Renewable Heat Incentive Tariffs
This is a Government intiative similar to Feed in Tariffs that is designed to encourage the use of renewable heat sources, rather than carbon based heat sources. This would include Solar Heat Panels, Air and Ground Source Heat Pumps and Biomass (typically wood or wood derivative fuelled).
If you install any one of the above systems you could receive a tariff based on the amount of energy in kWh the system is designed to deliver. For smaller systems and medium sized systems the amount is likely to be assumed, for larger systems metering will be required.
The RHI is currently under consultation, but the following is proposed:
- A Tariff will be paid from 10 - 23 years depending on the technology
- The payment is likely to be paid annually and will be index linked. It may also be tax free as feed in tariffs are.
- The amount will depend on the type of system and the amount of energy the unit is designed to deliver.
- Installations from now onwards will qualify for the RHI
- Installations must be MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) accredited.
The proposed Renewable Heat Incentive Tariffs are:
| Tariff Name | Installation Size | Tariff Rate (per kW hour) | Tariff Duration |
| Small Biomass | Less than 200kW | 7.9p / kWh (Tier 1) 2.0p / kWh (Tier 2) | 20 Years |
| Medium Biomass | 200 - 1000kW | 4.9p / kWh (Tier 1) 2.0p / kWh (Tier 2) | 20 Years |
| Large Biomass | 1000kW+ | 1p / kWh | 20 Years |
| Small Ground Source Heat | Less than 100kW | 4.5p / kWh | 20 Years |
| Large Ground Source Heat | 100kW+ | 3.2p / kWh | 20 Years |
| Solar Thermal | Less than 200kW | 8.5p / kWh | 20 Years |
| Biomethane | Less than 200kW | 6.8p / kWh | 20 Years |