where the installation is a CHP system, by a combustion unit which supplies energy to that installation from solid biomass contained in waste, to generate heat during that quarterly period.

(6) Without prejudice to paragraph (3)(b), when determining the proportion of solid biomass contained in waste, the Authority may have regard to any information (whether or not produced to it by the participant) if, in its opinion, that information indicates what proportion of the energy content of the waste is composed of fossil fuel.

(7) Where the participant produces to the Authority—

(a) data published by an allocating authority, a waste disposal authority or a waste collection authority, demonstrating that the proportion of municipal waste used by that participant which is composed of fossil fuel is unlikely to exceed 50%; and

(b) evidence that the municipal waste used has not been subject to any process before being used that is likely to have materially increased that proportion,

the Authority may accept this as sufficient evidence for the purposes of paragraph (3)(b) of the fact that the proportion of the municipal waste used which is composed of fossil fuel is no more than 50%.

(8) Where the Authority so requests, the participant must arrange for samples of the waste used (or to be used) in the accredited RHI installation, or of any gas or other substance produced as the result of the use of such waste, to be taken by a person (and analysed in a manner) specified by the Authority, and for the results of that analysis to be made available to the Authority in such form as the Authority may require.

Participants using solid biomass in accredited RHI installations with an installation capacity of 1MWth or above E+W+S

38.—(1) This regulation applies to a participant generating heat from solid biomass, not being solid biomass contained in waste, in an accredited RHI installation with an installation capacity of 1MWth or above.

(2) The participant may use solid biomass contaminated with fossil fuel only where the proportion of fossil fuel contamination does not exceed 10%.

(3) Such contaminated biomass may not be used unless the fossil fuel is present because—

(a) the solid biomass has been subject to a process, the undertaking of which has caused the fossil fuel to be present in, on or with the biomass even though that was not the object of the process; or

(b) the fossil fuel is waste and was not added to the solid biomass with a view to its being used as a fuel.

(4) For the purposes of paragraph (2)—

(a) the proportion of fossil fuel contamination is to be determined by the Authority for every quarterly period;

(b) it is for the participant to provide, in such form as the Authority may require, evidence to demonstrate to the Authority's satisfaction the proportion of fossil fuel contamination; and

(c) the proportion of fossil fuel contamination is the energy content of the fossil fuel with which the solid biomass used in any quarterly period is contaminated expressed as a percentage of the energy content of all solid biomass (contaminated or otherwise) used in that quarterly period to generate heat other than fossil fuel used in accordance with paragraphs (5) and (6).

(5) The participant may use fossil fuel (other than fossil fuel mentioned in paragraph (2)) in the accredited RHI installation for the following permitted ancillary purposes only—

(a) cleansing other fuels from the accredited RHI installation's combustion system prior to using fossil fuel to heat the combustion system to its normal temperature;

(b) the heating of the accredited RHI installation's combustion system to its normal operating temperature or the maintenance of that temperature;

(c) the ignition of fuels of low or variable calorific value;

(d) emission control;

(e) in relation to accredited RHI installations which are CHP systems, standby generation or the testing of standby generation capacity.

(6) The energy content of the fossil fuel used during a quarterly period for the permitted ancillary purposes specified in paragraph (5) must not exceed 10% of the energy content of all the fuel used by that accredited RHI installation or where the installation is a CHP system, by a combustion unit which supplies energy to that installation from solid biomass, to generate heat during that quarterly period.

(7) Without prejudice to paragraph (4)(b), in determining the proportion of solid biomass composed of fossil fuel the Authority may have regard to any information (whether or not produced to it by the participant) if, in its opinion, that information indicates what proportion of the contaminated solid biomass is composed of fossil fuel.

(8) Where the Authority so requests, the participant must arrange for samples of the fuel used (or to be used) in the accredited RHI installation, or of any gas or other substance produced as the result of the use of such fuel, to be taken by a person (and analysed in a manner) specified by the Authority, and for the results of that analysis to be made available to the Authority in such form as the Authority may require.

Participants using solid biomass in accredited RHI installations with an installation capacity of 45kWth and above but below 1MWth E+W+S

39.—(1) This regulation applies to a participant generating heat from solid biomass, not being solid biomass contained in waste, in an accredited RHI installation with an installation capacity of 45kWth and above but below 1MWth.

(2) The participant may use solid biomass contaminated with fossil fuel provided the participant complies with paragraphs (2), (3), (5) and (6) of regulation 38 as well as the requirements of this regulation.

(3) Where solid biomass contaminated with fossil fuel is used in an accredited RHI installation, the participant must keep and provide upon request written evidence including invoices, receipts and such other documentation as the Authority may specify relating to fuel use and fossil fuel used for the permitted ancillary purposes specified in regulation 38(5) and provide this information upon request to the Authority, in such form as the Authority may require, to demonstrate compliance with this regulation.

(4) Without prejudice to paragraph (3), the Authority may have regard to any information (whether or not produced to it by the participant) if, in its opinion, that information indicates what proportion of the contaminated solid biomass is composed of fossil fuel.

(5) Where—

(a) the Authority is not satisfied that the proportion of fossil fuel contamination (within the meaning of regulation 38(4)(c)) does not exceed 10%; or

(b) the Authority is not satisfied as to the matters specified in paragraphs (5) and (6) of regulation 38,

the Authority may require the participant to arrange for samples of the fuel used (or to be used) in the accredited RHI installation, or of any gas or other substance produced as the result of the use of such fuel, to be taken by a person (and analysed in a manner) specified by the Authority, and for the results of that analysis to be made available to the Authority in such form as the Authority may require.

CHAPTER 2 E+W+S Ongoing obligations relating to the use of biogas to generate heat and the production of biomethane for injection

Biogas produced from gasification or pyrolysis E+W+S

40.—(1) This regulation applies to a participant producing biogas using gasification or pyrolysis and generating heat from that biogas in an accredited RHI installation.

(2) The participant may only use solid biomass or waste as feedstock to produce the biogas.

(3) Where the participant uses waste as feedstock—

(a) paragraphs (2), (3), (6) and (7) of regulation 37 apply to the proportion of solid biomass contained in the waste used for feedstock in the same way as for the proportion of solid biomass contained in waste used to generate heat; and

(b) paragraphs (4) and (5) of regulation 37 apply.

(4) Where the participant uses solid biomass (not being solid biomass contained in waste) as feedstock—

(a) paragraphs (2), (3), (4) and (7) of regulation 38 apply to the contamination of solid biomass used for feedstock in the same way as for solid biomass contaminated with fossil fuel used to generate heat; and

(b) paragraphs (5) and (6) of regulation 38 apply.

(5) Where the Authority so requests, the participant must arrange for samples of the waste or solid biomass used (or to be used) as feedstock in the biogas production plant, or of any gas or other substance produced as a result of the use of such waste or solid biomass, to be taken by a person (and analysed in a manner) specified by the Authority, and for the results of that analysis to be made available to the Authority in such form as the Authority may require.

[F67 Biogas produced from feedstock derived from fossil fuel E+W+S

40A.— (1)  This regulation applies to—

(a) a participant producing biogas from anaerobic digestion in an accredited RHI installation; or

(b) a participant producing biomethane for injection from biogas made from anaerobic digestion.

(2) The participant may use feedstock derived from fossil fuel only where the contribution of that fossil fuel to the energy content of the biogas does not exceed 10%.

(3) For the purposes of paragraph (2)—

(a) the percentage of the energy content of biogas from the fossil fuel component of the feedstock is to be determined by the Authority for every quarterly period;

(b) it is for the participant to provide, in such form as the Authority may require, evidence to demonstrate to the Authority’s satisfaction the percentage of the energy content of biogas from feedstock derived from fossil fuel; and

(c) the percentage of the energy content of biogas from feedstock derived from fossil fuel is the energy content of the fossil fuel expressed as a percentage of the energy content of the biogas used in that quarterly period to generate heat or produce biomethane.

(4) Without prejudice to paragraph (3)(b), in determining the percentage of the energy content of biogas from feedstock derived from fossil fuel, the Authority may have regard to any information (whether or not produced to it by the participant) if, in its opinion, that information indicates the contribution of feedstock derived from fossil fuel to the energy content of the biogas.

(5) Where the Authority so requests, the participant must arrange for samples of the fuel used (or to be used) in the accredited RHI installation or in the production of biomethane, or of any gas or other substance produced as the result of the use of such fuel, to be taken by a person (and analysed in a manner) specified by the Authority, and for the results of that analysis to be made available to the Authority in such form as the Authority may require.]

Textual Amendments

F67 Reg. 40A inserted (1.4.2021) by The Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2021 (S.I. 2021/76), regs. 1(4)(b), 17

Participants generating heat from biogas E+W+S

41.—(1) This regulation applies to a participant generating heat from biogas in an accredited RHI installation to whom regulation 40 does not apply.

(2) Subject to regulation 74, a participant using biogas produced by anaerobic digestion may only use biogas which—

(a) is or was produced from one or more of the following feedstocks—

(i) solid biomass;

(ii) solid waste;

(iii) liquid waste; and

(b) is not landfill gas.

(3) The participant may use fossil fuel [F68 (not being feedstock derived from fossil fuel)] in the accredited RHI installation only in accordance with paragraphs (5) and (6) of regulation 38.

[F69 (4) The participant may use feedstock derived from fossil fuel in the accredited RHI installation only in accordance with regulation 40A.]

Textual Amendments

F68 Words in reg. 41(3) inserted (1.4.2021) by The Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2021 (S.I. 2021/76), regs. 1(4)(b), 18(a)

F69 Reg. 41(4) inserted (1.4.2021) by The Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2021 (S.I. 2021/76), regs. 1(4)(b), 18(b)

Biomethane producers E+W+S

42.—(1) This regulation applies to a participant producing biomethane for injection.

(2) A participant producing biomethane for injection from biogas made by gasification or pyrolysis may only use biogas made using solid biomass or waste as feedstock.

(3) Where waste is used as feedstock, paragraphs (2) and (3)(c) of regulation 37 apply to the proportion of solid biomass contained in waste used as feedstock in the same way as for the proportion of solid biomass contained in waste used to generate heat.

(4) Where solid biomass is used as feedstock, paragraphs (2), (3), and (4)(c) of regulation 38 apply to the contamination of solid biomass used for feedstock in the same way as for solid biomass contaminated with fossil fuel used by participants to generate heat.

(5) A participant producing biomethane for injection from biogas made by anaerobic digestion must comply with regulation 41(2).

(6) The participant must provide measurements in such format as the Authority may request which satisfy the Authority of all of the following—

(a) the gross calorific value and volume of biomethane injected;

(b) the gross calorific value and volume of any propane contained in the biomethane;

(c) the kWh of biomethane injected together with supporting meter readings and calculations;

(d) the kWhth of heat supplied to the biogas production plant (other than heat contained in feedstock to produce biogas by anaerobic digestion) which made the biogas used in any quarterly period to produce biomethane for injection;

(e) any heat supplied to the biomethane production process.

(7) The participant must keep, and provide to the Authority upon request, copies or details of agreements with third parties with whom the participant contracts to carry out any of the processes undertaken to turn the biogas into biomethane and to arrange for its injection.

(8) The participant must keep and provide upon request written evidence including invoices, receipts, contracts and such other information as the Authority may specify in relation to biogas purchased and feedstock used in the production of the biogas used to produce biomethane.

CHAPTER 3 E+W+S Ongoing obligations relating to other matters

Ongoing obligations: general E+W+S

43.  Participants must comply with the following ongoing obligations, as applicable—

(a) they must keep and provide upon request by the Authority records of type of fuel used and fuel purchased for the duration of their participation in the Scheme;

(b) where they have used solid biomass which was an approved sustainable fuel at the time when it was received by the participant or in respect of which the Secretary of State had made a declaration under regulation 51(5), they must keep and provide upon request by the Authority the authorisation number or other means of identification allocated to that fuel by the scheme under which that fuel is listed;

(c) they must keep and provide upon request by the Authority written records of fossil fuel used for the permitted ancillary purposes specified in Chapters 1 and 2;

(d) they must submit an annual declaration as requested by the Authority confirming, as appropriate, that they are using their accredited RHI installations in accordance with the eligibility criteria and are complying with the relevant ongoing obligations;

(e) they must notify the Authority if any of the information provided in support of their application for accreditation or registration was incorrect;

(f) they must ensure that their accredited RHI installation continues to meet the eligibility criteria;

(g) they must comply with any condition attached to their accreditation or registration;

(h) they must keep their accredited RHI installation maintained to the Authority's satisfaction and keep evidence of this including service and maintenance documents;

(i) participants combusting biogas must not deliver heat by air from their accredited RHI installation to the biogas production plant producing the biogas used for combustion;

(j) they must allow the Authority or its authorised agent reasonable access in accordance with regulation 85;

(k) participants generating heat from solid biomass or solid biomass contained in waste must comply with the regulation specified by the Authority in accordance with regulation 30(9)(e);

(l) they must notify the Authority within 28 days where they have ceased to comply with an ongoing obligation or have become aware that they will not be able so to comply, or where there has been any change in circumstances which may affect their eligibility to receive periodic support payments;

(m) they must notify the Authority within 28 days of the addition or removal of a plant supplying heat to a heating system of which their accredited RHI installation forms part;

(n) they must notify the Authority within 28 days of a change in ownership of all or part of their accredited RHI installation;

(o) they must repay any overpayment in accordance with any notice served under regulation 83;

(p) they must, if requested—

(i) provide evidence that the heat for which periodic support payments are made is used for an eligible purpose, or

(ii) where there is heat delivered to a biogas combustion plant, provide evidence to enable the Authority to determine whether the proportion of heat delivered has been correctly calculated;

(q) they must not generate heat for the purpose of increasing their periodic support payments;

(r) where a heat loss calculation is used, they must notify the Authority within 28 days where there are any changes in circumstances which may affect the basis of that calculation;

(s) they must notify the Authority within 28 days where the accredited RHI installation is moved to a new location;

(t) they must comply with such other administrative requirements that the Authority may specify in relation to the effective administration of the Scheme;

(u) participants generating heat and power in a CHP system to which regulation 13 applies, must notify the Authority within 28 days where CHPQA certification ceases to apply;

(v) where heat is generated in a combustion unit which forms part of a CHP system and in respect of which periodic support payments are made, participants must—

(i) except for solid biomass contaminated with fossil fuel, use only one source of energy in that combustion unit; and

(ii) keep and provide upon request to the Authority records of the fuel used in every combustion unit which forms part of that CHP system;

(w) participants generating heat using a ground source heat pump for which an application for accreditation is made on or after 28th May 2014 and which is capable of heating and cooling, must keep and provide upon request to the Authority, details of the calculation of the design heat load;

(x) participants to whom regulation 32(12) applies, must ensure that any necessary planning permission continues to be complied with in respect of the processes by which the biogas which is used to produce the biomethane is produced, the biogas is converted into biomethane, and the biomethane is injected;

[F70 (xa) where regulation 32(12A) applied to their application for registration, participants must ensure that any necessary environmental permits and local and national laws including those relating to the protection of the environment continue to be complied with in respect of the processes by which the biogas which is used to produce the biomethane is produced, the biogas is converted into biomethane, and the biomethane is injected;]

(y) where regulation 74 applies, the participant must comply with the following obligations in relation to each payment year (within the meaning of regulation 74)—

(i) the participant must provide a declaration to the Authority following the end of each payment year stating the proportion of the total biogas yield for that payment year which is not derived from waste or residue; and

(ii) in the case of a producer of biomethane for injection or an accredited RHI installation with an installation capacity of 1MWth or above which generates heat from biogas, the annual report submitted by the participant in accordance with regulation 50 must confirm whether the figure provided by the participant under sub-paragraph (i) is correct, together with supporting evidence to show how it is calculated.

[F71 (z) they must notify the Authority within 28 days of the installation of a replacement plant; and

(z1) they must ensure that any necessary environmental permits, and local and national laws including those relating to the protection of the environment, continue to be complied with by the plant].

Textual Amendments

F70 Reg. 43(xa) inserted (1.10.2018) by The Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/635), regs. 1(4), 16(a)

F71 Reg. 43(z)(z1) inserted (1.10.2018) by The Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/635), regs. 1(4), 16(b)

Ongoing obligations: emissions from biomass E+W+S

44.  Participants generating heat from solid biomass in an accredited RHI installation in respect of which an RHI emission certificate is required must—

(a) use fuel of a type specified in the RHI emission certificate;

(b) use fuel with a moisture content which is no greater than the maximum moisture content specified in the RHI emission certificate; and

(c) operate the accredited RHI installation in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions for that plant in relation to the control of emissions of PM and NOₓ.

Ongoing obligations in relation to metering E+W+S

45.—(1) Participants must keep all meters and steam measuring equipment required to be used in accordance with these Regulations—

(a) continuously operating;

(b) properly maintained and periodically checked for errors;

(c) re-calibrated every 10 years or within such period of time as may be specified in accordance with manufacturers' instructions where available, whichever is the sooner; and

(d) located in accordance with any conditions attached to the accreditation of the plant,

and must retain evidence of this, including service and maintenance invoices, receipts or certificates for the duration of their participation in the Scheme.

(2) The Authority may, by the date (if any) specified by it, or at such regular intervals as it may require to enable it to carry out its functions under these Regulations or to gather data to assess the performance of technologies in the Scheme, require participants to provide the following information—

(a) meter readings and other data collected in accordance with these Regulations from all steam measuring equipment, class 2 heat meters, and any other meters used in accordance with these Regulations in such format as the Authority may reasonably require;

(b) in relation to participants using steam measuring equipment, a kWhth figure of both the heat generated and the heat used for eligible purposes together with supporting data and calculations; and

(c) the evidence and service and maintenance documentation specified in paragraph (1).

(3) Participants using heat pumps to provide both heating and cooling must ensure that their meters for those pumps enable them to—

(a) measure heat used for eligible purposes only; and

(b) where appropriate, measure (in order to discount) any cooling generated by the reverse operation of the heat pump,

and must provide upon request an explanation of how their metering arrangements have enabled the cooling in sub-paragraph (b) to be discounted.

(4) [F72 Subject to paragraph (4A),] the data referred to in paragraph (2)(a) and (b) may be estimated in exceptional circumstances if the Authority has agreed in writing to an estimate being provided and to the way in which those estimates are to be calculated.

[F73 (4A) On or after 1st October 2018, estimated data may only be used in accordance with paragraph (4)—

(a) in a maximum of eight quarterly periods in relation to each installation; and

(b) where it would not lead to periodic support payments already made being revised.]

(5) Nothing in this regulation prevents the Authority from accepting further data from a participant, if the Authority considers it appropriate to do so.

Textual Amendments

F72 Words in reg. 45(4) inserted (1.10.2018) by The Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/635), regs. 1(4), 17(a)

F73 Reg. 45(4A) inserted (1.10.2018) by The Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/635), regs. 1(4), 17(b)

Ongoing obligations in relation to the provision of information E+W+S

46.—(1) A participant must provide to the Authority on request any information which the participant holds and which the Authority requires in order to discharge its functions under these Regulations.

(2) A participant must retain a copy of—

(a) any information relied on when making any application for accreditation or registration or, if the participant did not make that application, given to the participant by the person who made the application; and

(b) any other evidence which verifies that the accreditation or registration meets the eligibility criteria and that the participant is continuing to comply with the ongoing obligations.

(3) Information requested under paragraph (1) must be provided within 7 days of the request or such later date as the Authority may specify.

(4) Information provided to the Authority under these Regulations must be—

(a) accurate to the best of the participant's knowledge and belief; and

(b) provided in such manner and form as the Authority may reasonably request.

(5) The costs of providing information under these Regulations are to be borne by the participant.

PART 5 E+W+S Sustainable solid biomass, biogas or biomethane

Interpretation E+W+S

47.  In this Part—

[F74 “fuel quality criteria” means the criteria for woodfuel quality specified in Schedule 4A in relation to solid biomass which is wood;]

“greenhouse gas criteria” means the criteria set out in Schedule 3;

“land criteria”, except in regulation 48(3)(a), means—

(a)

the criteria set out in Part 2 of Schedule 4 in relation to solid biomass which is wood or wholly derived from wood, except energy crops; or

(b)

the criteria set out in Part 3 of Schedule 4 in relation to other solid biomass including energy crops;

“permitted location” means a place—

(a)

in respect of which the participant has a right to harvest the solid biomass; and

(b)

which is no more than 50 miles from the plant in which the solid biomass is used;

“self-supplied” means—

(a)

obtained by or on behalf of the participant from a permitted location; or

(b)

waste wood which is obtained by or on behalf of the participant from the place where it first becomes waste;

“sustainable biogas” means—

(a)

biogas which—

(i)

meets the greenhouse gas criteria; and

(ii)

is made wholly from feedstock which is solid biomass which meets the land criteria;

(b)

biogas which is made wholly from feedstock which is waste;

(c)

biogas which consists of a combination of any of the biogas listed in paragraphs (a) and (b);

“sustainable biomethane” means biomethane which, save for ingredients which are added as part of the biomethane production process—

(a)

is made wholly from feedstock which is waste;

(b)

meets the greenhouse gas criteria and is made wholly from feedstock which is solid biomass which meets the land criteria; or

(c)

consists of a combination of any of the biomethane listed in paragraphs (a) and (b);

“sustainable solid biomass” means—

(a)

solid biomass which meets the greenhouse gas criteria [F75 , the land criteria and the fuel quality criteria];

(b)

solid biomass which is—

(i)

self-supplied;

(ii)

used in an accredited RHI installation with an installation capacity of less than 1MWth; and

(iii)

either—

(aa)

an approved sustainable fuel; or

(bb)

a fuel in respect of which the Secretary of State has made a declaration under regulation 51(5);

(c)

solid biomass which is waste, or is wholly derived from waste;

(d)

solid biomass which consists of a combination of any of the solid biomass listed in paragraphs (a) to (c).

Textual Amendments

F74 Words in reg. 47 inserted (1.4.2022) by The Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2021 (S.I. 2021/76), regs. 1(3)(a), 19(a)

F75 Words in reg. 47 substituted (1.4.2022) by The Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2021 (S.I. 2021/76), regs. 1(3)(a), 19(b)

[F76 Ongoing obligation in relation to boiler maintenance E+W+S

47A.— (1) This regulation applies to a participant who generates heat from a boiler which uses solid biomass, or solid biomass contained in waste, as fuel.

(2) The participant must—

(a) ensure that, in each payment year, a maintenance check is carried out in relation to the boiler (“annual maintenance check”);

(b) following the end of each payment year, provide to the Authority a declaration stating that—

(i) the annual maintenance check has been carried out; and

(ii) the maintenance standard has been met.

(3) Participants must retain evidence (including service and maintenance invoices, receipts or certificates) of the matters stated in the declaration for the duration of their participation in the Scheme and must provide the Authority with that evidence when requested to do so.

(4) A document issued by HETAS (or an equivalent body) certifying that the boiler has been assessed against a maintenance standard may be accepted as evidence that the maintenance standard has been met.

(5) In this regulation—

(a) “equivalent body” means a certification body which is approved by the Secretary of State under regulation 47B(1)(a);

(b) “equivalent standard” means a document which—

(i) specifies the standards to be met by a participant when carrying out the annual maintenance check of a boiler which uses solid biomass, or solid biomass contained in waste, as fuel; and

(ii) is approved by the Secretary of State under regulation 47B(1)(b);

(c) “maintenance standard” means MCS 040 or an equivalent standard;

(d) “MCS 040” means Issue 1.0 of the document entitled “MCS 040: Planned and Preventative Maintenance of Biomass Appliances – Requirements for Maintenance Engineers carrying out Maintenance Activities” published on 30th June 2021 or a subsequent version of that standard;

(e) “payment year” means any 12 month period beginning on or after 1st April 2022 commencing with the anniversary of the tariff start date.

Textual Amendments

F76 Regs. 47A, 47B inserted (1.4.2022) by The Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/159), regs. 1(3), 40

Approval of equivalent bodies, equivalent standards and equivalent certification schemes E+W+S

47B.— (1) For the purpose of regulation 47A (ongoing obligation in relation to boiler maintenance), the Secretary of State may approve—

(a) a certification body as an equivalent body if it has a certification scheme for certifying compliance with a maintenance standard;

(b) a standard as an equivalent standard if it matches or exceeds the standards specified in MCS 040.

(2) For the purpose of paragraph 2 of Schedule 4A (solid biomass which is wood: criteria for woodfuel quality), the Secretary of State may approve a standard as an equivalent standard if it matches or exceeds the ENplus A1 standard.

(3) For the purpose of paragraph 3 of that Schedule, the Secretary of State may approve a standard as an equivalent standard if it matches or exceeds a fuel quality standard mentioned in that paragraph.

(4) For the purpose of paragraph 4 of that Schedule, the Secretary of State may approve a certification scheme which matches or exceeds the Woodsure Certification Scheme as an equivalent certification scheme.

(5) The Secretary of State must publish details of any equivalent body, equivalent standard or equivalent certification scheme approved under this regulation and the date from which the approval takes effect.

(6) The Secretary of State may revoke an approval given under this regulation by publishing a notice specifying the date from which the approval is revoked.

(7) An equivalent body or equivalent certification scheme may not certify compliance with an equivalent standard developed by that body or scheme.]

Textual Amendments

F76 Regs. 47A, 47B inserted (1.4.2022) by The Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/159), regs. 1(3), 40

Ongoing obligation to use sustainable solid biomass or biogas or to produce sustainable biomethane E+W+S

48.—(1) A participant who generates heat or heat and power from solid biomass or biogas in an accredited RHI installation must use only sustainable solid biomass or sustainable biogas.

(2) A participant who produces biomethane for injection must produce for injection only sustainable biomethane.

(3) Paragraph (1) is deemed to be complied with in respect of—

(a) any biogas or solid biomass used in an accredited RHI installation—

(i) which is a generating station which is accredited under the Renewables Obligation Order 2015 M36 or the Renewables Obligation (Scotland) Order 2009 M37 ;

(ii) where the capacity of that generating station is 1MW or above; and

(iii) where—

(aa) in the case of biogas or solid biomass used in a generating station in Scotland, the biogas or solid biomass meets the greenhouse gas emission criteria in paragraph 2 of Part 1 of Schedule A1A to the Renewables Obligation (Scotland) Order 2009 and the applicable land criteria in Schedule A2 to that Order; or

(bb) in the case of biogas or solid biomass used in a generating station in England or Wales, the biogas or solid biomass meets the greenhouse gas criteria in paragraph 2 of Part 1 of Schedule 2 to the Renewables Obligation Order 2015 and the applicable land criteria in Schedule 3 to that Order; or

(b) any solid biomass used in an accredited RHI installation to generate heat (but not heat and power) which—

(i) at the time when it is received by the participant, is an approved sustainable fuel; or

(ii) is a fuel in respect of which the Secretary of State has made a declaration under regulation 51(5).

Marginal Citations

M36 S.I. 2015/1947, as amended by S.I. 2016/1108, 2017/1234 and 2017/1289.

M37 S.S.I. 2009/140. Relevant amending instruments are S.S.I. 2010/147, 2011/225, 2013/116, 2014/94, 2015/384, 2016/1108 and 2017/432, and S.I. 2016/1108 and 2017/1234.

Ongoing obligation to provide information to the Authority in relation to the use of sustainable solid biomass etc E+W+S

49.—(1) This regulation applies to a participant who—

(a) generates heat or heat and power from solid biomass or biogas in an accredited RHI installation; or

(b) produces biomethane for injection.

(2) A participant to whom this regulation applies must—

(a) in relation to each consignment of solid biomass used to generate heat (but not heat and power), provide the Authority with a declaration in accordance with paragraph (3);

(b) in relation to each consignment of solid biomass (except solid biomass to which regulation 48(3)(a) or (b) applies) or biogas used or biomethane produced, provide the Authority with a declaration in accordance with paragraphs (4) and (5);

(c) provide the information specified in paragraph (7).

(3) In respect of solid biomass used to generate heat (but not heat and power) a declaration must state—

(a) whether or not that solid biomass was—

(i) an approved sustainable fuel; or

(ii) a fuel in respect of which the Secretary of State has made a declaration under regulation 51(5); and

(b) where sub-paragraph (a)(i) or (ii) applies, the authorisation number or other means of identification allocated to that fuel by the scheme under which that fuel was listed.

(4) A declaration must state whether or not—

(a) solid biomass used was waste or wholly derived from waste;

(b) biogas used or biomethane produced was made from feedstock which was waste;

(c) solid biomass or biogas used or biomethane produced met the greenhouse gas criteria;

(d) solid biomass used met the land criteria; F77 ...

[F78 (da) on or after 1st April 2022, solid biomass used met the fuel quality criteria; or]

(e) biogas used or biomethane produced was made from feedstock which was solid biomass which met the land criteria.

(5) Where a participant declares in accordance with paragraph (4)(c) that solid biomass, biogas or biomethane met the greenhouse gas criteria, the declaration must specify the lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions for that solid biomass, biogas or biomethane calculated in accordance with paragraph 2 of Schedule 3.

(6) Except where the Authority specifies otherwise, participants must provide declarations and information in accordance with this regulation in respect of the solid biomass or biogas used or biomethane produced in every quarterly period, within 28 days of the end of each such period.

(7) Where in a quarterly period a participant—

(a) uses solid biomass (except solid biomass to which regulation 48(3)(a) or (b) applies) to generate heat or heat and power in an accredited RHI installation with an installation capacity of 1MWth or above; or

(b) produces biomethane for injection,

the participant must provide the information in Schedule 5 in relation to that solid biomass.

(8) In addition to the declarations in accordance with paragraphs (3) to (5) and information in accordance with paragraph (7), the Authority may from time to time require such further declarations or information from a participant in relation to sustainable solid biomass, biogas or biomethane as it thinks fit.

Textual Amendments

F77 Word in reg. 49(4)(d) omitted (1.4.2022) by virtue of The Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2021 (S.I. 2021/76), regs. 1(3)(a), 20(a)

F78 Reg. 49(4)(da) inserted (1.4.2022) by The Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2021 (S.I. 2021/76), regs. 1(3)(a), 20(b)

Ongoing obligation to submit sustainability audit reports E+W+S

50.—(1) Subject to paragraph (3), a participant to whom regulation 49 applies must submit a report which is prepared in accordance with the requirements in paragraph (4).

(2) In this regulation, “sustainability information” means the information provided pursuant to regulation 49(4) and (5).

(3) No report is required in relation to—

(a) any biogas or solid biomass in respect of which regulation 48(1) is deemed to be complied with by virtue of regulation 48(3)(a);

(b) any solid biomass or biogas used to generate heat in an accredited RHI installation with a capacity less than 1MWth;

(c) any solid biomass used in an accredited RHI installation to generate heat (but not heat and power) which—

(i) at the time it was received by the participant, was an approved sustainable fuel; or

(ii) in respect of which a declaration has been made under regulation 51(5).

(4) The requirements in this paragraph are that the report must—

(a) be prepared by a person who is not—

(i) the participant; or

(ii) a connected person;

(b) be prepared in accordance with the International Standard on Assurance Engagements 3000 (Revised): Assurance engagements other than audits or reviews of historical financial information dated 9th December 2013 [F79 , a subsequent version of that standard] M38 or an equivalent standard;

(c) state whether anything has come to the attention of the person preparing the report to indicate that the sustainability information is not accurate; and

(d) consider, in relation to each consignment of solid biomass or biogas used to generate heat or heat and power, or biomethane produced for injection—

(i) whether the systems used to produce the sustainability information are likely to produce information which is reasonably accurate and reliable;

(ii) whether there are controls in place to help protect the sustainability information against material misstatements due to fraud or error;

(iii) the frequency and methodology of any sampling carried out for the purpose of obtaining or checking the data on which the participant relied in preparing the sustainability information; and

(iv) the robustness of the data on which the participant relied in preparing the sustainability information.

(5) Subject to paragraph (6), participants must submit reports under this regulation annually and within 3 months after—

(a) each anniversary of the tariff start date; or

(b) in the case of participants who are registered as producers of biomethane for injection, each anniversary of the date on which that participant was first registered as a producer of that biomethane.

(6) The report must consider and report on each consignment of solid biomass or biogas used, or biomethane produced, within the 12 month period preceding—

(a) each anniversary of the tariff start date; or

(b) in the case of participants who are registered as producers of biomethane for injection, each anniversary of the date on which that participant was first registered as a producer of that biomethane.

Textual Amendments

F79 Words in reg. 50(4)(b) inserted (1.4.2022) by The Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/159), regs. 1(3), 41

Marginal Citations

M38 International Standard on Assurance Engagements (ISAE) 3000 (Revised): Assurance Engagements other than Audits or Reviews of Historical Financial Information, published on 9th December 2013 by the International Federation of Accountants. Copies are available at www.ifac.org.

Schemes for listing approved sustainable fuels E+W+S

51.—(1) Where the Secretary of State is satisfied that a scheme complies with the requirements in paragraph (2), the Secretary of State may approve that scheme for the purpose of these Regulations.

(2) The requirements in this paragraph are that appropriate procedures have been adopted to ensure that the person administering the scheme (“the scheme administrator”)—

(a) establishes and maintains an accurate and up to date list of fuels which—

(i) are solid biomass;

(ii) comply with the requirements in paragraph (3) or (4); and

(iii) are available to be supplied to participants;

(b) includes on the list all those fuels in respect of which—

(i) an application has been made to the scheme administrator for that fuel to be included in the list; and

(ii) the supplier is able to demonstrate compliance with the requirements in paragraph (3) or (4);

(c) processes applications by suppliers of solid biomass fuel for the inclusion of fuel in the list promptly and fairly;

(d) ensures that application procedures are clear, proportionate and accessible to suppliers;

(e) ensures that each fuel which is included in the list is allocated an authorisation number or other means of identification which is specific to that fuel;

(f) requires suppliers of listed fuels to—

(i) store listed fuel separately from other fuels supplied by them which are not so listed; and

(ii) provide documentary evidence of the authorisation number or other means of identification when supplying an approved sustainable fuel;

(g) carries out reasonable checks to ensure that fuels which are listed continue to comply with the requirements in sub-paragraph (f) and paragraph (3) or (4);

(h) takes reasonable steps to identify and remove from the list—

(i) any fuel which no longer complies with the requirements in paragraph (3) or (4); or

(ii) any fuel which has ceased (other than temporarily) to be available;

(i) where appropriate, removes from the list those fuels which are supplied by a supplier who breaches the requirements of the scheme; and

(j) deals with complaints by suppliers in relation to the operation of the scheme in a fair and transparent manner.

(3) The requirements in this paragraph are—

(a) that the fuel would, if used in a plant with an efficiency of at least 0.7, meet the greenhouse gas criteria;

(b) that any fuel which is included in the list on or after 6th July 2015 meets the land [F80 criteria;]

[F81 (c) that any fuel which is included in the list on or after 1st April 2022 meets the fuel quality criteria.]

(4) The requirements in this paragraph are that the fuel—

(a) is, or is wholly derived from waste; or

(b) is self-supplied for use in a plant with an installation capacity of less than 1MWth.

(5) Where the Secretary of State approves a scheme under paragraph (1), the Secretary of State may declare that any fuel—

(a) listed under that scheme before the date on which the scheme is approved; and

(b) received by a participant before that date,

is deemed to meet the requirement in paragraph (3)(a) and the land criteria.

(6) Where the Secretary of State is no longer satisfied that an approved scheme complies with the requirements in paragraph (2), the Secretary of State may by notice to the scheme administrator, revoke approval of the scheme with effect from the date specified in the notice.

(7) Where approval is revoked in accordance with paragraph (6), any fuel listed under the scheme which has been supplied to a final consumer before the date on which the approval is revoked is treated as sustainable for the purposes of these Regulations.

(8) In this regulation “efficiency”, in relation to a plant, means—

where—

where—

H is the heat produced by the plant in the form of liquid or steam, and

F is the energy content of all the fuels used by the plant.

Textual Amendments

F80 Word in reg. 51(3)(b) substituted (1.4.2022) by The Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2021 (S.I. 2021/76), regs. 1(3)(a), 21(a)

F81 Reg. 51(3)(c) inserted (1.4.2022) by The Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2021 (S.I. 2021/76), regs. 1(3)(a), 21(b)

PART 6 E+W+S Changes affecting accredited RHI installations and registered producers

[F82 Interpretation E+W+S

51A.   In this Part, “proposed plant” has the meaning given in regulation 52A(1A).]

Textual Amendments

F82 Reg. 51A inserted (16.11.2022) by The Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/1096), regs. 1(1), 3

Review of accreditation or registration following notification of a change in circumstances E+W+S

52.—(1) This regulation applies where—

(a) the Authority receives a notification under regulation 43; and

(b) regulations [F83 [F84 52A, 54, 54A,], 55 and 55A] do not apply.

(2) On receipt of the notification, the Authority may—

(a) require the participant to provide such information as the Authority considers necessary to enable the Authority to consider whether a review should be carried out in accordance with this regulation and, if appropriate, to carry out such a review; and

(b) either—

(i) review the accreditation of the accredited RHI installation to which the notification relates to ensure that it continues to meet the eligibility criteria; or

(ii) review the registration of the registered biomethane producer to which the notification relates to ensure that the producer continues to meet the requirements under these Regulations.

(3) No periodic support payment may be made from the date on which the Authority receives the notification until—

(a) the Authority has notified the participant that—

(i) it is satisfied that it is not necessary to review the accreditation of the installation or registration of the biomethane producer;

(ii) it has carried out a review and is satisfied that the installation may continue to be an accredited RHI installation or the biomethane producer may continue to be registered; or

(b) where regulation 53(1)(a) or (b) applies, the Authority has notified the participant that it is satisfied that the metering requirements in regulation 24 have been met.

(4) Where the Authority is satisfied in accordance with paragraph (3) it must resume payment of periodic support payments in accordance with these Regulations and pay to the participant any periodic support payments withheld in accordance with paragraph (3).

Textual Amendments

F83 Words in reg. 52(1)(b) substituted (1.10.2018) by The Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/635), regs. 1(4), 18

F84 Words in reg. 52(1)(b) substituted (1.4.2021) by The Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2021 (S.I. 2021/76), regs. 1(4)(b), 22

[F85 Modification of installation capacity — shared ground loop systems E+W+S

52A.— [F86 (1) This regulation applies to—

(a) an accredited RHI installation which is a ground source heat pump or a shared ground loop system;

(b) a proposed plant.]

[F87 (1A) A “proposed plant” is a ground source heat pump or a shared ground loop system which a person (the “relevant person”) proposes to construct and operate and in respect of which either—

(a) (i) the Authority has granted a tariff guarantee;

(ii) the Authority has re-issued a notice under regulation 35(7B) or (8B); and

(iii) no accreditation has been granted under regulation 30; or

(b) (i) the Authority has granted an extension of time to the relevant person under regulation 3B(6); and

(ii) no accreditation has been granted under regulation 30.

(1B) Where this regulation applies to a proposed plant—

(a) the relevant person must notify the Authority of any plan to modify capacity (as defined in paragraph (2)) in accordance with this regulation as if—

(i) references to the accredited RHI installation were references to the proposed plant;

(ii) references to the participant were references to the relevant person;

(b) on receipt of a notification made under paragraph (2)—

(i) the Authority must not review the plan to modify capacity or send the relevant person a written notice under paragraph (6) until the proposed plant has been accredited under regulation 30;

(ii) in the event that either—

(aa) no application for accreditation under regulation 30 in respect of the proposed plant has been made before 1st April 2023; or

(bb) the Authority has rejected an application for accreditation under regulation 30 in respect of the proposed plant,

the Authority must send the relevant person a written notice stating that it will not review the plan to modify capacity.]

(2) The participant must notify the Authority on or before 31st March 2023 of any plan to modify the installation capacity of the accredited RHI installation by adding one or more ground source heat pumps in the circumstances set out in paragraph (3) (“plan to modify capacity”).

(3) The circumstances are—

(a) any ground source heat pump to be added to the accredited RHI installation as part of the modification (“additional ground source heat pump”)—

(i) will be commissioned as part of a shared ground loop system; and

(ii) will meet the eligibility criteria set out in regulation 11; and

(b) after the commissioning of any additional ground source heat pump, there will be an increase in the amount of heat in kWhth generated by the accredited RHI installation for eligible purposes.

[F88 (3A) A participant must not notify the Authority of any further plan to modify capacity in relation to the same accredited RHI installation without first withdrawing the original plan to modify capacity.]

(4) A notification under paragraph (2) must be made in writing to the Authority and must—

(a) provide details of the plan to modify capacity, including—

(i) whether the participant plans to modify the installation capacity under this regulation once only, or twice;

(ii) the total intended installation capacity of the accredited RHI installation following the modification or modifications detailed in the plan (“total intended installation capacity”);

(iii) the date on which the participant expects each additional ground source heat pump to be commissioned (“expected commissioning date”); and

(iv) the amount of heat in kWhth which the participant expects each additional ground source heat pump to generate each year for eligible purposes; and

(b) be supported by—

(i) details of the process by which the participant proposes to modify the installation capacity of the accredited RHI installation;

(ii) such of the information specified in Schedule 2 as the Authority may require;

(iii) a declaration that the information provided by the participant is accurate to the best of the participant’s knowledge and belief; and

[F89 (iv) a declaration that the participant will be the owner, or one of the owners, of each additional ground source heat pump or, where the participant will not be the owner, or one of the owners, of an additional ground source heat pump, evidence, in such manner and form as the Authority may request, to enable the Authority to satisfy itself—

(aa) that the participant will be able to comply with their ongoing obligations in respect of the additional ground source heat pump;

(bb) of the matters mentioned in paragraph (7)(ba).]

(5) On receipt of a notification under paragraph (2), the Authority may request the participant to provide within a period of no less than four weeks starting with the date of the request—

(a) further information specified in Schedule 2;

(b) evidence of any heat loss calculation used in determining the increase in the amount of heat in kWhth to be generated by the accredited RHI installation for eligible purposes;

(c) evidence to demonstrate to the Authority’s satisfaction that the shared ground loop system is an appropriate size for the total intended installation capacity.

(6) On reviewing a plan to modify capacity, the Authority must send the participant a written notice—

(a) approving or rejecting the plan;

(b) if the plan is rejected, giving reasons; and

(c) if the plan is approved, specifying—

(i) that the Authority is satisfied as to the matters mentioned in paragraph (7); and

(ii) the tariff which will apply to the accredited RHI installation in relation to the total intended installation capacity.

(7) The Authority must not approve a plan to modify capacity unless satisfied that—

(a) the circumstances in paragraph (3) apply;

(b) the evidence and information required by paragraphs (4) and (5) have been provided;

[F90 (ba) where the participant is not the owner, or one of the owners, of an additional ground source heat pump, the participant has authority from the owner, or one of the owners, of the additional ground source heat pump to—

(i) notify the Authority of the plan to modify capacity; and

(ii) be the participant for the purposes of the Scheme;]

(c) the accredited RHI installation will continue to meet the eligibility criteria and should accordingly continue to be accredited;

(d) regulation 52B(4) does not apply;

[F91 (da) regulation 52B(4A) does not apply;]

(e) where regulation 53(1)(a) or (b) applies, the metering requirements in regulation 24 will be met;

(f) the notification under paragraph (2) was made on or before 31st March 2023.

(8) A participant must notify the Authority within 28 days after modifying the installation capacity of an accredited RHI installation in accordance with a plan approved under this regulation.

(9) A participant may not modify the installation capacity of an accredited RHI installation under this regulation more than twice during the tariff lifetime for that installation.

(10) A notification under paragraph (8) in relation to a modification must contain—

(a) the commissioning date or expected commissioning date for each ground source heat pump added as part of the modification;

(b) the installation capacity of the accredited RHI installation following the modification (“new installation capacity”);

(c) evidence that the new installation capacity does not exceed the total intended installation capacity; and

(d) evidence of any heat loss calculation used in determining the increase in the amount of heat in kWhth generated by the accredited RHI installation for eligible purposes.

(11) On receipt of a notification under paragraph (8), the Authority may request the participant to provide, within a period of no less than four weeks starting with the date of the request, additional information in order to be satisfied as to the matters specified in paragraph (12)(a) to (c).

(12) Paragraphs (13) and (14) apply if the Authority is satisfied that, following a modification—

(a) the accredited RHI installation continues to meet the eligibility criteria;

(b) the new installation capacity does not exceed the total intended installation capacity; and

(c) there has not been a material change in circumstances such that, had the plan to modify capacity been notified under paragraph (2) after the change, it would have been rejected.

(13) The Authority must update the central register referred to in regulation 30(9)(c) if appropriate.

(14) Periodic support payments taking account of the amount of heat in kWhth generated for eligible purposes by the ground source heat pump or pumps added as part of the modification, calculated from the date in paragraph (15), are payable in accordance with these Regulations.

(15) The date is the commissioning date for the last ground source heat pump added as part of the modification.

(16) The tariff which will apply to the accredited RHI installation from the first quarterly period following the date in paragraph (15) is—

(a) if as a result of the modification there is no change in the tariff category (as defined in regulation 56), the relevant tariff set out in Schedule 6 determined as at the tariff start date for that installation;

(b) if as a result of the modification there is a change in the tariff category, the relevant tariff set out in Schedule 6.

(17) In calculating the initial tariff or subsequent tariff, “initial heat” in regulation 63(6) must be determined taking into account the installed peak heat output capacity of the ground source heat pump or pumps added as part of the modification.

(18) The addition of any ground source heat pump or pumps to an accredited RHI installation in accordance with a plan approved under this regulation does not alter the tariff end date or the tariff lifetime for that installation.

Textual Amendments

F85 Regs. 52A, 52B inserted (1.4.2021) by The Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2021 (S.I. 2021/76), regs. 1(4)(b), 23

F86 Reg. 52A(1) substituted (16.11.2022) by The Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/1096), regs. 1(1), 4(a)

F87 Reg. 52A(1A)(1B) inserted (16.11.2022) by The Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/1096), regs. 1(1), 4(b)

F88 Reg. 52A(3A) inserted (1.4.2022) by The Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/159), regs. 1(3), 42(a)

F89 Reg. 52A(4)(b)(iv) substituted (16.11.2022) by The Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/1096), regs. 1(1), 4(c)

F90 Reg. 52A(7)(ba) inserted (16.11.2022) by The Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/1096), regs. 1(1), 4(d)

F91 Reg. 52A(7)(da) inserted (1.4.2022) by The Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/159), regs. 1(3), 42(b)

Budget allocation for modification of installation capacity — shared ground loop systems E+W+S

52B.— (1) The Secretary of State may—

(a) determine and publish a budget allocation for modifying installation capacity under regulation 52A (“budget allocation”) for any of the financial years 2021/2022, 2022/2023 and 2023/2024;

[F92 (aa) for the financial years 2022/2023 and 2023/2024, determine and publish those parts of the budget allocation which will be allocated to—

(i) heating a space or water, or heating both a space and water, in domestic premises; and

(ii) all other heat uses;]

(b) review the budget allocation for a current or future financial year; and

(c) as a result of such a review, increase the budget allocation for that year.

(2) For the purpose of determining the budget allocation for a financial year, the Secretary of State must publish—

(a) an estimate of inflation for the financial year; and

(b) load factors applicable for each relevant technology.

(3) The Authority must consider plans to modify capacity in the order in which it receives notification of them under regulation 52A(2).

[F93 (3A) For the purposes of paragraph (3), a plan to modify capacity notified in relation to a proposed plant is deemed to be received by the Authority on the date the proposed plant becomes accredited under regulation 30.]

(4) Where the Secretary of State publishes a budget allocation for a financial year, the Authority must not approve a plan to modify capacity where the estimated total modified capacity commitment for a financial year would exceed the budget allocation for that year if the plan were approved.

[F94 (4A) Where the Secretary of State exercises the power in paragraph (1)(aa), paragraph (4) applies as if the reference to the “estimated total modified capacity commitment” were to the part of that sum to be used as set out in paragraph (1)(aa)(i) or (ii) and the reference to “budget allocation” were to the corresponding part of the budget allocation.

(4B) The Authority must not approve a plan to modify capacity in any financial year subsequent to the financial year 2023/2024.]

(5) Following an increase in budget allocation pursuant to paragraph (1)(c), or any decrease in the estimated total modified capacity commitment resulting from the withdrawal or rejection of a plan to modify capacity, the Authority must proceed to consider outstanding plans in the order in which it receives notification of them under regulation 52A(2).

(6) In this regulation—

“estimated annual payment”, in relation to a plan to modify the installation capacity of a plant under regulation 52A, means—

C x LF x H x T x I

where—

[F95 (i) C is the expected increase in the installation capacity of the plant as a result of the modification;]

(ii) LF is the heat load factor for the plant’s technology, published by the Secretary of State under paragraph (2);

(iii) H is the number of hours in a financial year;

(iv) T is the tariff which will apply under regulation 52A(16); and

(v) I is the estimate of inflation for a financial year, published by the Secretary of State under paragraph (2);

“estimated total modified capacity commitment”, in relation to a financial year, means the sum of the estimated annual payments for every plan to modify capacity which has not been withdrawn by the applicant or rejected by the Authority;

“financial year” means a 12 month period commencing on 1st April and ending with the following 31st March;

“plan to modify capacity” has the meaning given in regulation 52A(2).]

Textual Amendments

F85 Regs. 52A, 52B inserted (1.4.2021) by The Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2021 (S.I. 2021/76), regs. 1(4)(b), 23

F92 Reg. 52B(1)(aa) inserted (1.4.2022) by The Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/159), regs. 1(3), 43(a)

F93 Reg. 52B(3A) inserted (16.11.2022) by The Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/1096), regs. 1(1), 5

F94 Reg. 52B(4A)(4B) inserted (1.4.2022) by The Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/159), regs. 1(3), 43(b)

F95 Words in reg. 52B(6) substituted (1.4.2022) by The Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/159), regs. 1(3), 43(c)

Change in circumstances for shared ground loop systems E+W+S

53.—(1) The heat generated by a ground source heat pump must be metered in accordance with regulation 24 in any case where, following a review under regulation 52 or an investigation under Part 9 in respect of a shared ground loop system, the Authority considers that—

(a) one of the conditions set out in regulation 24(2) applies to a ground source heat pump which forms part of the shared ground loop system and in respect of which the heat generated has not been metered in accordance with regulation 24; or

(b) the property to which the ground source heat pump provides heat was occupied for less than 183 days in any 12 month period ending with the anniversary of the accredited RHI installation's tariff start date.

(2) When payments are resumed in accordance with regulation 52(4), such payments must be calculated in accordance with regulation 70(3).

Changes in ownership [F96 of accredited RHI installations] E+W+S

54.—(1) This regulation applies where ownership of all or part of an accredited RHI installation is transferred [F97 from one person to another person (“new owner”)].

(2) No periodic support payment may be made to a new owner until—

(a) that owner has notified the Authority of the change in ownership; and

(b) the steps set out in paragraph (4) have been completed.

(3) On receipt of a notification under paragraph (2), the Authority—

(a) may require the new owner to provide such information as the Authority considers necessary for the proper administration of the Scheme;

(b) may review the accreditation of the accredited RHI installation to ensure that it continues to meet the eligibility criteria and should remain an accredited RHI installation.

(4) Where the Authority has received notification under paragraph (2)(a), such information as has been required under paragraph (3)(a), if any, and, where a review has been carried out, is satisfied as to the matters specified in paragraph (3)(b), it must—

(a) update the central register referred to in regulation 30(9)(c);

(b) where the new owner is to become the participant, send the new owner a statement of eligibility setting out the information specified in regulation 30(9)(f); and

(c) where applicable, send the new owner (if the new owner is to become the participant) a notice in accordance with regulation 30(9)(e).

(5) If the Authority becomes aware of the transfer of ownership of an accredited RHI installation and, within a period of 12 months commencing with the date of the transfer of ownership taking effect—

(a) no notification is made in accordance with paragraph (2)(a); or

(b) any information required under paragraph (3)(a) is not provided to the Authority,

the installation will on the expiry of that period cease to be accredited and accordingly no further periodic support payments may be made in respect of the heat it generates.

(6) The period specified in paragraph (5) may be extended by the Authority where the Authority considers it is just and equitable to do so.

(7) Subject to paragraph (8), if the steps required under paragraph (4) are completed, the new owner of an accredited RHI installation must be paid periodic support payments calculated from the date of [F98 the notification under paragraph (2)(a)] for the remainder of the tariff lifetime of that accredited RHI installation in accordance with these Regulations.

(8) Where a transfer of ownership of all or part of an accredited RHI installation takes place and results in that accredited RHI installation being owned by more than one person, the Authority may require that only one of those owners is the participant for the purposes of the Scheme and require that owner to comply with sub-paragraphs (b) and (c) of regulation 30(3).

Textual Amendments

F96 Words in reg. 54 heading inserted (1.4.2021) by The Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2021 (S.I. 2021/76), regs. 1(4)(b), 24

F97 Words in reg. 54(1) substituted (1.4.2022) by The Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/159), regs. 1(3), 44(a)

F98 Words in reg. 54(7) substituted (1.4.2022) by The Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/159), regs. 1(3), 44(b)

[F99 Change of producer of biomethane for injection E+W+S

54A.— (1) This regulation applies where—

(a) a person begins to use equipment to produce biomethane for injection (“new producer”); and

(b) a registered producer of biomethane for injection (“the original producer”) is receiving periodic support payments for the production of biomethane for injection using that same equipment.

(2) No periodic support payment may be made to the new producer until—

(a) the new producer has notified the Authority of the change;

(b) the steps required by paragraph (4) have been completed; and

(c) periodic payments to the original producer for the production of biomethane for injection using the same equipment have stopped.

(3) On receipt of a notification under paragraph (2)(a), the Authority may require the new producer to provide information which the Authority considers necessary for the proper administration of the Scheme.

(4) If the Authority is satisfied that the ongoing obligations will continue to be complied with by the new producer and that the eligibility criteria will continue to be met, the Authority must (subject to regulations 31 and 81(4))—

(a) update the central register referred to in regulation 32(10)(b) by substituting the name of the new producer; and

(b) send the new producer a statement of eligibility including the following information—

(i) the date of registration of the original producer;

(ii) the date on which the new producer is added to the register;

(iii) the tariff which applies;

(iv) the process and timing for providing meter readings, if applicable;

(v) details of the frequency and timetable for periodic support payments; and

(vi) the tariff lifetime and tariff end date.

(5) The Authority may refuse to register a new producer where it considers that one or more of the applicable ongoing obligations will not be complied with.

(6) The new registered producer must be paid periodic support payments (calculated from the date of receipt of a notification under paragraph (2)(a) until the tariff end date in accordance with these Regulations) if injection of biomethane produced by the new registered producer has commenced.

(7) This paragraph applies where, within the period of 12 months beginning with a change of producer, the Authority becomes aware that a new producer is using equipment to produce biomethane for injection and a registered producer of biomethane for injection is receiving periodic support payments for the production of biomethane for injection using that same equipment, and—

(a) no notification is made under paragraph (2)(a); or

(b) any information required under paragraph (3) is not provided to the Authority.

(8) If paragraph (7) applies, at the end of the period of 12 months specified in that paragraph—

(a) the original producer will cease to be registered; and

(b) no further periodic support payments may be made in respect of any biomethane produced using that equipment.

(9) The period specified in paragraph (7) may be extended by the Authority where the Authority considers it is just and equitable to do so.]

Textual Amendments

F99 Reg. 54A inserted (1.4.2021) by The Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2021 (S.I. 2021/76), regs. 1(4)(b), 25

Changes in location of accredited RHI installations E+W+S

55.—(1) This regulation applies where an accredited RHI installation is moved to a new location.

(2) No periodic support payment is payable in respect of the accredited RHI installation after the date on which it is moved to a new location until—

(a) the owner has notified the Authority of the change in location; and

(b) the Authority has concluded that the accredited RHI installation should continue to be accredited.

(3) On receipt of a notification under paragraph (2) the Authority—

(a) may require the owner to provide such information as the Authority considers necessary for the proper administration of the Scheme; and

(b) must review the accreditation of the accredited RHI installation to determine whether it continues to meet the eligibility criteria in the new location (except the requirement in regulation 16(1)(b)) and accordingly whether it should continue to be accredited.

(4) Where the Authority concludes that the accredited RHI installation should continue to be accredited it must update the central register referred to in regulation 30(9)(c) if appropriate.

(5) Where the Authority concludes that the accredited RHI installation should continue to be accredited, periodic support payments calculated from the date of that decision and for the remainder of the tariff lifetime of that accredited RHI installation are payable in accordance with these Regulations.

[F100 Replacement plants E+W+S

55A.— (1) Where a replacement plant is installed—

(a) an accreditation application for that plant may be made by the owner of the replacement plant if that person is a participant in relation to the original plant; and

(b) no periodic support payments are payable for the period commencing with the date on which the original plant ceased to provide heat and ending with the day before the date on which the Authority received the accreditation application for the replacement plant.

[F101 (1A) An accreditation application under paragraph (1) may be made after Scheme closure.]

(2) Where a replacement plant has a greater capacity than the original plant, no periodic support payments may be made in respect of any capacity above that of the original plant.

(3) The tariff to be used for the purpose of calculating periodic support payments for a replacement plant is the tariff which would have applied to the original plant, had it not been replaced.

(4) Where a replacement plant has a lower capacity than the original plant and regulation 63 applies, initial heat (within the meaning given in regulation 63(3), (4) or (5)) is to be calculated using the installation capacity of the replacement plant.

(5) A replacement plant meets the criteria for being an eligible installation if it meets the eligibility criteria applicable as at the date of accreditation of the original plant except that, in the case of a replacement plant which is an installation generating heat from solid biomass, regulation 5 must apply to the replacement plant itself.]

Textual Amendments

F100 Reg. 55A inserted (1.10.2018) by The Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/635), regs. 1(4), 19

F101 Reg. 55A(1A) inserted (1.4.2021) by The Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2021 (S.I. 2021/76), regs. 1(4)(b), 26

PART 7 E+W+S Periodic support payments

Interpretation E+W+S

56.  In this Part—

“assessment date” means 31st January, 30th April, 31st July or 31st October in any year;

“average load factor”—

(a)

in respect of a relevant installation which is a large biomass plant, means—

(i)

if the relevant installation uses or is expected to use heat for the same category of eligible purposes as 10 or more relevant installations which are large biomass plants in respect of which periodic support payments have been received, the average of the load factors of all such installations; or

(ii)

if the relevant installation does not use or is not expected to use heat for the same category of eligible purposes as 10 or more relevant installations which are large biomass plants in respect of which periodic support payments have been received, the average of the load factors of all relevant installations which are large biomass plants in respect of which periodic support payments have been received;

(b)

in respect of a relevant installation, except a relevant installation within paragraph (a), which falls or is expected to fall within a tariff category which fewer than 20 accredited RHI installations in respect of which periodic support payments have been received fall within, means the average of the load factors of all accredited RHI installations;

(c)

in respect of a relevant installation, except a relevant installation within paragraph (a), which falls or is expected to fall within a tariff category which 20 or more accredited RHI installations in respect of which periodic support payments have been received fall within (“sister installations”) means—

(i)

if the relevant installation uses or is expected to use heat for the same category of eligible purposes as 20 or more of the sister installations (“twin installations”), the average of the load factors of all the twin installations;

(ii)

if the relevant installation does not use or is not expected to use heat for the same category of eligible purposes as 20 or more of the sister installations, the average of the load factors of all sister installations;

“category of eligible purposes” means any one of the following—

(a)

heating a space;

(b)

heating water;

(c)

heating a space and water;

(d)

any other eligible purpose or combination of eligible purposes;

“estimated additional biomethane spend” in relation to an assessment date and any additional biomethane registered on a particular date in respect of which a relevant producer has received a periodic support payment means—

where—

a

A is the flow rate for additional biomethane registered on that particular date;

b

B is the number of hours in the 12 month period commencing with the assessment date; and

c

C is the initial tariff or subsequent tariff for the additional biomethane;

“estimated energy from biomethane”, in relation to an assessment date and a relevant producer as expressed in kWh means—

where—

a

FR is the estimated flow rate;

b

T is—

(i)

if the relevant producer is a participant, has made an application for registration or is a proposed producer of biomethane for injection in relation to which there is a pending tariff guarantee, the number of hours in the 12 month period commencing with the assessment date;

(ii)

where sub-paragraph (i) does not apply but an application for preliminary registration has been made by the relevant producer, the number of hours in the period—

(aa)

commencing on the later of the assessment date or the date identified by the applicant as the date on which injection is expected to commence; and

(bb)

ending 12 months after the assessment date; and

c

P is the proportion of biomethane which is calculated as follows —

where—

(i)

E is the amount of eligible biomethane in kWh injected by all producers of biomethane who have been registered and in relation to which periodic support payments have been received; and

(ii)

B is the amount of all biomethane in kWh injected by such producers in the quarterly periods for which periodic support payments have been received;

“estimated flow rate”, in relation to an assessment date and a relevant producer, means—

where—

a

B is the volume in cubic metres of biomethane that the relevant producer has declared as being the amount which that relevant producer expects will be produced for injection each year once injection has commenced (or if more than one declaration has been given, the volume identified in the latest declaration) or 0 if no such declaration has been given; and

b

H is the total number of hours in the 12 month period commencing with the assessment date;

“estimated heat”, in relation to an assessment date and a relevant installation as expressed in kWhth means—

where—

a

LF is—

(i)

if a periodic support payment has been received in respect of the installation, the load factor; or

(ii)

in any other case, the average load factor applicable in respect of that installation;

b

T is —

(i)

if the relevant installation is an accredited RHI installation, an eligible installation for which an application for accreditation has been made, or a plant in respect of which there is a pending tariff guarantee, the number of hours in 12 month period commencing with the assessment date;

(ii)

where paragraph (i) does not apply but the relevant installation is a plant for which an application for preliminary accreditation has been made, the number of hours in the period—

(aa)

commencing on the later of the assessment date or the date identified by the applicant as the date the plant is expected to be commissioned; and

(bb)

ending 12 months after the assessment date;

c

C is the installation capacity of that relevant installation;

“estimated original biomethane spend” in relation to an assessment date and any original biomethane in respect of which a relevant producer has received a periodic support payment means—

where—

a

A is the flow rate for original biomethane;

b

B is the number of hours in the 12 month period commencing with the assessment date; and

c

C is the relevant initial tariff or subsequent tariff calculated in accordance with regulation 59;

“estimated residual energy from biomethane” in relation to a proposed producer of biomethane for injection in respect of which there is a pending tariff guarantee, means—

where—

a

B means estimated energy from biomethane in excess of 250GWh;

b

M means the number of hours in the period commencing on the later of the assessment date or the date identified by the applicant as the date on which injection is expected to commence, and ending 12 months after the assessment date; and

c

Y means the number of hours in the 12 month period commencing with the assessment date.

“estimated spend” in relation to an assessment date and—

(a)

a relevant installation (except a relevant installation to which paragraph (b) applies), means the estimated heat in relation to that installation multiplied by the initial tariff or subsequent tariff;

(b)

a relevant installation which is a large installation in respect of which no periodic support payment has been received and for which the owner has given a declaration as to the total heat in kWhth which that installation is expected to generate each year for eligible purposes (or if more than one declaration has been given, the total heat identified in the latest declaration), means—

(i)

where the relevant installation is a plant for which an application for preliminary accreditation has been made (but sub-paragraphs (ii) and (iii) do not apply)—

where—

A is the total heat identified in the applicant's declaration;

B is the number of hours in the period—

(aa)

commencing on the later of the assessment date or the date identified by the applicant as the date the plant is expected to be commissioned; and

(bb)

ending 12 months after the assessment date;

C means the number of hours in the 12 month period commencing with the assessment date; and

D is the initial tariff or subsequent tariff;

(ii)

where the relevant installation is a plant for which an application for accreditation has been made (but sub-paragraphs (i) and (iii) do not apply), the total heat in the applicant's declaration multiplied by the initial tariff or subsequent tariff; or

(iii)

where there is a pending tariff guarantee in relation to a plant (but sub-paragraphs (i) and (ii) do not apply)—

(aa)

the total heat up to 250GWh multiplied by the initial tariff or subsequent tariff applicable to that heat; and

(bb)

in respect of any further heat—

where—

A is that further heat;

B is the number of hours in the period—

(aa)

commencing on the later of the assessment date or the date identified by the applicant as the date the plant is expected to be commissioned; and

(bb)

ending 12 months after the assessment date;

C is the number of hours in the 12 month period commencing with the assessment date; and

D is the initial tariff or subsequent tariff applicable to that further heat;

(c)

a relevant producer who has not received a periodic support payment or has received three or fewer periodic support payments, means—

(i)

except where paragraph (ii) applies, the estimated energy from biomethane in relation to that relevant producer multiplied by the initial tariff or subsequent tariff; or

(ii)

in relation to a proposed producer of biomethane in respect of which there is a pending tariff guarantee—

(aa)

biomethane up to 250GWh multiplied by the initial tariff or subsequent tariff applicable to that energy; and

(bb)

the estimated residual energy from biomethane, if any, multiplied by the initial tariff or subsequent tariff in relation to that energy; or

(d)

a relevant producer who has received four or more periodic support payments, means the sum of the estimated original biomethane spend and any estimated additional biomethane spend;

“financial year” means a 12 month period commencing on 1st April and ending with the following 31st March;

“flow rate”, in relation to biomethane, means—

where—

a

B is the amount of eligible biomethane in kWh for which periodic support payments have been received commencing with the third periodic support payment; and

b

H is the total number of hours in the period commencing with the first day of the first quarterly period in which that biomethane was injected and ending with the last day of the last quarterly period in which that biomethane was injected;

“forecast for expenditure”—

(a)

in relation to an assessment date and a relevant installation which falls or is expected to fall within any tariff category means the sum as at that assessment date of the estimated spend for each relevant installation which falls within that tariff category;

(b)

in relation to an assessment date and a relevant producer, means the sum as at that assessment date of the estimated spend for each relevant producer;

“forecast for total expenditure”, in relation to an assessment date, means the sum as at that assessment date of—

(a)

the estimated spend for each relevant installation; and

(b)

the estimated spend for each relevant producer;

“increase in expenditure forecast” means a figure determined under regulation 58(3)(d);

“large biomass plant” means a plant which generates heat or heat and power from solid biomass (including solid biomass contained in waste) with an installation capacity of 1MWth or above, and which is not a new solid biomass CHP system;

“load factor” in respect of an accredited RHI installation means—

where—

a

M is—

(i)

in the case of a shared ground loop system, the sum of the amounts of heat in kWhth for which periodic support payments have been made in respect of each of the ground source heat pumps which form part of the shared ground loop system; or

(ii)

in all other cases, the amount of heat in kWhth generated by that installation during all quarterly periods in respect of which it has received a periodic support payment;

b

C is the installation capacity of that installation; and

c

H is the total number of hours in all the quarterly periods in respect of which it has received a periodic support payment;

“pending tariff guarantee” means a tariff guarantee which has been granted in accordance with regulation 35(7) but does not include a case where—

(a)

the plant in respect of which the tariff guarantee was granted is accredited or the producer of biomethane for injection in respect of which the tariff guarantee was granted is registered;

(b)

an application for accreditation or registration has been made in respect of such a plant or producer of biomethane for injection;

(c)

a tariff guarantee has been revoked; or

(d)

regulation 35(11)(c) applies;

“relevant installation” means—

(a)

an accredited RHI installation;

(b)

a plant for which an application for accreditation or preliminary accreditation has been made, but does not include a plant where—

(i)

the application has been rejected by the Authority; or

(ii)

the application has been withdrawn by the applicant; or

(c)

a plant in respect of which there is a pending tariff guarantee;

“relevant producer” means—

(a)

a participant who produces or proposes to produce biomethane for injection;

(b)

a person who produces or proposes to produce biomethane for injection who has made an application for registration or preliminary registration but does not include a person who has made an application—

(i)

which has been rejected by the Authority; or

(ii)

which has been withdrawn by the applicant; or

(c)

a producer of biomethane for injection in respect of which there is a pending tariff guarantee;

“tariff category” means one of the following tariffs or groups of tariffs—

(a)

plants which generate heat from solid biomass;

(b)

CHP systems;

(c)

ground source heat pumps and shared ground loop systems with an installation capacity of 100kWth or above;

(d)

ground source heat pumps and shared ground loop systems with an installation capacity of below 100kWth and air source heat pumps;

(e)

plants which use solar collectors;

(f)

plants which generate heat from biogas with a capacity below 600kWth;

(g)

producers of biomethane for injection and plants which generate heat from biogas with a capacity of 600kWth and above;

(h)

deep geothermal plants.

Publication of tariffs E+W+S

57.  The Authority must—

(a) by 15th March, 15th June, 15th September and 15th December in each year (“the tariff publication date”) publish in a table the initial tariffs applicable where a tariff start date falls within the tariff period immediately following the relevant tariff publication date; and

(b) on or before 1st April each year, publish in a table on its website the subsequent tariffs applicable for the period commencing on 1st April of that year and ending with the 31st March of the following year.

Expenditure forecast statement and tariff change notice E+W+S

58.—(1) The Secretary of State must publish a statement in accordance with this regulation (“an expenditure forecast statement”).

(2) The expenditure forecast statement must be published by 1st March, 1st June, 1st September and 1st December in each year.

(3) For that purpose the Secretary of State must determine, as at the assessment date immediately preceding the date on which the expenditure forecast is to be published (“the latest assessment date”)—

(a) the forecast for total expenditure;

(b) for each tariff category the forecast for expenditure in relation to the relevant installations that fall within that tariff category;

(c) the forecast for expenditure in relation to relevant producers;

(d) in relation to each of the forecasts for expenditure referred to in sub-paragraphs (b) and (c) the increase in expenditure forecast for that tariff category, that is to say the difference between—

(i) the forecast for expenditure as at the latest assessment date; and

(ii) the forecast for expenditure as at the assessment date three months before the latest assessment date.

(4) An expenditure forecast statement must set out, as at the latest assessment date—

(a) the forecast for total expenditure;

(b) each of the forecasts for expenditure referred to in paragraph (3)(b) and (c); and

(c) each of the increase in expenditure forecasts referred to in paragraph (3)(d).

(5) If, as a result of a forecast referred to in paragraph (3), and by virtue of regulation 60(1), the new initial tariff will be different from the former initial tariff, the Secretary of State must publish, with the expenditure forecast statement, a notice (a “tariff change notice”) setting out the new initial tariff and the date on which it will take effect.

(6) For the purposes of paragraph (5)—

(a) “new initial tariff” means the initial tariff for an accredited RHI installation, or biomethane produced for injection, having a tariff start date which falls within the next tariff period;

(b) “former initial tariff” means the initial tariff that would have been applicable to the installation or biomethane produced for injection if the tariff start date had fallen on the day immediately preceding the commencement of that tariff period.

Calculation and payment of periodic support payments to participants E+W+S

59.—(1) Subject to [F102 paragraph (1A) and] regulations 52 to [F103 55A] and 76 to 83, periodic support payments are payable for 20 years from the tariff start date.

[F104 (1A) For an accredited RHI installation or producer of biomethane for injection with a tariff start date after 31st March 2021, periodic support payments are payable for the period beginning on the tariff start date and ending on 31st March 2041.]

(2) Subject to regulations 35(9), 60(2) and 62(2) the tariff to be used for the purpose of calculating periodic support payments is—

(a) the initial tariff, for the period commencing with the tariff start date and ending with the end of the financial year in which that tariff start date falls; and

(b) the subsequent tariff, for each subsequent financial year.

Textual Amendments

F102 Words in reg. 59(1) inserted (20.7.2020) by The Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/650), regs. 1, 3(3)(a)

F103 Word in reg. 59(1) substituted (1.10.2018) by The Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/635), regs. 1(4), 20

F104 Reg. 59(1A) inserted (20.7.2020) by The Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/650), regs. 1, 3(3)(b)

Calculation of initial tariffs E+W+S

60.—(1) Except as provided in paragraphs (2) to (4), the initial tariff for an accredited RHI installation or producer of biomethane for injection is calculated in accordance with the formula—

where—

A is calculated in accordance with regulation 61; and

B and C are calculated in accordance with Schedule 7 in relation to—

(i)

the tariff category into which the tariff for the accredited RHI installation or producer of biomethane for injection falls; and

(ii)

the assessment date immediately preceding the commencement of the tariff period in which the tariff start date falls.

(2) Where paragraph (3) or (4) applies, the initial tariff, commencing on the date on which these Regulations come into force, is the relevant tariff set out in Schedule 6.

(3) This paragraph applies where—

(a) a participant produces biomethane for injection or an accredited RHI installation generates heat from biogas;

(b) the tariff start date is on or after 1st April 2018 but before the date on which these Regulations come into force;

(c) if biogas or biomethane is produced by anaerobic digestion, the participant has elected to be subject to the requirements in regulation 74; and

(d) where an accredited RHI installation generates heat from biogas, the participant has elected to be subject to the requirements in regulation 3(5)(a).

(4) This paragraph applies where—

(a) an accredited RHI installation generates heat from biomass; and

(b) the tariff start date is on or after 1st April 2018 but before the date on which these Regulations come into force.

Calculation of A E+W+S

61.—(1) For the purposes of regulation 60, A is calculated as follows.

(2) Where the tariff start date is within any tariff period commencing on 1st April, commencing with 1st April 2018, A is the relevant tariff which would have applied had the tariff start date fallen within the previous tariff period (“the previous tariff”), adjusted by the percentage increase or decrease in the consumer prices index for the calendar year ending with the 31st December immediately preceding the commencement of that tariff period, the resulting figure being rounded.

(3) Where the tariff start date is within any subsequent tariff period commencing with 1st July, 1st October or 1st January, commencing with 1st July 2018, A is the previous tariff.

Calculation of subsequent tariffs E+W+S

62.—(1) Except as provided in paragraphs (2) and (3), in relation to a particular financial year, the subsequent tariff is the tariff applicable to the biomethane produced by the participant or to the accredited RHI installation on the last day of the previous financial year, adjusted by the percentage increase or decrease in the relevant measure of inflation for the calendar year ending with the 31st December immediately preceding the commencement of that subsequent financial year, the resulting figure being rounded.

(2) Where paragraph (3) applies, the subsequent tariff from the date on which these Regulations come into force until 31st March 2019 is the relevant tariff set out in Schedule 6.

(3) This paragraph applies where—

(a) a participant produces biomethane for injection or an accredited RHI installation generates heat from biogas;

(b) the tariff start date is on or after 14th December 2016 but before 1st April 2018;

(c) if biogas or biomethane is produced by anaerobic digestion, the participant has elected to be subject to the requirements in regulation 74; and

(d) where an accredited RHI installation generates heat from biogas, the participant has elected to be subject to the requirements in regulation 3(5)(a).

(4) In this regulation “relevant measure of inflation” means—

(a) if the tariff start date is earlier than 1st April 2016, the retail prices index; and

(b) in any other case, the consumer prices index.

Tiered tariffs E+W+S

63.—(1) Paragraphs (2) to (6) apply where an accredited RHI installation—

(a) has an installation capacity of less than 1MWth and generates heat from biomass;

(b) has an installation capacity of 1MWth or above, generates heat from biomass and has a tariff start date on or after 14th December 2016;

(c) is a ground source heat pump with a tariff start date on or after 28th May 2014; or

(d) is a shared ground loop system.

(2) Where pursuant to regulations 60 to 62 and Schedule 6 a tiered tariff is, or is to be used in calculating, the initial tariff or subsequent tariff for the accredited RHI installation, the applicable tier of that tiered tariff is—

(a) tier 1, in relation to the initial heat generated by the accredited RHI installation in a relevant period and used for eligible purposes; and

(b) tier 2, in relation to all further heat generated by that installation in that same relevant period and used for eligible purposes.

(3) In relation to an accredited RHI installation with an installation capacity of less than 1MWth which generates heat from biomass—

(a) where the tariff start date is before 20th September 2017, “initial heat” means the heat in kWhth generated by the accredited RHI installation running at its installation capacity for 1,314 hours;

(b) where the tariff start date is on or after 20th September 2017, “initial heat” means the heat in kWhth generated by the accredited RHI installation running at its installation capacity for 3,066 hours.

(4) In relation to an accredited RHI installation which generates heat from biomass with an installation capacity of 1MWth or above, “initial heat” means the heat in kWhth generated by the accredited RHI installation running at its installation capacity for 3,066 hours.

(5) In relation to an accredited RHI installation which is a ground source heat pump, “initial heat” means the heat in kWhth generated by that installation running at its installation capacity for 1,314 hours.

(6) In relation to an accredited RHI installation which is a shared ground loop system, “initial heat” means—

(a) in respect of any ground source heat pumps installed in domestic premises which form part of the shared ground loop system, the lower of—

(i) the heat in kWhth generated by each of those ground source heat pumps running at its installed peak heat output capacity for 1,314 hours; or

(ii) the heat demand for space heating and water heating specified in the relevant EPC for that property (where “heat demand” and “relevant EPC” have the same meaning as in regulation 70);

(b) in respect of all other ground source heat pumps which form part of that shared ground loop system, the heat in kWhth generated by each ground source heat pump running at its installed peak heat output capacity for 1,314 hours.

(7) Paragraphs (8) and (9) apply where, on or after the date on which these Regulations come into force, a registered participant produces biomethane with a tariff start date on or after 12th February 2015.

(8) Where pursuant to regulations 60 to 62 and Schedule 6 a tiered tariff is, or is to be used in calculating, the initial tariff or subsequent tariff for the biomethane, the applicable tier of that tiered tariff is—

(a) tier 1, in relation to initial biomethane;

(b) tier 2, in relation to secondary biomethane; and

(c) tier 3, in relation to tertiary biomethane.

(9) In paragraph (8)—

(a) “initial biomethane” means the amount of eligible biomethane measured in megawatt hours which is injected in a relevant period, up to 40,000 megawatt hours;

(b) “secondary biomethane” means the amount of eligible biomethane measured in megawatt hours injected in a relevant period, in excess of the initial biomethane, up to an additional 40,000 megawatt hours; and

(c) “tertiary biomethane” means the amount of eligible biomethane measured in megawatt hours injected in the relevant period in excess of the secondary biomethane.

(10) Where a guaranteed tariff applies in relation to an accredited RHI installation or the production of biomethane for injection—

(a) heat in excess of 250GWh in any relevant period is further heat for the purposes of paragraph (2)(b); and

(b) biomethane in excess of 250GWh in any relevant period is tertiary biomethane for the purposes of paragraph (8)(c).

(11) In this regulation—

“applicable tier”, in relation to a tiered tariff, means the numbered tier of that tariff, the rate for which applies in determining the initial tariff or subsequent tariff for an accredited RHI installation or for biomethane production;

“relevant period”—

(a)

except as provided in paragraph (b), means the 12 month period commencing with, or with the anniversary of, the tariff start date; or

(b)

where the accredited RHI installation has an installation capacity of 1MWth or above, generates heat from biomass and has a tariff start date on or after 14th December 2016 but before 20th September 2017, means—

(i)

the period commencing with 20th September 2017 and ending with the day before the anniversary of the tariff start date; and

(ii)

thereafter, the 12 month period commencing with the anniversary of the tariff start date;

“tiered tariff” means a tariff in Schedule 6 for which different rates are specified for numbered tiers.

Periodic support payments for accredited RHI installations in simple systems in respect of which an application for accreditation was made before 24th September 2013 E+W+S

F105 64.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F105 Reg. 64 omitted (1.3.2021) by virtue of The Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2021 (S.I. 2021/76), regs. 1(2)(b)(vi), 27(a)

Periodic support payments accredited RHI installations for complex systems in respect of which an application for accreditation was made before 24th September 2013 E+W+S

F106 65.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F106 Reg. 65 omitted (1.3.2021) by virtue of The Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2021 (S.I. 2021/76), regs. 1(2)(b)(vi), 27(b)

Periodic support payments for accredited RHI installations F107 ... E+W+S

66.—(1) Except where regulation 67, 68 or 70 applies, this regulation applies to an accredited RHI installation F108 ....

(2) Subject to regulations 31(2), 69, 71, 72 [F109 , 72A] and 74, periodic support payments in respect of each quarterly period must be calculated in accordance with one of the following formulae, as applicable—

(b) where the accredited RHI installation is generating heat from the combustion of biogas,

where—

• A is the tariff for the installation determined in accordance with regulation 59;

• B is the kWhth of heat generated by that plant which is used for eligible purposes, determined in accordance with regulations 23 and 75; and

• C is—

  (i)

  the heat in kWhth delivered in the relevant quarterly period to the biogas production plant which produced the biogas which is combusted (other than heat contained in any feedstock used to produce that biogas); or

  (ii)

  such proportion (as may be chosen by the participant and agreed by the Authority) of that heat, provided that the proportion is no less than—

  

  where—

  aa

  x is the heat produced by that biogas which is used for eligible purposes; and

  bb

  y is the energy content of all the biogas produced by that biogas production plant.

Textual Amendments

F107 Words in reg. 66 heading omitted (1.4.2021) by virtue of The Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2021 (S.I. 2021/76), regs. 1(4)(b), 28(a)

F108 Words in reg. 66(1) omitted (1.4.2021) by virtue of The Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2021 (S.I. 2021/76), regs. 1(4)(b), 28(b)

F109 Word in reg. 66(2) inserted (1.4.2021) by The Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2021 (S.I. 2021/76), regs. 1(4)(b), 28(c)

Periodic support payments for CHP systems using biomass or biogas in combination with other sources of energy E+W+S

67.—(1) This regulation applies in relation to an accredited RHI installation which is a CHP system where the total installed peak heat output capacity of all the combustion units in respect of which that CHP system has been accredited is less than the total installed peak heat output capacity of all combustion units forming part of that CHP system.

(2) Subject to regulations 31(2), 68, 69 and 74, where this regulation applies, participants are to be paid periodic support payments for the installation in respect of each quarterly period calculated in accordance with the following formula—

where—

a

A is the tariff in respect of any heat generated by the installation using solid biomass determined in accordance with regulation 59;

b

B is the kWhth of heat generated by the installation from solid biomass (including solid biomass contained in waste) in any combustion unit in respect of which the CHP system has been accredited and which is used for eligible purposes, calculated in accordance with paragraph (3);

c

C is the tariff in respect of any heat generated using biogas determined in accordance with regulation 59;

d

D is the kWhth of heat generated by the installation from biogas in any combustion unit in respect of which the CHP system has been accredited and which is used for eligible purposes, calculated in accordance with paragraph (4);

e

E is—

(i)

the heat in kWhth delivered in the relevant quarterly period to the biogas production plant which produced the biogas combusted in a combustion unit to which regulation 12(2)(b) or 13 applies (other than heat contained in any feedstock used to produce that biogas); or

(ii)

such proportion (as may be chosen by the participant and agreed by the Authority) of that heat provided that the proportion is no less than—

where—

aa

x is the heat produced by that biogas in a combustion unit to which regulation 12(2)(b) or 13 applies and which is used for eligible purposes; and

bb

y is the energy content of all the biogas produced by that biogas production plant.

(3) B must be calculated in accordance with the following formula—

where—

a

HCHP is the total heat in kWhth generated by the CHP system in the relevant quarterly period which is used for eligible purposes;

b

FIB is the energy content of—

(i)

the solid biomass (excluding the energy content of any fossil fuel contamination in such biomass) burned in a combustion unit to which regulation 12(2)(b) or 13 applies; or

(ii)

the solid biomass contained in waste burned in a combustion unit to which regulation 12(2)(b) applies,

and used in the CHP system to generate heat and power during the relevant quarterly period;

c

FIother is the energy content of all other fuel used in the CHP system in the relevant quarterly period, including the energy content of any fossil fuel contamination or fossil fuel used in the CHP system for permitted ancillary purposes in accordance with regulation 37 or 38.

(4) D must be calculated in accordance with the following formula—

where—

a

HCHP is the total heat in kWhth generated by the CHP system during the relevant quarterly period which is used for eligible purposes;

b

FID is the energy content of the biogas used in the CHP system during the relevant quarterly period;

c

FIother is the energy content of all other fuel used in the CHP system during the relevant quarterly period, including the energy content of any fossil fuel used in the CHP system for permitted ancillary purposes in accordance with regulation 37 or 38.

Periodic support payments for new solid biomass CHP systems E+W+S

68.—(1) This regulation applies in relation to an accredited RHI installation which is, or includes, a new solid biomass CHP system, where—

(a) the tariff start date is on or after 1st August 2016 but before the date on which these Regulations come into force, provided that—

(i) the power efficiency of the CHP system is less than 10%; and

(ii) sub-paragraph (c) does not apply;

(b) the tariff start date is on or after the date on which these Regulations come into force, provided that—

(i) the power efficiency of the CHP system is less than 20%; and

(ii) sub-paragraph (c) does not apply;

(c) the participant notified the Authority in accordance with regulation 39D(1)(b) of the Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme Regulations 2011 M39 .

(2) Subject to regulations 31(2) and 69, the periodic support payment for the installation in respect of each quarterly period is to be calculated in accordance with the following formula—

where—

a

A is the periodic support payment calculated in accordance with regulation 66 or 67 in respect of the heat generated using solid biomass in the CHP system which meets the requirements of regulation 13;

b

subject to paragraph (3), B is the figure, expressed as a decimal, derived from multiplying the power efficiency of the CHP system by 10;

c

C is the tariff, determined in accordance with regulation 59, that would apply if the CHP system ceased to be certified under CHPQA;

d

D is the kWhth of heat generated using solid biomass in the CHP system which meets the requirements of regulation 13, calculated in accordance with regulation 66(2)(b) or 67(2)(b);

e

insofar as D relates to heat calculated in accordance with regulation 66(2)(b), regulation 71 applies to the periodic support payment figure given by the calculation;

f

E is the sum of the periodic support payments, calculated in accordance with regulation 66 or 67, in respect of any heat generated by the installation using biogas, solid biomass or solid biomass contained in waste used in a CHP system where regulation 12 applies.

(3) Where paragraph (1)(b) applies, paragraph (2)(b) applies as if for the number 10 there were substituted the number 5.

(4) For the purposes of this regulation, the power efficiency of a CHP system is to be determined for each 12 month period commencing with 1st August and ending with 31st July (or for any part of that period) and is the power efficiency stated—

(a) on the certificate issued under CHPQA in the calendar year in which that period begins; or

(b) on the most recent certificate issued under CHPQA where a certificate has not been issued in the calendar year in which that period begins.

Marginal Citations

M39 S.I. 2011/2860, as amended by S.I. 2013/1033, 2013/2410, 2013/3179, 2014/1413, 2015/197, 2015/477, 2016/718, 2016/1197, 2017/727 and 2017/857

CHP systems accredited in relation to the Renewables Obligation E+W+S

69.—(1) No periodic support payments may be made in relation to any heat generated by any capacity of a CHP system to which paragraph (2) or (3) applies.

(2) This paragraph applies to capacity which generated heat and electricity before 1st April 2013 and which—

(a) uses solid biomass or solid biomass contained in waste to generate heat and electricity; and

(b) forms part of a generating station which—

(i) was accredited under the Renewables Obligation Order 2009 M40 or the Renewables Obligation (Scotland) Order 2009 M41 ; and

(ii) is or, at any time since it was so accredited, has been a qualifying combined heat and power generating station within the meaning of article 2 of either of those Orders.

(3) This paragraph applies to capacity which first generates heat and electricity on or after 1st April 2013 and—

(a) which—

(i) uses solid biomass, other than solid biomass contained in waste, to generate heat and electricity;

(ii) forms part of a generating station which is accredited under the Renewables Obligation Order 2009, the Renewables Obligation Order 2015 M42 or the Renewables Obligation (Scotland) Order 2009; and

(iii) is capacity in respect of which a declaration under article 28(7) of either the Renewables Obligation Order 2009 or the Renewables Obligation (Scotland) Order 2009, or under article 35(7) of the Renewables Obligation Order 2015 has been made; or

(b) which—

(i) uses solid biomass contained in waste to generate heat and electricity;

(ii) forms part of a generating station which is accredited under the Renewables Obligation Order 2009, the Renewables Obligation Order 2015 or the Renewables Obligation (Scotland) Order 2009; and

(iii) forms part of a generating station which is or at any time since it was so accredited has been—

(aa) a qualifying combined heat and power generating station within the meaning of article 2 of the Renewables Obligation Order 2009 or the Renewables Obligation (Scotland) Order 2009; or

(bb) a qualifying CHP station within the meaning of article 2(1) of the Renewables Obligation Order 2015.

Marginal Citations

M40 S.I. 2009/785. Relevant amending instruments are S.I. 2010/1107, 2011/984, 2013/768 and 2014/893. The Order was revoked with savings by S.I. 2015/1947.

M41 S.S.I. 2009/140. Relevant amending instruments are S.S.I. 2010/147, 2011/225, 2013/116, 2014/94, 2015/384, 2016/1108 and 2017/432, and S.I. 2016/1108 and 2017/1234.

M42 S.I. 2015/1947, as amended by S.I. 2016/1108, 2017/1234 and 2017/1289.

Periodic support payments for shared ground loop systems E+W+S

70.—(1) This regulation applies to an accredited RHI installation which is a shared ground loop system.

(2) Subject to regulation 31(2), the periodic support payment for the installation in respect of each quarterly period is the sum of the payments for each ground source heat pump which forms part of the shared ground loop system, as calculated in accordance with paragraphs (3) and (4).

(3) The periodic support payment in respect of each quarterly period for each ground source heat pump for which heat is required to be metered under regulation 24 or 53 is to be calculated in accordance with the following formula—

where—

a

A is the tariff for the shared ground loop system, determined in accordance with regulation 59;

b

in respect of a ground source heat pump installed in domestic premises, B is the lower of—

(i)

the kWhth of heat used for eligible purposes generated by the ground source heat pump, determined in accordance with regulations 23, 24 and 75;

(ii)

30,000 kWhth minus C, where C is—

(aa)

if the quarterly period for which payment is being calculated will not be the first quarterly period in the 12 month period beginning with the tariff start date or its anniversary, the kWhth of heat determined under paragraph (i) for the applicable period, provided that the sum of that figure and the kWhth of heat determined for the quarterly period for which payment is being calculated is more than 30,000 kWhth;

(bb)

otherwise, 0; and

(iii)

the heat demand minus C, where C is—

(aa)

if the quarterly period for which payment is being calculated will not be the first quarterly period in the 12 month period beginning with the tariff start date or its anniversary, the kWhth of heat determined under paragraph (i) for the applicable period, provided that the sum of that figure and the kWhth of heat determined for the quarterly period for which payment is being calculated is more than the heat demand;

(bb)

otherwise, 0,

unless the figure given in paragraph (ii) or (iii) is negative, in which case B is 0;

c

in respect of all other ground source heat pumps, B is the kWhth of heat used for eligible purposes generated by the ground source heat pump, determined in accordance with regulations 23, 24 and 75.

(4) The periodic support payment in respect of each quarterly period for each ground source heat pump for which heat is not required to be metered under regulation 24 or 53 is calculated in accordance with the following formula—

where—

a

D is the tariff for the ground source heat pump, determined in accordance with regulation 59;

b

E is the kWhth of deemed annual heat generation used for eligible purposes for the ground source heat pump, determined in accordance with paragraph (5).

(5) For the purposes of paragraph (4), the deemed annual heat generation for a ground source heat pump is the lower of—

(a) the heat demand; or

(b) 30,000 kWhth.

(6) In this regulation—

“applicable period” means the period—

(a)

commencing on—

(ai)

[F110 the date on which the installation capacity of a shared ground loop system is modified under regulation 52A;]

(i)

the tariff start date, if it is the first year of payment; or

(ii)

in any other case, the most recent anniversary of the tariff start date; and

(b)

ending with the last day of the quarterly period preceding the quarterly period for which a periodic support payment is being calculated;

“heat demand” means the heat demand specified in the relevant EPC for that property for—

(a)

space heating, if the ground source heat pump provides space heating but not heating for domestic hot water; or

(b)

space heating and water heating, if the ground source heat pump provides both space heating and domestic hot water heating;

“relevant EPC” means the most recent EPC for which details have been provided to the Authority.

Textual Amendments

F110 Words in reg. 70(6) inserted (1.4.2021) by The Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2021 (S.I. 2021/76), regs. 1(4)(b), 29

Fossil fuel contamination of solid biomass and fossil fuel used for permitted ancillary purposes E+W+S

71.—(1) This regulation applies to an accredited RHI installation—

(a) where the heat is generated from solid biomass contained in waste (“Case A”); or

(b) where the heat is generated from solid biomass, not being solid biomass contained in waste, and the capacity of the installation is 1MWth or above (“Case B”).

(2) In Case A, the periodic support payment calculated in accordance with regulation F111 ... 66 shall be reduced pro rata to reflect the proportion of the energy content of the waste used in the relevant quarterly period which was composed of fossil fuel and, where fossil fuel has been used for permitted ancillary purposes in accordance with regulation 37, to reflect the proportion of fossil fuel so used which resulted in the generation of heat.

(3) In Case B, the periodic support payment calculated in accordance with regulation F112 ... 66 shall be reduced pro rata to reflect the proportion of fossil fuel contamination in the relevant quarterly period determined in accordance with regulation 38 and, where fossil fuel has been used for permitted ancillary purposes during the relevant quarterly period in accordance with regulation 38, to reflect the proportion of fossil fuel so used which resulted in the generation of heat.

Textual Amendments

F111 Words in reg. 71(2) omitted (1.4.2021) by virtue of The Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2021 (S.I. 2021/76), regs. 1(4)(b), 30

F112 Words in reg. 71(3) omitted (1.4.2021) by virtue of The Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2021 (S.I. 2021/76), regs. 1(4)(b), 30

Fossil fuel contamination adjustment to periodic support payments for producers and combusters of biogas produced from gasification and pyrolysis E+W+S

72.—(1) This regulation applies to participants producing biogas from gasification or pyrolysis and generating heat from that biogas in an accredited RHI installation.

(2) Where, in accordance with regulation 40, a participant uses feedstock contaminated with fossil fuel, the periodic support payment calculated in accordance with regulation F113 ... 66 shall be reduced pro rata to reflect the proportion of fossil fuel contamination in the feedstock used by the participant in the relevant quarterly period.

Textual Amendments

F113 Words in reg. 72(2) omitted (1.4.2021) by virtue of The Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2021 (S.I. 2021/76), regs. 1(4)(b), 31

[F114 Adjustment to periodic support payments for use of feedstock derived from fossil fuel in the production of biogas by anaerobic digestion and the production of biomethane E+W+S

72A.— (1) This regulation applies to—

(a) a participant producing biogas from anaerobic digestion in an accredited RHI installation; or

(b) a participant producing biomethane for injection from biogas made from anaerobic digestion.

(2) Where, in accordance with regulation 40A, a participant uses feedstock derived from fossil fuel, the periodic support payment calculated in accordance with regulation 66 or 73 must be reduced pro rata to reflect the percentage of the energy content of biogas from the fossil fuel component of the feedstock used by the participant in the relevant quarterly period.]

Textual Amendments

F114 Reg. 72A inserted (1.4.2021) by The Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2021 (S.I. 2021/76), regs. 1(4)(b), 32

Periodic support payments to producers of biomethane E+W+S

73.—(1) Subject to paragraph (3) and regulations 31(2) [F115 , 32A] and 74, participants producing biomethane for injection shall be paid a periodic support payment in respect of each quarterly period calculated in accordance with the following formula—

where—

a

A is the amount of eligible biomethane in kWh which is injected in that quarterly period; and

b

B is the tariff applicable to the eligible biomethane determined in accordance with regulation 59.

(2) In this regulation, “eligible biomethane” means the amount (in kWh) of all biomethane [F116 or the notified proportion of biomethane] injected in a quarterly period determined in accordance with the following formula—

where—

(a) C is the lower of—

(i) the amount [F117 (in kWh) of all biomethane or the notified proportion of biomethane] injected in that quarterly period; or

(ii) the sum of the kWh equivalent of the maximum initial capacity specified under regulation 32 and any maximum additional capacity specified under regulation 77;

(b) D is the amount of propane in kWh contained in C;

(c) E is—

(i) the heat in kWhth delivered in the relevant quarterly period to the biogas production plant which produced the biogas from which the biomethane is made, except any heat—

(aa) contained in feedstock used to produce that biogas; or

(bb) derived from the combustion of that biogas; or

(ii) such proportion (as may be chosen by the participant and agreed by the Authority) of that heat provided that the proportion is no less than—

where—

(aa) x is the energy content of the biogas contained in the biomethane produced by that biogas; and

(bb) y is the energy content of all the biogas produced by that biogas production plant;

(d) F is the amount (in kWhth) of heat supplied to the biomethane production process in that quarterly period from any heat source other than heat generated from the combustion of biogas by a plant which supplies that process; and

(e) G applies only in relation to biomethane made using biogas produced from gasification or pyrolysis, and is the proportion of biomass contained in the feedstock used in that quarterly period to produce that biogas.

[F118 (2A) In paragraph (2), “notified proportion of biomethane” means the proportion of biomethane which the participant specifies in a notice to the Authority as the proportion of the total amount of biomethane (in kWh) injected in a quarterly period which is to be taken into account when determining the amount of eligible biomethane for that quarterly period.

(2B) The notified proportion of biomethane must be taken into account in determining values C to G in the formula in paragraph (2).

(2C) A participant must notify the Authority of the total amount of biomethane (in kWh) injected in a quarterly period.]

(3) Where a participant is registered in respect of additional biomethane which forms part of the eligible biomethane injected in the quarterly period referred to in paragraph (1) and the tariff for the additional biomethane differs from the tariff for any other biomethane in respect of which the participant is registered, the periodic support payment for the participant for that quarterly period is the sum of—

(a) the amount of eligible biomethane in kWh which is original biomethane multiplied by the tariff applicable to that biomethane determined in accordance with regulation 59; and

(b) the amount of any eligible biomethane in kWh which is additional biomethane multiplied by the tariff applicable to that biomethane determined in accordance with regulation 59.

Textual Amendments

F115 Word in reg. 73(1) inserted (1.4.2021) by The Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2021 (S.I. 2021/76), regs. 1(4)(b), 33(a)

F116 Words in reg. 73(2) inserted (1.4.2021) by The Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2021 (S.I. 2021/76), regs. 1(4)(b), 33(b)(i)

F117 Words in reg. 73(2) substituted (1.4.2021) by The Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2021 (S.I. 2021/76), regs. 1(4)(b), 33(b)(ii)

F118 Reg. 73(2A)-(2C) inserted (1.4.2021) by The Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2021 (S.I. 2021/76), regs. 1(4)(b), 33(c)

Reconciliation payments for biogas and biomethane produced by anaerobic digestion on or after the date on which these Regulations come into force E+W+S

74.—(1) This regulation applies in relation to biomethane produced for injection, or an accredited RHI installation which generates heat from biogas, including additional biomethane or additional RHI capacity, where—

(a) in any payment year, less than 50% of the total biogas yield is derived from waste or residue; and

(b) the tariff start date is—

(i) on or after the date on which these Regulations come into force; or

(ii) on or after 14th December 2016 but before the date on which these Regulations come into force, provided that the participant has elected to be subject to the arrangements set out in this regulation by notice to the Authority no later than 1 month after the date on which these Regulations come into force.

(2) Where this regulation applies, the sum of the periodic support payments for a payment year must be reduced to the amount calculated in accordance with the following formula—

where—

A is the sum of the periodic support payments for biogas or biomethane for that payment year calculated in accordance with regulation 66(2)(b), 67 or 73;

B is the proportion of the total biogas yield for that payment year which is not derived from waste or residue, expressed as a decimal and rounded to four decimal places.

(3) To account for the reduction calculated under paragraph (2), the Authority must—

(a) offset the amount by which the periodic support payments for that payment year have been reduced against periodic support payments in the subsequent payment year; or

(b) where the payment year is the participant's final payment year, require the participant to repay the amount by which the periodic support payments for that payment year have been reduced.

(4) In this regulation—

“biogas yield” means the energy content of any biogas produced by anaerobic digestion which—

(a)

in the case of an accredited RHI installation which generates heat from biogas, is combusted by that installation; and

(b)

in the case of biomethane produced for injection, is an ingredient of that biomethane;

“payment year” means—

(a)

for a participant with a tariff start date on or after the date on which these Regulations come into force, any 12 month period commencing with the tariff start date or the anniversary of the tariff start date;

(b)

for a participant with a tariff start date before the date on which these Regulations come into force—

(i)

the period commencing with the date on which these Regulations come into force and ending with the day before the next anniversary of the tariff start date; and

(ii)

thereafter, any 12 month period commencing with the anniversary of the tariff start date.

Calculation of heat loss in certain circumstances E+W+S

75.—(1) This regulation applies to a participant who owns an accredited RHI installation for which an application for accreditation is made on or after 24th September 2013.

(2) Where the Authority is satisfied that relevant piping complies with the requirements in paragraph (3)(a), (b) or (c), the heat lost through that piping may be disregarded when determining the kWhth of heat generated by the plant which is used for eligible purposes.

(3) The requirements in this paragraph are that—

(a) each length of piping which is 10 metres or less and situated outside a building is properly insulated;

(b) each length of piping which is greater than 10 metres and situated outside a building is—

(i) properly insulated; and

(ii) the average annual heat lost from all such piping based on a heat loss calculation is less than or equal to 3% of the projected annual heat output of the plant; or

(c) the piping is situated inside a building.

(4) Where—

(a) relevant piping which is properly insulated is situated outside a building;

(b) each length of such piping is greater than 10 metres; and

(c) the average annual heat lost from all such piping is more than 3% of the projected annual heat output of the plant,

a heat loss calculation may be used to establish the heat lost from such piping when determining the kWhth of heat generated by the plant which is used for eligible purposes.

(5) A heat loss calculation may be used to establish heat lost when determining the heat generated by the plant which is used for eligible purposes where in the opinion of the Authority—

(a) physical constraints, reasons of safety or environmental conditions mean that it is not reasonably practicable to install a class 2 heat meter or steam measuring equipment;

(b) a class 2 heat meter or steam measuring equipment would provide less accurate results than a heat loss calculation;

(c) the cost of installing a class 2 heat meter or steam measuring equipment would be disproportionate when compared with the total installation cost of the plant; or

(d) the administrative cost to the Authority of processing information from a class 2 heat meter or steam measuring equipment would be disproportionate when compared with the amount of heat which may be measured.

(6) Where in addition to heat supplied by the plant—

(a) heat generated solely by gas or electricity is supplied to the same heating system of which the plant forms part; and

(b) one or more meters are installed which measure the total amount of gas or electricity used to generate that heat,

the quantity of that gas or electricity expressed in kWh may be converted into kWhth provided such a calculation is based on an assumption that 100% of the fuel is converted into heat.

(7) In this regulation, “relevant piping” means piping which conveys heat for, or returns heat following its use for, a purpose for which heat is supplied by the heating system of which the plant forms part.

PART 8 E+W+S Additional RHI capacity and additional capacity for biomethane production

Additional RHI capacity E+W+S

76.—(1) Paragraph (4) applies where the Authority accredits additional RHI capacity which is first commissioned less than 12 months after the date on which the original installation was first commissioned.

(2) Paragraph (6) applies where the Authority accredits additional RHI capacity which is first commissioned 12 months or more after the date on which the original installation was first commissioned.

(3) In this regulation “additional RHI capacity” means a plant which—

(a) is first commissioned after the date on which an accredited RHI installation (“the original installation”) was first commissioned;

(b) uses the same source of energy and technology as the original installation; and

(c) supplies heat to the same heating system as that of which the original installation forms part,

except where the original installation is a shared ground loop system.

(4) Where this paragraph applies, from the date of accreditation of the additional RHI capacity, the tariff for both the original installation and the additional RHI capacity is the relevant tariff based on the sum of the installation capacity of the original installation and the additional RHI capacity, and—

(a) in respect of heat generated by the original installation, determined in accordance with regulation 59 as at the tariff start date of that original installation; and

(b) in respect of heat generated by the additional RHI capacity, determined in accordance with regulation 59 as at the tariff start date of that additional capacity.

(5) Where the date of accreditation of the original installation is before 30th April 2013, periodic support payments in respect of both the original installation and the additional RHI capacity must terminate on the tariff end date of the original installation.

(6) Where this paragraph applies—

(a) the tariff for the original installation continues to be the relevant tariff for that original installation;

(b) that tariff is the tariff determined in accordance with regulation 59 as at the tariff start date of that original installation;

(c) the tariff for the additional RHI capacity is to be the relevant tariff based on the sum of the installation capacity of the original installation and the additional RHI capacity; and

(d) that tariff is to be determined in accordance with regulation 59 as at the tariff start date of that additional RHI capacity.

(7) All additional RHI capacity must be metered so as to enable the heat generated by such additional capacity and used for eligible purposes to be distinguished from the heat so generated by the original installation.

Additional capacity for biomethane production E+W+S

77.—(1) A participant—

(a) who is a producer of biomethane for injection;

(b) whose original application for registration was made on or after 28th May 2014; and

(c) who is producing additional biomethane for injection,

may apply to the Authority to be registered in respect of that additional biomethane.

(2) Regulation 32(2) to (8), (10)(a) to (c) and (e), and (11) to (14) applies to an application for registration in respect of additional biomethane, but as if—

(a) references to an applicant were references to the participant,

(b) references to biomethane were references to additional biomethane,

(c) references to registering the applicant as a participant were references to registering the participant in respect of that additional biomethane.

(3) Where a participant is registered in respect of additional biomethane, the Authority must specify the maximum additional capacity in relation to which the participant is being registered.

(4) Periodic support payments for additional biomethane may not be made beyond the tariff end date notified in accordance with regulation [F119 32(10)(e)] when the participant was originally registered as a producer of biomethane for injection.

(5) For the purposes of this regulation—

(a) “additional biomethane” means any biomethane—

(i) which exceeds the sum of the maximum initial capacity, together with any maximum additional capacity previously specified under this regulation; and

(ii) which is being supplied by the participant for injection at the same injection point as the biomethane in respect of which that participant was first registered;

(b) “maximum additional capacity” means the volume of biomethane expressed in cubic metres per quarterly period which—

(i) is additional biomethane; and

(ii) is the maximum volume which a participant is entitled to supply for injection under the network entry agreement applicable to that additional biomethane.

(6) Where the Authority does not register an applicant in respect of additional biomethane, it must notify the applicant in writing that the application for registration has been rejected, giving reasons.

Textual Amendments

F119 Word in reg. 77(4) substituted (1.4.2021) by The Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2021 (S.I. 2021/76), regs. 1(4)(b), 34

PART 9 E+W+S Enforcement

Power to temporarily withhold periodic support payments to investigate alleged non-compliance E+W+S

78.—(1) Where the Authority has reasonable grounds to suspect—

(a) that a participant has failed or is failing to comply with an ongoing obligation; or

(b) that an accredited RHI installation has been given accreditation or a producer of biomethane for injection has been registered as a result of the provision of information which was incorrect in a material particular,

and the Authority requires time to investigate, it may withhold all or part of that participant's periodic support payments pending the outcome of that investigation.

(2) Within 21 days of a decision to withhold periodic support payments, the Authority must send a notice to the participant specifying—

(a) the respect in which the Authority suspects the participant has failed or is failing to comply with an ongoing obligation, or a description of the information which the Authority suspects to be incorrect and upon which the accreditation or registration was based;

(b) the reason why periodic support payments are being withheld;

(c) the date from which periodic support payments will be withheld;

(d) the next steps in the investigation; and

(e) details of the participant's right of review.

(3) The Authority's investigation must be commenced and completed as soon as is reasonably practicable.

(4) The Authority may—

(a) request such information from the participant as it reasonably requires to enable it to carry out its investigation;

(b) withhold a participant's periodic support payments for a maximum period of 6 months commencing with the date specified in accordance with the notice required by paragraph (2)(c).

(5) The Authority must review its decision to withhold a participant's periodic support payments every 30 days after the date of the notice required by paragraph (2).

(6) Following a review pursuant to paragraph (5), the Authority must send a notice to the participant providing an update on—

(a) the progress of any investigation; and

(b) whether the Authority intends to continue to withhold periodic support payments.

(7) For the purposes of calculating the period specified in paragraph (4)(b), no account is to be taken of any period attributable to the participant's delay in providing the information requested by the Authority pursuant to paragraph (4)(a).

(8) For the purposes of paragraph (7), a participant is not to be deemed to have delayed in providing information if that participant responds within 2 weeks of a request from the Authority.

(9) Subject to paragraph (11), immediately upon conclusion of its investigation under this regulation, the Authority must send the participant a notice specifying—

(a) the outcome of the investigation;

(b) the action the Authority proposes to take under this Part; and

(c) details of the participant's right of review.

(10) Subject to paragraph (11), where the Authority concludes that there has been no breach of an ongoing obligation or no provision of incorrect information, it must resume payment of periodic support payments and pay to the participant any periodic support payments withheld during the course of its investigation.

(11) Within the period specified in paragraph (4)(b), the Authority must either resume payment of periodic support payments or must send the participant a notice under regulation 79, 80, 81, 82 or 83.

Power to withhold periodic support payments: further provisions E+W+S

79.—(1) Where the Authority—

(a) is satisfied that—

(i) a participant has failed or is failing to comply with an ongoing obligation; or

(ii) an accredited RHI installation has been given accreditation or a producer of biomethane for injection has been registered as a result of the provision of information which was incorrect in a material particular; or

(b) has reasonable grounds to suspect the matters in sub-paragraph (a)(i) or (ii), and is unable to conclude its investigation under regulation 78 within six months of the date specified in accordance with the notice required by paragraph (2)(c) as a result of the participant's delay in providing any information reasonably requested by it,

it may withhold all or part of that participant's periodic support payments.

(2) Within 21 days of a decision to withhold periodic support payments the Authority must send a notice to the participant specifying—

(a) where there has been a failure to comply with an ongoing obligation, the respect in which the Authority is satisfied that the participant has failed or is failing to comply;

(b) where the accredited RHI installation was given accreditation, or the participant registered as a producer of biomethane for injection, as a result of the provision of incorrect information, details of the respect in which the information was incorrect;

(c) where paragraph (1)(b) applies, details of the respect in which the participant delayed in providing information requested by the Authority;

(d) the amount of periodic support payments that the Authority intends to withhold in respect of each quarterly period;

(e) the date from which periodic support payments will be withheld;

(f) where applicable, the steps that the participant must take to satisfy the Authority that it is complying with the ongoing obligation;

(g) where applicable, the steps that the participant must take to satisfy the Authority that, notwithstanding the provision of incorrect information, the accredited RHI installation should continue to be accredited, or the participant should continue to be registered;

(h) where applicable, the information the participant must provide to the Authority;

(i) the date by which the steps referred to in sub-paragraph (f) or (g) must be completed, or the information mentioned in sub-paragraph (h) must be provided;

(j) the consequences of the participant failing to take the steps referred to in sub-paragraph (f) or (g), or to provide the information mentioned in sub-paragraph (h), by the date specified; and

(k) details of the participant's right of review.

(3) The Authority may extend the time specified in paragraph (2)(i) where it is satisfied that it is reasonable to do so.

(4) Where the Authority is satisfied that the participant has taken the steps specified in the notice in accordance with paragraph (2)(f) or (g), or provided the information specified in the notice in accordance with paragraph (2)(h), as applicable, within the time specified, it must resume payment of the periodic support payments.

(5) If, within 6 months of receipt by the participant of a notice sent under paragraph (2), the Authority is satisfied that the participant has taken the steps specified in that notice, the Authority may pay, within 28 days of being so satisfied, all periodic support payments withheld under this regulation.

Power to reduce a participant's periodic support payments E+W+S

80.—(1) Where the Authority is satisfied that there has been a material or repeated failure by a participant to comply with an ongoing obligation during any quarterly period and the periodic support payment for that quarterly period has not been paid, the Authority may take one or more of the following actions—

(a) reduce the participant's periodic support payment by an amount which corresponds to the proportion of that quarterly period during which the participant failed so to comply;

(b) reduce a participant's periodic support payment for that quarterly period or for the quarterly period immediately following.

(2) Within 21 days of a decision to reduce a periodic support payment, the Authority must send a notice to the participant specifying, as applicable—

(a) the respect in which the participant has failed to comply with an ongoing obligation;

(b) the reason why a periodic support payment is being reduced;

(c) the period in respect of which any periodic support payment is to be reduced;

(d) the level of any reduction; and

(e) details of the participant's right of review.

(3) Where reducing a periodic support payment in accordance with paragraph (1)(b), the Authority may determine the level of the reduction (taking into consideration all factors which it considers relevant) up to a maximum reduction of 10% of the periodic support payment in question.

Revocation of accreditation or registration E+W+S

81.—(1) Where the Authority is satisfied—

(a) that there has been a material or repeated failure by a participant to comply with an ongoing obligation;

(b) an accredited RHI installation has been accredited or a producer of biomethane for injection has been registered as a result of the provision of information which was incorrect in a material particular; or

(c) there has been a failure to comply with a notice under regulation 79(2),

it may take any of the actions in paragraph (2).

(2) The actions in this paragraph are that the Authority may—

(a) revoke accreditation for the accredited RHI installation in respect of which paragraph (1) applies;

(b) revoke accreditation for any other accredited RHI installation owned by that participant; or

(c) in relation to a participant who is a producer of biomethane for injection, revoke that participant's registration.

(3) Before revoking an accreditation or registration under this regulation, the Authority must send a notice to the participant specifying—

(a) the reason for the intended revocation including details of the respect in which the participant has failed to comply or the information was incorrect;

(b) an explanation of the effect of the revocation; and

(c) details of the participant's right of review.

(4) Where the accreditation of an accredited RHI installation, or a participant's registration as a producer of biomethane for injection, has been revoked, the Authority may—

(a) refuse to accredit any eligible installations owned by the same person or a connected person; or

(b) refuse to register that person or a connected person as a producer of biomethane for injection,

at any future date.

Power to correct the level of tariff being paid to a participant E+W+S

82.—(1) Where periodic support payments are being paid to a participant in accordance with a guaranteed tariff, if the Authority is satisfied that the information upon which the tariff guarantee was based was incorrect in a material particular it may—

(a) revoke accreditation for the accredited RHI installation or registration for a participant who is a producer of biomethane for injection; or

(b) reduce the level of periodic support payments to the level which would have applied had the tariff guarantee not been granted.

(2) Before revoking an accreditation or registration or reducing the level of periodic support payments under this regulation, the Authority must send a notice to the participant specifying, as applicable—

(a) the reason for the intended revocation including details of the respect in which the information upon which the tariff guarantee was based was incorrect;

(b) an explanation of the effect of the revocation;

(c) the level to which the participant's future periodic support payments will be reduced;

(d) the basis on which those payments are calculated; and

(e) details of the participant's right of review.

Overpayment notices and offsetting E+W+S

83.—(1) Where the Authority is satisfied that a participant or former participant has received periodic support payments which—

(a) exceed that participant's entitlement;

(b) were paid whilst there was a failure by that person to comply with an ongoing obligation, or following such a failure; or

(c) were paid as a result of the provision of information which was incorrect in a material particular,

it may take one of the actions set out in paragraph (2).

(2) The actions in this paragraph are that the Authority may—

(a) require a participant or former participant who has received periodic support payments to which paragraph (1) applies, to repay a specified sum in relation to some or all of those payments; or

(b) offset a specified sum in relation to some or all of those payments against future periodic support payments.

(3) Before taking either of the actions set out in paragraph (2), the Authority must send the participant or former participant a notice specifying—

(a) the sum it is seeking to recover;

(b) the basis on which that sum is calculated;

(c) whether the specified sum must be repaid or will be offset;

(d) where applicable, the date by which the sum must be repaid;

(e) where applicable, the amount which will be offset in each quarterly period and the time it will take for the sum to be recovered; and

(f) details of the participant's or former participant's right of review.

(4) Where a participant or former participant who is required to repay a specified sum under this regulation or regulation 74(3)(b) fails to make payment in full by the date specified under paragraph (3)(d), the Authority may recover any outstanding sum as a civil debt.

Revocation of sanctions E+W+S

84.—(1) The Authority may at any time revoke a sanction imposed in accordance with regulations 78 to 83 if it is satisfied that—

(a) there was an error involved in the original imposition of the sanction; or

(b) it is just and equitable in the particular circumstances of the case to do so.

(2) Within 21 days of a decision to revoke a sanction, the Authority must send a notice to the participant specifying—

(a) the sanction which has been revoked;

(b) the reason for the revocation;

(c) what action if any the Authority proposes to take in relation to any loss incurred by the participant as a result of the imposition of the sanction including the time within which any action will be taken; and

(d) details of someone within the Authority whom the participant may contact if they are not satisfied with the proposals made by the Authority under sub-paragraph (c).

Power to inspect accredited RHI installations and equipment used to produce biomethane E+W+S

85.—(1) The Authority or its authorised agent may request entry without notice at any reasonable hour to inspect an accredited RHI installation or equipment used to produce biomethane and its associated infrastructure to do any one or more of the following—

(a) verify that the participant is complying with all applicable ongoing obligations;

(b) verify meter readings;

(c) take samples and remove them from the premises for analysis;

(d) take photographs, measurements or video or audio recordings;

(e) ensure that there is no other contravention of these Regulations.

(2) Within 21 days of a request made under paragraph (1) being (in its opinion) unreasonably refused the Authority must send a notice to the participant specifying—

(a) the reason why the Authority considers the refusal to be unreasonable;

(b) the consequences of the refusal, including potential sanctions for failing to comply with the ongoing obligation imposed by regulation 43(j); and

(c) details of the participant's right of review.

PART 10 E+W+S Administrative functions of the Authority

Right of review E+W+S

86.—(1) Any prospective, current or former participant affected by a decision made by the Authority in exercise of its functions under these Regulations (other than a decision made in accordance with this regulation) may have that decision reviewed by the Authority.

(2) An application for review must be made by notice in such format as the Authority may require and must—

(a) be received by the Authority within 28 days of the date of receipt of notification of the decision being reviewed;

(b) specify the decision which that person wishes to be reviewed;

(c) specify the grounds upon which the application is made; and

(d) be signed by or on behalf of the person making the application.

(3) A person who has made an application in accordance with paragraph (2) must provide the Authority with such information and such declarations as the Authority may reasonably request in order to discharge its functions under this regulation, provided any information requested is in that person's possession.

(4) A review under this regulation may not be carried out by any person who was involved in the decision which is being reviewed.

(5) On review the Authority may—

(a) revoke or vary its decision;

(b) confirm its decision;

(c) vary any sanction or condition it has imposed; or

(d) replace any sanction or condition it has imposed with one or more alternative sanctions or conditions.

(6) Within 21 days of the Authority's decision on a review, it must send the applicant and any other person who is in the Authority's opinion affected by its decision a notice setting out its decision with reasons.

[F120 (7) Paragraph (8) applies where—

(a) the Authority rejects an application for accreditation or registration; and

(b) on a review under this regulation, the Authority revokes its decision to reject the application.

(8) Subject to regulation 3A(5), the tariff start date is the date that would have been the tariff start date had the Authority not rejected the application.]

Textual Amendments

F120 Reg. 86(7)(8) inserted (1.4.2021) by The Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2021 (S.I. 2021/76), regs. 1(4)(b), 35

Publication of guidance and tariffs E+W+S

87.  The Authority must publish procedural guidance to participants and prospective participants in connection with the administration of the Scheme.

Provision of information to the Authority etc E+W+S

88.—(1) Where under these Regulations the Authority requests information or a declaration from an applicant or a participant, or an applicant or participant is required to provide information or a declaration to the Authority—

(a) that information or declaration must be provided within such time and in such manner and form as the Authority may reasonably request and must be accurate to the best of the applicant's or participant's knowledge and belief; and

(b) the costs of providing the information are to be borne by that applicant or participant.

(2) When exercising any functions under these Regulations the Authority may treat any declaration given by an applicant in support of an application under these Regulations or by a participant as conclusive evidence of the matters to which that declaration relates, unless the Authority has reason to believe that any such declaration is not accurate.

Reporting obligations E+W+S

89.—(1) The Authority must provide to the Secretary of State monthly reports in such manner and form as the Secretary of State may request containing the following information, as applicable—

(a) in respect of each accredited RHI installation accredited during the period covered by the report—

(i) such of the information specified in Schedule 2 as the Authority may hold and the Secretary of State may require regarding the accredited RHI installation;

(ii) [F121 except in the case of a replacement plant,] details of the plant it has replaced, if any;

(iii) the total amount of periodic support payments made in respect of the accredited RHI installation during the period covered by the report;

(iv) the total amount of heat in kWhth for which periodic support payments were made and the eligible purposes and the industry sector for which it was used;

(v) sustainability information provided in accordance with Schedule 5;

(b) in respect of each participant registered as a producer of biomethane for injection during the period covered by the report—

(i) the total amount of periodic support payments made to each participant;

(ii) the volume of biomethane produced for injection by each participant; and

(iii) sustainability information provided in accordance with Schedule 5;

(c) such other information as the Authority may hold in relation to its functions under these Regulations as the Secretary of State may require.

(2) Each monthly report must cover a calendar month and must be sent to the Secretary of State within 7 working days of the end of that month.

(3) The Authority must provide to the Secretary of State F122 ... annual reports in such manner and form as the Secretary of State may request containing the information specified in paragraph (1) in aggregate form both for the period covered by the report and since the date of commencement of the Scheme.

(4) The annual report must be published by 31st July in respect of the 12 month period ending with 31st March of that year.

F123 (5) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(6) The Authority must publish the following information on its website—

(a) the F124 ... annual reports provided in accordance with this regulation;

(b) current information in aggregate form as to—

(i) the number of accredited RHI installations;

(ii) their source of energy and technology and installation capacity;

(iii) the amount of heat they have generated;

(iv) the total amount of periodic support payments made under each tariff; and

(c) current information in aggregate form as to—

(i) the number of participants who are producers of biomethane;

(ii) the volume of biomethane produced for injection by those participants; and

(iii) the total amount of periodic support payments made in respect of that biomethane.

Textual Amendments

F121 Words in reg. 89(1)(a)(ii) inserted (1.10.2018) by The Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/635), regs. 1(4), 21

F122 Words in reg. 89(3) omitted (1.4.2021) by virtue of The Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2021 (S.I. 2021/76), regs. 1(4)(b), 36(a)

F123 Reg. 89(5) omitted (1.4.2021) by virtue of The Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2021 (S.I. 2021/76), regs. 1(4)(b), 36(b)

F124 Words in reg. 89(6)(a) omitted (1.4.2021) by virtue of The Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2021 (S.I. 2021/76), regs. 1(4)(b), 36(c)

Additional information E+W+S

90.  On request from the Secretary of State, the Authority must provide to the Secretary of State in such manner and form and by such date as the Secretary of State may request such additional information as the Authority may hold in relation to the performance of its functions under these Regulations.

Notices E+W+S

91.  A notice under these Regulations—

(a) must be in writing; and

(b) may be transmitted by electronic means.

PART 11 E+W+S Revocation and savings

Revocation, savings and transitional provisions E+W+S

92.—(1) Subject to paragraphs (3) and (4), the 2011 Regulations are revoked.

(2) Subject to paragraphs (3) and (4), the following instruments or parts of instruments amending the 2011 Regulations are revoked—

(a) the Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2013 M43 ;

(b) the Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) (No 2) Regulations 2013 M44 ;

(c) the Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) (No 3) Regulations 2013 M45 ;

(d) the Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2014 M46 ;

(e) regulations 2 to 9 of the Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2015 M47 ;

(f) the Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulation 2015 M48 ;

(g) the Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) (No 2) Regulations 2015 M49 ;

(h) regulations 2 to 10 of the Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2015 M50 ;

(i) regulations 2 to 14 of the Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2016 M51 ;

(j) the Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2016 M52 ;

(k) the Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) (No 2) Regulations 2016 M53 ;

(l) regulation 2 of the Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2017 M54 ;

(m) regulations 2 to 11 of the Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2017 M55 .

(3) Where an application for accreditation or registration has been made before the date on which these Regulations come into force and has not been determined before that date—

(a) where the tariff start date for that eligible installation or producer of biomethane for injection is before the date on which these Regulations come into force—

(i) the Authority must determine the application in accordance with the 2011 Regulations as if they had not been revoked by these Regulations; but

(ii) if the application is granted, the eligible installation is treated as accredited or the producer of biomethane is treated as registered under these Regulations;

(b) where the tariff start date for that eligible installation or producer of biomethane for injection is on or after the date on which these Regulations come into force, the Authority must treat the application as having been made on the date on which these Regulations come into force.

(4) Where an application in relation to additional RHI capacity or additional biomethane capacity has been made before the date on which these Regulations come into force and has not been determined before that date—

(a) where the tariff start date for that additional RHI capacity or additional biomethane capacity is before the date on which these Regulations come into force—

(i) the Authority must determine the application in accordance with the 2011 Regulations as if they had not been revoked by these Regulations; but

(ii) if the application is granted, the additional RHI capacity or additional biomethane capacity is additional capacity under these Regulations;

(b) where the tariff start date for that eligible installation or producer of biomethane for injection is on or after the date on which these Regulations come into force, the Authority must treat the application as having been made on the date on which these Regulations come into force.

(5) Except as provided in paragraphs (3) and (4), anything being done under the 2011 Regulations before the date on which these Regulations come into force and which has not been completed before that date, is, on or after that date, to be taken as being done under these Regulations, including—

(i) a review of accreditation or registration;

(ii) a review in relation to a change in ownership;

(iii) a review in relation to a change in location;

(iv) an investigation into alleged non-compliance;

(v) action being taken by the Authority in relation to the withholding or reduction of periodic support payments;

(vi) action being taken by the Authority in relation to the revocation of accreditation or registration;

(vii) action being taken by the Authority in relation to overpayment or offsetting of periodic support payments;

(viii) a review by the Authority of a decision made in the exercise of its functions;

(ix) a request for information or a declaration made by the Authority which has not yet been responded to.

(6) An accredited RHI installation which is accredited under the 2011 Regulations immediately before these Regulations come into force or a producer of biomethane for injection who is registered under the 2011 Regulations immediately before these Regulations come into force is to be treated, on and after the date on which these Regulations come into force, as accredited or registered under these Regulations.

(7) Preliminary accreditation or preliminary registration granted under the 2011 Regulations and which applies immediately before these Regulations come into force is to be treated, on and after the date on which these Regulations come into force, as preliminary accreditation or preliminary registration under these Regulations.

(8) Approval of a scheme for listing approved sustainable fuels granted under the 2011 Regulations and which applies immediately before these Regulations come into force is to be treated, on and after the date on which these Regulations come into force, as approval under these Regulations.

(9) Guidance published in relation to the 2011 Regulations and which remains in force immediately before these Regulations come into force is to be treated, on and after the date on which these Regulations come into force, as guidance in relation to these Regulations.

(10) A reference in these Regulations to an application for accreditation or registration includes, in relation to an eligible installation accredited or producers of biomethane registered in accordance with the 2011 Regulations, an application under those Regulations.

(11) Where a quarterly period within the meaning of the 2011 Regulations commenced before, and has not ended by, the date on which these Regulations come into force, the Authority must make periodic support payments in accordance with the 2011 Regulations as if they had not been revoked—

(a) in respect of the whole quarterly period; or

(b) where regulation 60(3) or 62(3) applies, in respect of the part of the quarterly period falling before the date on which these Regulations come into force.

(12) Regulation 36D of the 2011 Regulations continues to apply to a relevant report as if those Regulations had not been revoked by these Regulations.

(13) For the purposes of paragraph (12), a “relevant report” means a report in respect of which the 3 month period referred to in regulation 36D(5) or (6) of the 2011 Regulations had not ended before the date on which these Regulations come into force.

(14) In this regulation, “the 2011 Regulations” means the Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme Regulations 2011 M56 .

Marginal Citations

M43 S.I. 2013/1033.

M44 S.I. 2013/2410.

M45 S.I. 2013/3179.

M46 S.I. 2014/1413.

M47 S.I. 2015/145.

M48 S.I. 2015/197.

M49 S.I. 2015/477.

M50 S.I. 2015/1459.

M51 S.I. 2016/257.

M52 S.I. 2016/718.

M53 S.I. 2016/1197.

M54 S.I. 2017/727.

M55 S.I. 2017/857.

M56 S.I. 2011/2860, as amended by S.I. 2013/1033, 2013/2410, 2013/3179, 2014/1413, 2015/197, 2015/477, 2016/718, 2016/1197, 2017/727 and 2017/857.

Claire Perry

Minister of State

Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy

Regulation 6(c)

SCHEDULE 1 E+W+S Content of RHI emission certificates

1.  The name and address of the testing laboratory by which tests have been carried out. E+W+S

2.  The name and signature of the person authorised by the testing laboratory to issue the certificate. E+W+S

3.  The date of issue of the certificate together with a certificate reference number. E+W+S

4.  Where the testing laboratory is accredited to BS EN ISO/IEC 17025:2005M57 [F125 , 17025:2017 or a subsequent version of that standard]— E+W+S

(a) the date of that accreditation; and

(b) the accreditation number.

Textual Amendments

F125 Words in Sch. 1 para. 4 inserted (1.4.2022) by The Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/159), regs. 1(3), 45(a)

Marginal Citations

M57 The ISBN for the English language version of this standard is ISBN 0 580 46330 3. This standard was published by the British Standards Institution on 29th June 2005 and copies, including hard copies, can be obtained at www.bsigroup.com.

5.  The name, model, manufacturer and installation capacity of the plant tested. E+W+S

6.  The date of the testing. E+W+S

7.  Confirmation that emissions of NOₓ and PM have been tested on the same occasion in accordance with the requirements specified in paragraph 8 or 9. E+W+S

8.  The requirements of this paragraph are that testing is carried out in accordance with the provisions relevant to emissions of PM and NOₓ in [F126 BS EN 303-5:2012 or a subsequent version of that standard, whichever version] is current at the time of testing. E+W+S

Textual Amendments

F126 Words in Sch. 1 para. 8 substituted (1.4.2022) by The Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/159), regs. 1(3), 45(b)

9.  The requirements of this paragraph are that— E+W+S

(a) testing is carried out in accordance with—

(i) BS [F127 14792:2017 or a subsequent version of that standard] in respect of NOₓ emissions; and

(ii) [F128 BS EN 13284-1:2017 or BS ISO 9096:2017 or a subsequent version of one of those standards] in respect of PM emissions;

(b) the emissions of PM represent the average of at least three measurements of emissions of PM, each of at least 30 minutes duration; and

(c) the value for NOₓ emissions is derived from the average of measurements made throughout the PM emission tests.

Textual Amendments

F127 Words in Sch. 1 para. 9(a)(i) substituted (1.4.2022) by The Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/159), regs. 1(3), 45(c)

F128 Words in Sch. 1 para. 9(a)(ii) substituted (1.4.2022) by The Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/159), regs. 1(3), 45(d)

10.  Confirmation that the test was carried out at no less than 85% of the installation capacity of the plant. E+W+S

11.  Confirmation that when tested as specified in paragraphs 7 to 10— E+W+S

(a) emissions of PM from the plant did not exceed 30 grams of PM per gigajoule net heat input; and

(b) emissions of NOₓ did not exceed 150 grams of NOₓ per gigajoule net heat input.

12.  The actual emissions of PM and NOₓ measured when the plant was tested as specified in paragraphs 7 to 10. E+W+S

13.  A list of— E+W+S

(a) the types of fuel used during the testing; and

(b) the types of fuel which can be used so as to ensure that the emission limits referred to in paragraph 11 are not exceeded.

14.  The moisture content of the fuel used during testing and the maximum moisture content which can be used so as to ensure that the emission limits referred to in paragraph 11 are not exceeded. E+W+S

15.  A statement indicating whether or not the plant tested was a manually stoked natural draught plant. E+W+S

16.  A list of plants, other than the plant tested, in the type-testing range of plants to which the certificate applies, if any. E+W+S

Regulations [F130 3B] 30, 32, 33, 34 [F131 , 52A] and 89

SCHEDULE 2 E+W+S Information required for [F129 modification of installation capacity, extension applications] accreditation or registration

Textual Amendments

F129 Words in Sch. 2 heading inserted (1.4.2021) by The Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2021 (S.I. 2021/76), regs. 1(4)(b), 37(a)

F130 Word in Sch. 2 shoulder note inserted (1.4.2021) by The Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2021 (S.I. 2021/76), regs. 1(4)(b), 37(b)(i)

F131 Word in Sch. 2 shoulder note inserted (1.4.2021) by The Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2021 (S.I. 2021/76), regs. 1(4)(b), 37(b)(ii)

1.—(1) This Schedule specifies the information that may be required of an applicant. E+W+S

(2) The information is, as applicable to the applicant—

(a) name, home address, e-mail address and telephone number;

(b) any company registration number and registered office;

(c) any trading or other name by which the applicant is commonly known;

(d) details of a bank account in the applicant's name which accepts pound sterling deposits in the United Kingdom;

(e) information to enable the Authority to satisfy itself as to the identity of the individual completing the application;

(f) where an individual is making an application on behalf of a company, evidence which satisfies the Authority that the individual has authority from the company to make the application on its behalf;

(g) details of the eligible installation owned by the applicant including its cost;

(h) evidence which satisfies the Authority as to the ownership of the eligible installation;

(i) [F132 in the case of a plant which is not a replacement plant,] evidence that the eligible installation was new at the time of installation;

[F133 (ia) in the case of a replacement plant, evidence that any equipment that did not form part of the original plant was new at the time of installation;]

(j) where an eligible installation [F134 which is not a replacement plant] has replaced a plant, details of the plant replaced;

(k) evidence which demonstrates to the Authority's satisfaction the installation capacity of the eligible installation;

(l) in the case of a plant which is a CHP system, evidence which demonstrates to the Authority's satisfaction any capacity to which paragraphs (2) and (3) of regulation 69 apply;

(m) details of the fuel which the applicant is proposing to use;

(n) in relation to applicants generating heat from biomass, notification as to whether the applicant is proposing to use solid biomass contained in waste and, if so, whether or not the applicant is regulated under the Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2010 M58 , the Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016 M59 , or the Pollution Prevention and Control (Scotland) Regulations 2012 M60 ;

(o) where the plant is a ground source heat pump or air source heat pump, evidence which demonstrates to the Authority's satisfaction—

(i) that the heat pump meets a coefficient of performance of at least 2.9;

(ii) in relation to an application for accreditation after 28th May 2014, evidence that the heat pump has been designed and installed to operate with a seasonal performance factor of at least 2.5;

(p) in the case of a ground source heat pump in respect of which an application for accreditation is made on or after 28th May 2014, a declaration from the installer that the size of the heat pump has been determined appropriately for the planned heat use;

(q) in the case of a ground source heat pump in respect of which an application for accreditation is made on or after 28th May 2014 and which is capable of heating and cooling, a declaration from the installer—

(i) as to the design heat load;

(ii) that the design heat load has been calculated according to [F135 BS EN 12831-1:2017 or a subsequent version of that standard]; and

(iii) as to the outdoor temperatures used in the calculation of the design heat load;

(r) in the case of a shared ground loop system—

(i) evidence and declarations as specified under paragraphs (o) and (p) in relation to each ground source heat pump which forms part of the shared ground loop system;

(ii) where a ground source heat pump is not installed in domestic premises, declarations as specified under paragraph (q);

(iii) evidence which demonstrates to the Authority's satisfaction that the shared ground loop system has been designed and installed to operate with a seasonal performance factor of at least 2.5;

(iv) where a ground source heat pump which forms part of the shared ground loop system is installed in domestic premises—

(aa) information about the ground source heat pump or any meters installed in relation to it which, if so requested by the Authority, is provided by the installer responsible for the installation of the ground source heat pump, by the certified installer responsible for, or who checked, the installation of the meters, or by the applicant and verified by the relevant installer;

(bb) a copy of any EPC or the unique reference number for any EPC specified by the Authority for any of the properties to which the ground source heat pump provides heat;

(cc) if the EPC referred to in paragraph (bb) includes a recommendation report that recommends the installation of loft or cavity wall insulation and the Authority is not satisfied that the loft or cavity wall insulation cannot be installed in the property for a reason set out in regulation 11(5)(c), details of a new EPC for the property which no longer includes a recommendation report that recommends the installation of that insulation;

(s) in respect of a biogas installation or a biomethane producer, details of the feedstock which the producer of the biogas which is to be used to generate heat or produce biomethane is proposing to use;

(t) details of what the heat generated by the eligible installation will be used for and an estimate of how much heat will be used, together with an estimate of the number of hours of operation per week in which heat will be generated for an eligible purpose;

(u) details of the building in which the heat will be used;

(v) the industry sector for which the heat will be used;

(w) details of the size and annual turnover of the applicant's organisation;

(x) details of other plants generating heat which form part of the same heating system as the eligible installation to which the application relates;

(y) where regulation 18 applies, evidence from the installer that the requirements specified in that regulation are met;

(z) such information as the Authority may specify to enable it to satisfy itself that the requirements of Chapter 3 of Part 2 have been met including—

(i) evidence that a class 2 heat meter, other heat meter or steam measuring equipment has been installed;

(ii) evidence that the class 2 heat meter, other heat meter or steam measuring equipment was calibrated prior to use;

(iii) in relation to all heat meters, details of the meter's manufacturer, model, and meter serial number;

(iv) a schematic diagram showing details of the heating system of which the eligible installation forms part, including all plants generating and supplying heat to that heating system, all purposes for which heat supplied by that heating system is used, the location of meters and associated components and such other details as may be specified by the Authority;

(v) where—

(aa) an eligible installation has an installation capacity of 1MWth or above; or

(bb) regulation F136 ... 23 applies,

if so requested by the Authority, an independent report by a competent person verifying that such of those requirements as the Authority may specify have been met;

(aa) in relation to plant generating heat from solid biomass, either—

(i) evidence which demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Authority that an RHI emission certificate has been issued in relation to that plant; or

(ii) evidence which demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Authority that an environmental permit subsists in relation to that plant;

(bb) evidence from the relevant planning authority that—

(i) any necessary planning permission has been granted; or

(ii) planning permission is not required;

(cc) such other information as the Authority may require to enable it to consider the applicant's application for accreditation or registration.

[F137 (dd) evidence which demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Authority that—

(i) any necessary environmental permit has been granted; or

(ii) an environmental permit is not required.]

(3) Information specified in this Schedule must be provided in such manner and form as the Authority may reasonably request.

(4) The costs of providing the information specified in this Schedule are to be borne by the applicant.

(5) For the purposes of sub-paragraph (2)(o)(ii)—

(a) where the heat pump has an installation capacity of 45kWth or below, a declaration from the installer may be accepted as evidence that the heat pump was designed and installed to operate with a seasonal performance factor of at least 2.5 where the declaration states that the seasonal performance factor was calculated in line with the methodology used in version 1.0 of the document entitled “MCS 026 Seasonal Coefficient of Performance Calculator” published on 1st May 2015 M61 ;

(b) where the heat pump has an installation capacity of more than 45kWth, a declaration by the installer that the heat pump has been designed and installed to operate with a seasonal performance factor of at least 2.5 may be accepted as evidence of that fact, provided that the installation design and supporting calculations are retained by the appliant and can be provided to the Authority on request.

Textual Amendments

F132 Words in Sch. 2 para. 1(2)(i) inserted (1.10.2018) by The Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/635), regs. 1(4), 22(a)

F133 Sch. 2 para. 1(2)(ia) inserted (1.10.2018) by The Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/635), regs. 1(4), 22(b)

F134 Words in Sch. 2 para. 1(2)(j) inserted (1.10.2018) by The Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/635), regs. 1(4), 22(c)

F135 Words in Sch. 2 para. 1(2)(q)(ii) substituted (1.4.2022) by The Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/159), regs. 1(3), 46

F136 Words in Sch. 2 para. 1(2)(z)(v)(bb) omitted (1.4.2021) by virtue of The Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2021 (S.I. 2021/76), regs. 1(4)(b), 37(c)

F137 Sch. 2 para. 1(2)(dd) inserted (1.10.2018) by The Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/635), regs. 1(4), 22(d)

Marginal Citations

M58 S.I. 2010/675. Relevant amending instruments are S.I. 2011/988, 2012/630, 2013/390, 2014/255, and 2016/475.

M59 S.I. 2016/1154, as amended by S.I. 2018/110.

M60 S.S.I. 2012/360, as amended by S.S.I.2014/267. There are other amending instruments but none is relevant.

M61 Published on www.microgenerationcertification.org.

Regulation 3B

[F138 Schedule 2A E+W+S Evidence to support extension application

Textual Amendments

F138 Sch. 2A inserted (1.3.2021) by The Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2021 (S.I. 2021/76), regs. 1(2)(b)(vii), 38

Evidence requirements E+W+S

1.— (1) This Schedule specifies the evidence that an applicant must provide to the Authority to support an extension application.

(2) One item of primary evidence will be considered sufficient evidence to satisfy the Authority that significant capital or significant human or material resource has been invested in project development.

(3) Where primary evidence cannot be provided to support an extension application, the following secondary evidence will be considered sufficient—

(a) two items of Category A evidence; or

(b) one item of Category A evidence and one item of Category B evidence.

(4) Two items of Category B evidence will not be considered sufficient.

(5) All evidence must be dated on or before 17th August 2020.

(6) Evidence which must be both signed and dated must be signed and dated on or before 17th August 2020.

Primary evidence E+W+S

2.   For the purposes of paragraph 1(2), the items of primary evidence are—

(a) signed and dated contract held between two parties for the construction of the plant;

(b) dated evidence of funding secured for the plant, such as a signed loan, funding agreement or similar;

(c) dated evidence that signed heat supply agreements are in place with heat consumers on a heat network;

(d) signed and dated fuel supply contract for the plant;

(e) dated acceptance of an offer to connect with the local network operator;

(f) dated invoices for construction works relating to the plant;

(g) dated invoices for the purchase and installation of equipment relating to the plant;

(h) dated invoices for the commissioning of pre-build development work relating to the plant;

(i) dated grant of, or application for, planning permission from the relevant planning authority;

(j) dated evidence from the relevant planning authority that planning permission is not required.

Secondary evidence (Category A) E+W+S

3.   For the purposes of paragraph 1(3)(a), the items of Category A evidence are—

(a) dated correspondence to the relevant planning authority seeking confirmation that the plant does not require planning permission;

(b) a dated enquiry to the local network operator about the grid connection of the plant;

(c) detailed, dated evidence (which can be from within the applicant’s organisation) that the applicant has allocated funding for the development of the plant;

(d) dated evidence that an estimated cost of works has been provided to the applicant.

Secondary evidence (Category B) E+W+S

4.   For the purposes of paragraph 1(3)(b), the items of Category B evidence are—

(a) dated feasibility studies;

(b) detailed, dated architectural drawings of the site showing the location of the plant;

(c) detailed dated system schematics or technical drawings of the plant;

(d) dated evidence of a room-by-room heat loss assessment;

(e) dated evidence of intended heat use.

Estimated cost of works E+W+S

5.— (1) For the purpose of paragraph 3(d), an estimated cost of works must contain the information required by this paragraph.

(2) The information does not need to be contained in a single document but may be contained in multiple documents.

(3) An estimated cost of works must contain—

(a) the legal identity and address of the person providing the estimated cost of works;

(b) the project name; and

(c) the proposed location of the plant.

(4) In addition, an estimated cost of works must contain at least 7 of the following pieces of information—

(a) the source of energy, technology and proposed installation capacity (in kWth) of the plant;

(b) key contract terms;

(c) itemised list of goods to be supplied and itemised list of costs for these goods;

(d) itemised list of services (including survey, design and installation) and itemised list of costs for these services;

(e) a statement of the items and services that are not included;

(f) a statement of the site conditions or special circumstances which may result in extra chargeable work;

(g) timetable for supplying goods and carrying out work at the site;

(h) business terms, including the payment method and timetable, and how long the quote will be valid for;

(i) completion dates for the plant;

(j) performance estimate in line with product standards;

(k) explanation of VAT specific to the plant;

(l) carbon intensity comparisons specific to the plant;

(m) illustrations of expected rates of return specific to the plant;

(n) warranty statements.]

Regulations 47 and 49

SCHEDULE 3 E+W+S Greenhouse gas criteria

1.  Solid biomass, biogas or biomethane meets the greenhouse gas criteria if the lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions associated with each consignment of that solid biomass, biogas or biomethane are less than or equal to 34.8g of CO_{2 eq} per MJ of heat generated (in the case of solid biomass or biogas) or biomethane injected. E+W+S

2.  Lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions are to be calculated as follows— E+W+S

(a) where heat and power are generated from solid biomass or biogas, the following formula must be used—

(b) where heat (and not heat and power) is generated from solid biomass or biogas, the following formula must be used—

(c) where biomethane is produced from biogas, lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions must be E.

3.  For the purposes of paragraph 2— E+W+S

(i) H is the heat produced by the plant in the form of liquid or steam from all fuels used in that plant; and

(ii) F is the energy content of all those fuels;

(i) A is the total amount of electricity generated by the plant from all the fuels used by that plant; and

(ii) F is the energy content of all those fuels;

(i) where the temperature (T) is less than 423 kelvin, 0.3546; and

(ii) in any other case,

(d) E is the greenhouse gas emissions expressed in grammes of CO_{2 eq} per MJ of heat produced, from the production of the biomass, biogas or biomethane and calculated—

(i) using the actual value method in the case of participants producing biomethane for injection or using heat for a process in an accredited RHI installation with an installation capacity of 1MWth or above; or

(ii) in all other cases, using the actual value method or the default value method.

4.  In this Schedule— E+W+S

“actual value method” means the method set out in Part C of Annex 5 of Directive 2009/28/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on the promotion of the use of energy from renewable sources and amending and subsequently repealing Directives 2001/77/EC and 2003/30/EC M62 but with the following modifications to that Part—

(a)

in paragraph 1—

(i)

for “and use of transport fuels, biofuels and bioliquids” substitute “ of solid biomass, biogas or biomethane ”;

(ii)

for “E=total emissions from the use of the fuel” substitute “ E=greenhouse gas emissions from the production of the solid biomass, biogas or biomethane ”; and

(iii)

for “e_u=emissions from the fuel in use” substitute “ e_u=zero ”;

(b)

in paragraph 2, for “fuels” and “fuel” substitute “ solid biomass, biogas or biomethane ”;

(c)

omit paragraphs 3 and 4;

(d)

in paragraph 7—

(i)

for each reference to “biofuel” substitute “ solid biomass, biogas or biomethane ”; and

(ii)

omit the words “or bioliquid” in each place in which they occur;

(e)

in paragraph 11—

(i)

at the end of the first sentence add “ and in the case of biomethane shall include emissions from processing biogas into biomethane ”;

(ii)

for “fuel” substitute “ solid biomass, biogas or biomethane ”;

(f)

in paragraph 12, after “storage and distribution of finished materials” insert “ , except in the case of biomethane ”;

(g)

omit paragraph 13;

(h)

in paragraph 14, for “fuel” substitute “ solid biomass, biogas or biomethane ”;

(i)

in paragraph 16, for each reference to “fuel” substitute “ solid biomass or biogas ”;

(j)

in paragraph 17, for each reference to “fuel” substitute “ solid biomass or biogas ”;

(k)

in paragraph 18—

(i)

for “fuel” and “fuels” substitute “ solid biomass or biogas ”;

(ii)

omit the words “In the case of biofuels and bioliquids,”;

(iii)

before “and residues from processing” insert “ residues from forestry, arboriculture, aquaculture and fisheries ”;

(l)

for paragraph 19 substitute—

“19.   Where material is added to the solid biomass to act as a binding agent or to reduce the emissions of dust, carbon dioxide, methane or nitrous oxide from the use of the biomass, the material so added shall be considered to have zero greenhouse gas emissions provided that the material so added does not exceed 2% by weight of the solid biomass.

“default value method” means the use of the figures set out in the second column of the following table headed “Default values for solid biomass and biogas” to represent ‘E’ in relation to the corresponding type of fuel set out in the first column of that table;

“energy content” means the energy contained within a substance (whether measured by a calorimeter or determined in some other way) expressed in terms of the substance's net calorific value within the meaning of BS 7420:1991 (Guide for the determination of calorific values of solid, liquid and gaseous fuels (including definitions)) M63 .”;

Default values for solid biomass or biogas

Primary solid biomass or biogas	Default value for greenhouse gas emissions (in grams of CO2 eq per MJ of heat produced)
Wood chips from forest residues (European temperate continental forest)	1
Wood chips from forest residues (tropical and sub-tropical forest)	25
Wood chips from short rotation forestry (European temperate continental forest)	4
Wood chips from short rotation forestry (tropical and sub-tropical, for example, eucalyptus)	28
Wood briquettes or pellets made from European temperate continental forest residues where the production process uses wood as fuel	2
Wood briquettes or pellets made from tropical or sub-tropical forest residues where the production process uses natural gas as fuel	20
Wood briquettes or pellets made from tropical or sub-tropical forest residues where the production process uses wood as fuel	17
Wood briquettes or pellets made from the product of short rotation forestry in European temperate continental forest where the production process uses wood as fuel	4
Wood briquettes or pellets made from the product of short rotation forestry in European temperate continental forest where the production process uses natural gas as fuel	22
Wood briquettes or pellets made from the produce of short rotation forestry in tropical and sub-tropical forest, for example eucalyptus, where the production process uses wood as fuel	22
Wheat straw	2
Bagasse briquettes using wood as process fuel	17
Bagasse bales	20
Palm kernel	27
Rice husk briquettes	28
Miscanthus bales	7
Biogas from wheat and straw (wheat whole plant)	21
Biogas from organic maize as a whole plant (maize as main crop)	19

Marginal Citations

M62 OJ L 140 5.6.2009, p16.

M63 The ISBN for the English language version of this standard is ISBN 0 580 19482 5. This standard was published by the British Standards Institution on 28th June 1991 and copies, including hard copies, can be obtained at www.bsigroup.com.

Regulation 47

SCHEDULE 4 E+W+S Land criteria

PART 1 E+W+S Interpretation

1.  In this Schedule, material is added to solid biomass for an exempt purpose if— E+W+S

(a) it is added for the purpose of the use of that solid biomass as a fuel, in order to—

(i) act as a binding agent; or

(ii) reduce emissions of dust, carbon dioxide, methane or nitrous oxide from the use of the fuel; and

(b) it does not exceed 2% of the weight of the fuel.

2.  In this Schedule— E+W+S

“continuously forested area” means land of an area of more than one hectare which includes—

(a)

trees more than five metres tall providing a tree canopy cover of more than 30%; or

(b)

trees collectively having the capacity to provide a tree canopy cover of more than 30% which—

(i)

are more than five metres tall; or

(ii)

have the capacity to grow to a height of more than five metres;

“designated for nature protection purposes” means designated pursuant to the law of the United Kingdom or of any part of the United Kingdom or pursuant to the law of any country or territory outside the United Kingdom, for the purpose of protecting the natural environment;

“highly biodiverse grassland” is to be construed in accordance with Article 17(3)(c) of Directive 2009/28/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on the promotion of the use of energy from renewable sources and amending and subsequently repealing Directives 2001/77/EC and 2003/30/EC M64 ;

F139 ...

“primary forest” means woodland of native species, where there is no clearly visible indication of human activity and ecological processes are not significantly disturbed; and

“wetland area” means land that is covered with or saturated by water—

(a)

permanently; or

(b)

for a significant part of the year.

Textual Amendments

F139 Words in Sch. 4 para. 2 omitted (1.10.2018) by virtue of The Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/635), regs. 1(4), 23

Marginal Citations

M64 OJ L 140 5.6.2009, p16; article 17 was amended by article 2(5) of Directive (EU) 2015/1513 of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Directive 98/70/EC relating to the quality of petrol and diesel fuels and amending Directive 2009/28/EC on the promotion of the use of energy from renewable sources (OJ L 239 15.9.2015, p1).

3.  For the purposes of this Schedule— E+W+S

(a) solid biomass was obtained from a former continuously forested area if the land—

(i) was a continuously forested area at any time during January 2008; and

(ii) was not a continuously forested area when the solid biomass was obtained from it.

(b) solid biomass was obtained from a former wetland area if the land—

(i) was a wetland area at any time during January 2008; and

(ii) was not a wetland area when the solid biomass was obtained from it.

PART 2 E+W+S Land criteria for solid biomass which is wood or wholly derived from wood, excluding energy crops

4.  Solid biomass which is wood or wholly derived from wood (except energy crops) meets the land criteria if— E+W+S

(a) at least 70% of the consignment was obtained from a sustainable source;

(b) where more than one consignment is used in a quarterly period, at least 70% of the solid biomass used was obtained from a sustainable source; or

(c) the solid biomass was certified under an environmental quality assurance scheme which ensures that at least 70% of the solid biomass certified by that scheme was obtained from a sustainable source.

5.—(1) For the purposes of paragraph 4, solid biomass which is wood or wholly derived from wood (except energy crops) is obtained from a sustainable source if it— E+W+S

(a) was grown within an area of forest or of other land which is managed—

(i) in a way that is consistent with—

(aa) the Forest Europe Sustainable Forest Management Criteria; or

(bb) a set of international principles for the sustainable management of land which meet the requirements specified in sub-paragraph (2); and

(ii) to meet the requirements specified in sub-paragraph (4);

(b) was residue from arboriculture carried out in an area which was not a forest; or

(c) was removed for the purpose of creating, restoring or maintaining the ecosystem of an area which was not a forest.

(2) The requirements specified in this sub-paragraph are that—

(a) the principles have been adopted following a process (“the principle-setting process”) which sought to—

(i) obtain a balanced representation of the views of interest groupings;

(ii) ensure that no single interest grouping could dominate the principle-setting process; and

(iii) ensure that no decision on the contents of the principles could be made in the absence of agreement from a majority within each interest grouping involved in the principle-setting process; and

(b) the principles can be changed by a process (“the change process”) which seeks to ensure that—

(i) no single interest grouping can dominate the change process; and

(ii) no decision on changes to the principles can be made in the absence of agreement from a majority within each interest grouping involved in the change process.

(3) For the purposes of sub-paragraph (2), each of the following is an interest grouping in relation to an area of forest or of other land where the solid biomass was grown—

(a) persons with interests which are predominantly economic in nature;

(b) persons with interests which are predominantly environmental in nature;

(c) persons with interests which are predominantly social in nature.

(4) The requirements specified in this sub-paragraph are—

(a) harm to ecosystems is minimised, in particular by—

(i) assessing the impacts of the extraction of wood from the area and adopting plans to minimise any negative impacts;

(ii) protecting soil, water and biodiversity;

(iii) controlling the use of chemicals and ensuring that chemicals are used in an appropriate way;

(iv) wherever possible, using integrated pest management (within the meaning of Article 3(6) of Directive 2009/128/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 October 2009 establishing a framework for Community action to achieve the sustainable use of pesticides) M65 ; and

(v) disposing of waste in a manner that minimises any negative impacts;

(b) the productivity of the area is maintained, in particular by—

(i) adopting plans to avoid significant negative impacts on productivity;

(ii) adopting procedures for the extraction of wood that minimise the impact on other uses of the area;

(iii) providing for all of the contractors and workers who are working in the area to be adequately trained in relation to the maintenance of productivity; and

(iv) maintaining an adequate inventory of the trees in the area (including data on the growth of the trees and on the extraction of wood) so as to ensure that wood is extracted from the area at a rate which does not exceed its long-term capacity to produce wood;

(c) compliance with the requirement specified in paragraph (b) is monitored, the results of that monitoring are reviewed and planning is updated accordingly;

(d) the health and vitality of ecosystems is maintained, in particular by—

(i) adopting plans to maintain or increase the health and vitality of ecosystems;

(ii) adopting plans to deal with natural processes or events such as fires, pests and diseases; and

(iii) taking adequate measures to protect the area from unauthorised activities such as illegal logging, mining and encroachment;

(e) biodiversity is maintained, in particular by—

(i) implementing safeguards to protect rare, threatened and endangered species;

(ii) conserving key ecosystems in their natural state; and

(iii) protecting features and species of outstanding or exceptional value;

(f) those responsible for the management of the area (and any contractors engaged by them) comply with local and national laws relating to health and safety and the welfare of workers;

(g) those responsible for the management of the area have regard to—

(i) legal, customary and traditional rights of tenure and land use;

(ii) mechanisms for resolving grievances and disputes including those relating to tenure and land use rights, forest or land management practices and working conditions; and

(iii) safeguarding the health and safety and rights of workers;

(h) there is regular assessment of the extent to which those responsible for the management of the area have met the requirements specified in paragraphs (a) to (g).

Marginal Citations

M65 OJ L 309 24.11.2009, p71.

6.  Material added to solid biomass for an exempt purpose shall be disregarded for the purposes of paragraph 4. E+W+S

7.  For the purposes of paragraph 5, “ Forest Europe Sustainable Forest Management Criteria” means the criteria for sustainable forest management in Lisbon Resolution L2 of the third Ministerial conference on the Protection of Forests in Europe held in June 1998 M66 . E+W+S

Marginal Citations

M66 Lisbon Resolution L2 is entitled “Pan-European Criteria, Indicators and Operational Level Guidelines for Sustainable Forest Management”. Copies are available at http://www.foresteurope.org/ministerial_conferences/lisbon1998.

PART 3 E+W+S Land criteria for other solid biomass including energy crops

8.  Solid biomass which is not wood or derived wholly from wood, or which is an energy crop, meets the land criteria if it— E+W+S

(a) was not obtained from a protected source;

(b) was an energy crop in respect of which financial assistance was paid under the Energy Crops Regulations 2000 M67 or under an equivalent financial assistance scheme;

(c) was residue (other than residue from agriculture, aquaculture, fisheries or forestry).

Marginal Citations

M67 S.I. 2000/3042, revoked by S.I. 2014/3263.

9.  Material added to solid biomass for an exempt purpose shall be disregarded for the purposes of paragraph 8. E+W+S

10.  Solid biomass is obtained from a protected source if it is obtained from— E+W+S

(a) land which at any time during or after January 2008 was primary forest;

(b) except where paragraph 11 applies, land which at any time during or after January 2008 was designated for nature protection purposes;

(c) highly biodiverse grassland unless the harvesting is necessary to preserve the grassland status;

(d) except where paragraph 12 applies, land which at any time during January 2008 was peatland;

(e) a former continuously forested area; or

(f) a former wetland area.

11.  This paragraph applies if the production of the solid biomass did not interfere with the nature protection purposes for which the land was designated. E+W+S

12.  This paragraph applies if the cultivation and harvesting of the solid biomass did not involve the drainage of previously undrained soil. E+W+S

Regulation 47

[F140 SCHEDULE 4A E+W+S Solid biomass which is wood: Criteria for woodfuel quality

Textual Amendments

F140 Sch. 4A inserted (1.4.2022) by The Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2021 (S.I. 2021/76), regs. 1(3)(b), 39

1.   This Schedule applies to solid biomass (excluding solid biomass contained in waste) which— E+W+S

(a) is woodfuel; and

(b) is used to generate heat in an accredited RHI installation.

2.   [F141 Subject to paragraph 2A,] all wood pellets must meet the ENplus A1 standard [F142 , a subsequent version of that standard] or an equivalent standard.

Textual Amendments

F141 Words in Sch. 4A para. 2 inserted (16.11.2022) by The Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/1096), regs. 1(1), 6(a)

F142 Words in Sch. 4A para. 2 inserted (1.4.2022) by The Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/159), regs. 1(3), 47(a)

[F143 2A.   The requirement in paragraph 2 is disapplied— E+W+S

(a) for a period of 12 months beginning with the day on which [F144 the Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2022] come into force;

(b) for any period specified in a notice under paragraph 2B.

Textual Amendments

F143 Sch. 4A paras. 2A, 2B inserted (16.11.2022) by The Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/1096), regs. 1(1), 6(b)

F144 Words in Sch. 4A para. 2A(a) substituted (23.11.2022) by The Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/1217), regs. 1(1), 2

2B.— (1) If the Secretary of State considers that there is a significant disruption or a threat of a significant disruption to the supply of wood pellets to Great Britain, the Secretary of State may by notice temporarily disapply the requirement in paragraph 2. E+W+S

(2) Before disapplying the requirement, the Secretary of State must—

(a) obtain the consent of the Scottish Ministers; and

(b) consult the Welsh Ministers.

(3) A notice under sub-paragraph (1) must specify the period for which the requirement will be disapplied, which must not be longer than 12 months.

(4) The Secretary of State must publish a notice under sub-paragraph (1) in such manner as the Secretary of State considers appropriate.]

Textual Amendments

F143 Sch. 4A paras. 2A, 2B inserted (16.11.2022) by The Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/1096), regs. 1(1), 6(b)

3.   All other woodfuel must [F145 meet— E+W+S

(a) fuel quality standard [F146 EN 15234-1:2011], ISO 9001:2015 or ISO 17225-4:2021;

(b) a subsequent version of one of those standards; or

(c) an equivalent standard.]

Textual Amendments

F145 Words in Sch. 4A para. 3 substituted (1.4.2022) by The Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/159), regs. 1(3), 47(b)

F146 Word in Sch. 4A para. 3 substituted (16.11.2022) by The Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/1096), regs. 1(1), 6(c)

4.   All woodfuel must be certified by the Woodsure Certification Scheme or an equivalent certification scheme as meeting the standard [F147 in— E+W+S

(a) subject to paragraph 4A, paragraph 2;

(b) paragraph 3.]

Textual Amendments

F147 Words in Sch. 4A para. 4 substituted (16.11.2022) by The Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/1096), regs. 1(1), 6(d)

[F148 4A.   Paragraph 4(a) does not apply for any period for which the requirement in paragraph 2 is disapplied.] E+W+S

Textual Amendments

F148 Sch. 4A para. 4A inserted (16.11.2022) by The Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/1096), regs. 1(1), 6(e)

5.   The certification scheme must provide assurance of the supply chain of the woodfuel. E+W+S

6.   In this Schedule, “woodfuel” means— E+W+S

(a) woodchip;

(b) logs;

(c) wood pellets; and

(d) wood briquettes,

regardless of whether the wood will undergo any other process before burning.]

Regulations 49(7) and 89

SCHEDULE 5 E+W+S Information to be provided to the Authority where solid biomass is used for combustion or production of biomethane

1.  This Schedule specifies the information that a participant is required to provide under regulation 49(7). E+W+S

2.  The information is information identifying— E+W+S

(a) the material from which the solid biomass was composed;

(b) the form of the solid biomass;

(c) its mass;

(d) whether the solid biomass was a by-product of a process;

(e) whether the solid biomass was derived from waste;

(f) where the solid biomass was plant matter or derived from plant matter, the country where the plant matter was grown;

(g) where the information specified in paragraph (f) is not known or the solid biomass was not plant matter or derived from plant matter, the country from which the operator obtained the solid biomass;

(h) whether any of the solid biomass used was an energy crop or derived from an energy crop and if so—

(i) the proportion of the consignment which was or was derived from the energy crop, and

(ii) the type of energy crop in question;

(i) whether the solid biomass or any matter from which it was derived was certified under an environmental quality assurance scheme and, if so, the name of the scheme;

(j) where the solid biomass was plant matter or derived from plant matter, the use to which the land on which the plant matter was grown has been put since 30th November 2005.

3.  The information specified in paragraph 2 must be collated by reference to the following places of origin— E+W+S

(a) United States of America or Canada;

(b) the European Union;

(c) other.

Regulations 60 and 62

SCHEDULE 6 E+W+S Tariffs

Tariffs

Tariff name	Source of energy and technology	Installation capacity	Tariff (pence/kWh)
Biomass	Solid biomass including solid biomass contained in waste (including CHP systems, other than new solid biomass CHP systems, which generate heat and power from solid biomass including solid biomass contained in waste)	All capacities	Tier 1: 3.05 Tier 2: 2.14
New solid biomass CHP systems	Solid biomass (excluding solid biomass contained in waste) used in CHP systems which comply with the requirements in regulation 13	All capacities	4.42
Deep geothermal	Deep geothermal energy including CHP systems generating heat and power from such energy	All capacities	5.38
Small biogas	Biogas (including CHP systems which generate heat and power from biogas)	Below 200kWth	4.64
Medium biogas	Biogas (including CHP systems which generate heat and power from biogas)	Above 200kWth and above, but below 600kWth	3.64
Large biogas	Biogas (including CHP systems which generate heat and power from biogas)	600kWth and above	1.36
Solar thermal	Solar collectors	All capacities	10.75
Small ground source heat pumps	Ground source heat pumps including shared ground loop systems	Below 100kWth	Tier 1: 9.36 Tier 2: 2.79
Large ground source heat pumps	Ground source heat pumps including shared ground loop systems	100kWth and above	Tier 1: 9.36 Tier 2: 2.79
Air source heat pumps	Air source heat pumps	All capacities	2.69
Biomethane	Biomethane		Tier 1: 5.60 Tier 2: 3.29 Tier 3: 2.53

Regulation 60

SCHEDULE 7 E+W+S Degression

Calculation of B E+W+S

1.—(1) For the purposes of regulation 60, B is calculated in relation to a tariff category and an assessment date as follows.

(2) For the purposes of this paragraph—

(a) the first test is met in relation to an assessment date in the first column of Table 1 if the forecast for total expenditure as at that date exceeds the figure specified for that assessment date in the corresponding entry in the second column of Table 1;

(b) the second test is met in relation to an assessment date if C, as calculated in accordance with paragraph 2 of this Schedule, is 0.10 or more.

(3) B is 0 unless the circumstances set out in sub-paragraph (4) apply.

(4) B is 0.05 if, in relation to the assessment date—

(a) the first test is met; and

(b) the second test is met.

Calculation of C E+W+S

2.—(1) For the purposes of regulation 60, C is calculated in relation to a tariff category and an assessment date as follows.

(2) For the purposes of this paragraph—

(a) the first test is met in relation to an assessment date in the first column of the relevant table if, as at that assessment date, the forecast for expenditure in relation to that tariff category exceeds the figure specified for that assessment date in the corresponding entry in the second column of that table;

(b) the second test is met in relation to an assessment date if, as at that assessment date, the increase in expenditure forecast applicable to that tariff category is at least 50% of, but less than 150% of, the figure specified for that assessment date in the corresponding entry in the third column of the relevant table (“the anticipated increase figure”);

(c) the third test is met in relation to an assessment date if, as at that assessment date, the increase in expenditure forecast applicable to that tariff category is at least 150% of the anticipated increase figure;

(d) in relation to an assessment date other than the assessment date which falls on 30th April 2018, the fourth test is met if during the tariff period that immediately preceded the tariff period in which the assessment date falls, the value of C applicable to that tariff category was 0.10 or more,

where the “relevant table” means whichever of Tables 2 to 9 in this Schedule is applicable to that tariff category.

(3) C is 0 unless the circumstances set out in sub-paragraph (4) or (5) (a), (b) or (c) apply.

(4) In relation to the assessment date which falls on 30th April 2018, C is 0.10 if—

(a) the first test is met; and

(b) the second or third test is met.

(5) In relation to any subsequent assessment date—

(a) C is 0.10 if—

(i) the first test is met; and

(ii) the second test is met, whether or not the fourth test is met;

(b) C is 0.10 if in relation to the assessment date—

(i) the first test is met; and

(ii) the third test is met but the fourth test is not met; and

(c) C is 0.20 if in relation to the assessment date—

(i) the first test is met;

(ii) the third test is met; and

(iii) the fourth test is met.

[F149 Table 1

Total expenditure

Assessment date	Total expenditure anticipated for subsequent year £million
31st July 2019	894.04
31st October 2019	920.70
31st January 2020	946.55
30th April 2020	967.99
31st July 2020	983.66
31st October 2020	997.53
Any date after 30th January 2021	1,009.26]

[F150 Table 2

Forecast for expenditure: plants which generate heat from solid biomass

Assessment Date	Expenditure threshold when calculating C for the purposes of regulation 60 (£million)	Anticipated increase in expenditure since previous assessment date (£million)
31st July 2019	421.00	6.00
31st October 2019	427.00	6.00
31st January 2020	433.00	6.00
30th April 2020	439.00	6.00
31st July 2020	445.00	6.00
31st October 2020	451.00	6.00
Any date after 30th January 2021	457.00	6.00]

[F151 Table 3

Forecast for expenditure: CHP systems

Assessment Date	Expenditure threshold when calculating C for the purposes of regulation 60 (£million)	Anticipated increase in expenditure since previous assessment date (£million)
31st July 2019	77.50	1.72
31st October 2019	79.22	1.72
31st January 2020	80.94	1.72
30th April 2020	82.66	1.72
31st July 2020	84.38	1.72
31st October 2020	86.10	1.72
Any date after 30th January 2021	87.82	1.72]

[F152 Table 4

Forecast for expenditure: ground source heat pumps and shared ground loop systems with an installation capacity of 100kWth or above

Assessment Date	Expenditure threshold when calculating C for the purposes of regulation 60 (£million)	Anticipated increase in expenditure since previous assessment date (£million)
31st July 2019	26.00	3.00
31st October 2019	29.00	3.00
31st January 2020	32.00	3.00
30th April 2020	35.00	3.00
31st July 2020	38.00	3.00
31st October 2020	41.00	3.00
Any date after 30th January 2021	44.00	3.00]

[F153 Table 5

Forecast for expenditure: ground source heat pumps and shared ground loop systems with an installation capacity of below 100kWth and air source heat pumps

Assessment Date	Expenditure threshold when calculating C for the purposes of regulation 60 (£million)	Anticipated increase in expenditure since previous assessment date (£million)
31st July 2019	9.22	0.64
31st October 2019	9.86	0.64
31st January 2020	10.53	0.66
30th April 2020	11.23	0.70
31st July 2020	11.94	0.71
31st October 2020	12.65	0.71
Any date after 30th January 2021	13.37	0.72]

[F154 Table 6

Forecast for expenditure: plants which use solar collectors

Assessment Date	Expenditure threshold when calculating C for the purposes of regulation 60 (£million)	Anticipated increase in expenditure since previous assessment date (£million)
31st July 2019	1.00	0.50
31st October 2019	1.50	0.50
31st January 2020	2.00	0.50
30th April 2020	2.50	0.50
31st July 2020	3.00	0.50
31st October 2020	3.50	0.50
Any date after 30th January 2021	4.00	0.50]

[F155 Table 7

Forecast for expenditure: plants which generate heat from biogas with a capacity below 600kWth

Assessment Date	Expenditure threshold when calculating C for the purposes of regulation 60 (£million)	Anticipated increase in expenditure since previous assessment date (£million)
31st July 2019	57.00	0.90
31st October 2019	57.90	0.90
31st January 2020	58.80	0.90
30th April 2020	59.70	0.90
31st July 2020	60.60	0.90
31st October 2020	61.50	0.90
Any date after 30th January 2021	62.40	0.90]

[F156 Table 8

Forecast for expenditure: producers of biomethane for injection and plants which generate heat from biogas with a capacity of 600kWth and above;

Assessment Date	Expenditure threshold when calculating C for the purposes of regulation 60 (£million)	Anticipated increase in expenditure since previous assessment date (£million)
31st July 2019	389.84	2.00
31st October 2019	391.84	2.00
31st January 2020	393.84	2.00
30th April 2020	395.84	2.00
31st July 2020	397.84	2.00
31st October 2020	399.84	2.00
Any date after 30th January 2021	401.84	2.00]

[F157 Table 9

Forecast for expenditure: deep geothermal plants

Assessment Date	Expenditure threshold when calculating C for the purposes of regulation 60 (£million)	Anticipated increase in expenditure since previous assessment date (£million)
31st July 2019	3.30	0.03
31st October 2019	3.33	0.03
31st January 2020	3.36	0.03
30th April 2020	3.38	0.02
31st July 2020	3.41	0.03
31st October 2020	3.43	0.02
Any date after 30th January 2021	3.46	0.03]

Textual Amendments

F149 Sch. 7 Table 1 substituted (17.7.2019) by The Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1052), regs. 1, 6(2)

F150 Sch. 7 Table 2 substituted (17.7.2019) by The Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1052), regs. 1, 6(3)

F151 Sch. 7 Table 3 substituted (17.7.2019) by The Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1052), regs. 1, 6(4)

F152 Sch. 7 Table 4 substituted (17.7.2019) by The Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1052), regs. 1, 6(5)

F153 Sch. 7 Table 5 substituted (17.7.2019) by The Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1052), regs. 1, 6(6)

F154 Sch. 7 Table 6 substituted (17.7.2019) by The Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1052), regs. 1, 6(7)

F155 Sch. 7 Table 7 substituted (17.7.2019) by The Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1052), regs. 1, 6(8)

F156 Sch. 7 Table 8 substituted (17.7.2019) by The Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1052), regs. 1, 6(9)

F157 Sch. 7 Table 9 substituted (17.7.2019) by The Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1052), regs. 1, 6(10)

Explanatory Note

(This note is not part of the Regulations)

These Regulations, which apply to Great Britain, revoke and replace the Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme Regulations 2011 (the “2011 Regulations”), which established a renewable heat incentive scheme (“the Scheme”). These Regulations re-enact the 2011 Regulations with amendments. The premise of the Scheme remains the same: owners of plants which generate heat from specified renewable sources and meet specified criteria may receive payments at prescribed tariffs for the heat used for eligible purposes. Payments may also be made to biomethane producers who produce biomethane for injection. The Regulations confer functions on the Gas and Electricity Markets Authority (“the Authority”) in connection with the administration of the Scheme.

In addition to minor and drafting amendments, these Regulations make the following changes of substance: heating a swimming pool other than one which used for commercial or municipal purposes, drying digestate or woodfuel, and drying, cleaning or processing certain waste, will no longer be eligible heat uses; provision is made for shared ground loop systems, in particular that payments will be based on deemed heat generation (as opposed to metered heat generation) where ground source heat pumps which form part of such systems are installed in domestic premises; any necessary planning permission will be required as part of the eligibility criteria; owners of specified technologies will be eligible to apply for a tariff guarantee, subject to a budget allocation for tariff guarantees set by the Secretary of State; tariffs will be increased for heat generated by biogas installations and biomethane producers; and payments to owners of installations generating heat from biogas and to biomethane producers will be reduced where less than 50% of the biogas produced derives from waste or residue.

Regulation 3 confers on the Authority the function of making payments to participants in the Scheme and specifies the eligible purposes for which heat will receive payment.

Chapter 1 of Part 2 (regulation 4) defines criteria (“eligibility criteria”) that must be satisfied for a plant to be eligible to participate in the Scheme.

Chapter 2 of Part 2 (regulations 5 to 20) specifies the eligibility criteria other than those in relation to metering.

Chapter 3 of Part 2 (regulations 21 to 29) specifies the eligibility criteria in relation to metering, setting out the types of meters which may be used, the requirements with which they must comply and what must be measured.

Part 3 (regulations 30 to 34) sets out the procedures for accreditation, registration, and preliminary accreditation and registration. Regulation 30 confers on the Authority the function of accrediting eligible installations (which upon accreditation are known as accredited RHI installations), specifying the process by which applicants apply to the Authority for accreditation and the circumstances in which an application for accreditation can be refused, including where a plant has not been commissioned or where an applicant has indicated that applicable ongoing obligations will not be complied with.

Regulation 31 specifies the circumstances in which the Authority may or may not accredit a plant or register a biomethane producer where the participant has received a grant from public funds.

Regulation 32 confers on the Authority the function of registering producers of biomethane who are producing biomethane for injection. It specifies the process by which applicants apply to the Authority for registration and specifies the circumstances in which an application for registration can be refused, including where injection of biomethane has not commenced or where an applicant has indicated that applicable ongoing obligations will not be complied with.

Regulation 33 sets out the process by which a person may apply for and the Authority may grant preliminary accreditation in respect of a plant and regulation 34 makes equivalent provision for the preliminary registration of biomethane producers.

Regulation 35 sets out the circumstances in which a person may apply for, and the Authority may grant, a tariff guarantee, subject to the budget allocation for tariff guarantees set by the Secretary of State.

Chapter 1 of Part 4 (regulations 36 to 39) sets out ongoing obligations with which participants generating heat from biomass must comply.

Regulation 37 applies to participants generating heat from solid biomass contained in waste. It specifies the minimum proportion of solid biomass which must be contained in the waste used, sets out how the proportion of solid biomass is determined and specifies the permitted uses and proportions of fossil fuel in accredited RHI installations.

Regulations 38 and 39 apply to participants generating heat from solid biomass, not being solid biomass contained in waste. They specify the permitted levels of and reasons for fossil fuel contamination, set out how the proportion of fossil fuel contamination is determined and specify the permitted uses of fossil fuel in accredited RHI installations.

Chapter 2 of Part 4 (regulations 40 to 42) sets out ongoing obligations for participants who are generating heat from biogas and producing biomethane for injection.

Regulation 40 applies to participants producing biogas using gasification or pyrolysis and generating heat from that biogas. It stipulates composition requirements for the feedstock used by participants and specifies the permitted uses of fossil fuel in accredited RHI installations.

Regulation 41 applies to participants generating heat from biogas to whom regulation 40 does not apply. It stipulates feedstock requirements for participants using biogas produced from anaerobic digestion and specifies permitted uses of fossil fuel in accredited RHI installations.

Regulation 42 applies to biomethane producers who produce biomethane for injection. It specifies composition requirements for feedstocks used to produce the biogas from which the biomethane is made and sets out the ongoing obligations relating to administration with which participants must comply. It also imposes a sustainability reporting requirement.

Chapter 3 of Part 4 (regulations 43 to 46) sets out the ongoing obligations for participants which are not specific to those participants generating heat from biomass or biogas or producing biomethane for injection.

Regulation 43 specifies general ongoing obligations relating to administrative and other matters with which participants must comply.

Regulation 44 specifies the ongoing obligations for participants generating heat from solid biomass where an RHI emission certificate is required.

Regulation 45 specifies the ongoing obligations in relation to metering. It imposes requirements on participants in relation to their heat meters and steam measuring equipment; requires participants to provide data when requested by the Authority; and specifies the metering arrangements for participants using heat pumps for both heating and cooling. This regulation also permits the data to be estimated in exceptional circumstances.

Regulation 46 specifies ongoing obligations in relation to the provision of information by the participant to the Authority.

Part 5 (regulations 47 to 51) imposes requirements in relation to solid biomass or biogas used to generate heat and on biomethane which is injected. These provisions require compliance with lifecycle greenhouse gas emission limits and restrict the place from which solid biomass or feedstock for biogas or biomethane can be sourced.

Regulation 48 specifies an ongoing obligation to use sustainable solid biomass or biogas or to produce sustainable biomethane.

Regulation 49 requires participants to provide declarations and information to the Authority relating to sustainable solid biomass, biogas and biomethane.

Regulation 50 requires participants to whom regulation 49 applies to provide annual sustainability audit reports, subject to certain exceptions.

Regulation 51 gives power for the Secretary of State to approve schemes for the listing of approved sustainable fuels for the purposes of these Regulations, and to deem certain fuels compliant with the requirements in regulation 48.

Part 6 (regulations 52 to 55) specifies the powers of the Authority, including suspending payments, where it is made aware of a change in circumstances affecting an accredited RHI installation, including where there has been a transfer in ownership or a change in location of an RHI installation, or a change in circumstances in respect of a shared ground loop system such that the heat generated by a ground source heat pump forming part of that system is required to be metered.

Part 7 (regulations 56 to 75) confers on the Authority the function of calculating and paying periodic support payments to participants. These regulations specify the method by which tariffs are assigned; confer a function on the Authority to calculate and publish a table of tariffs each year, adjusted in line with the consumer prices index; and specify the method by which periodic support payments are calculated.

Part 8 (regulations 76 and 77) specifies how a plant using the same source of energy and technology as an accredited RHI installation and supplying heat to the same heating system (known as additional RHI capacity) and how a biomethane producer who produces biomethane which is additional to the capacity specified in the initial application (known as additional biomethane) are to be treated under the Scheme.

Part 9 (regulations 78 to 85) sets out the provisions in relation to enforcement.

Regulations 78 to 82 confer on the Authority a range of powers to temporarily or permanently withhold a participant's periodic support payments (regulations 78 to 80), to revoke a participant's accreditation or registration in certain circumstances (regulation 81), or to correct a tariff being paid to a participant (regulation 82).

Regulation 83 confers a power on the Authority to recover or offset overpayments.

Regulation 84 confers on the Authority a power to revoke any sanction imposed under this Part and specifies the circumstances and manner in which the Authority may exercise this power.

Regulation 85 confers on the Authority or its authorised agent the power to inspect an accredited RHI installation and equipment used to produce biomethane and its associated infrastructure and specifies the manner and circumstances in which this power may be exercised and the consequences of refusal.

Part 10 (regulations 86 to 91) confers various administrative functions on the Authority.

Regulation 86 confers a right of review on any prospective, current or former participant affected by a decision made by the Authority under these Regulations, sets out the process by which a person may request a review of such decisions and specifies the Authority's powers on review.

Under regulation 87 the Authority must publish procedural guidance in connection with the administration of the Scheme.

Regulation 88 makes provision for the circumstances in which information or declarations are to be provided by applicants or participants to the Authority.

Regulation 89 requires the Authority to provide information to the Secretary of State including annual, quarterly and monthly reports and to publish certain information on its website.

Regulation 90 requires the Authority to provide certain additional information as the Secretary of State may request.

Regulation 91 describes the form of notices under these Regulations.

Part 11 (regulation 92) revokes the Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme Regulations 2011, and makes saving provisions in relation to that revocation.

A full impact assessment of the effect that this instrument will have on the costs of business and the voluntary sector is available from the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy at 1 Victoria Street, London, SW1H 0ET and is published with the Explanatory Memorandum alongside the instrument on www.legislation.gov.uk.

Documents published on www.microgenerationcertification.org are also available from Gemserv Limited at 8 Fenchurch Place, London, EC3M 4AJ.

Copies of British Standards referred to in these Regulations can be obtained from www.bsigroup.com and hard copies can be obtained from BSI Customer Services, 389 Chiswick High Road, London W4 4AL (telephone number 0345 086 9001).