FURTHER INFORMATION
Ongoing Support for Biomass and
the Renewable Heat Incentive
The Scottish Government is aware of the growing demand for biomass, and is working with the UK Government to put mechanisms in place. The UK Government announced on 15th July 2009, as part of its Renewable Energy Strategy, that it will launch the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) in April 2011 to provide long-term support for renewable heat. It also announced that projects completed after 15th July 2009, will be able to apply for the RHI and it would consult on all aspects of the RHI mechanism by the end of the year.
This will apply to most projects awarded grant under the SBHS and we will continue to pay grant awarded under the SBHS in the interim period between July 2009 and April 2011. However, in order to comply with European State Aid rules, grants paid to projects in this interim period may need to be repaid before receiving RHI payments. The Scottish Government is engaged in this process and will aim to ensure that when arrangements for the RHI are finalised, that any project awarded grant is not adversely affected if they wish to apply for RHI.
In this transitional period, the Scottish Government is aware that there will potentially still be a demand for support. In particular, the Government is interested in the potential for larger-scale heat only projects and district heating demonstrators, especially those which do not have access to existing support mechanisms, which will be completed by March 2011. In order to establish what the demand is for funding for larger-scale projects the Scottish Government is seeking Expressions of Interest from all types of organisations considering biomass heating projects, to inform decisions on ongoing support for biomass for heating.
The Expression of Interest form (Word, 270kb) asks for brief details of your project, in particular whether grant support is a requirement for the project to go ahead. Please complete the form and return to:
Mary Caldwell
Forestry Commission Scotland,
"Woodlands"
Fodderty Way
Dingwall
IV15 9XB
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 01349 860919
On receipt of a completed form you will be contacted by one or our Regional Biomass Advice Network to discuss your proposal further.
(return to top)
Carbon Trust Biomass Heat Accelerator
The Biomass Heat Accelerator is one of the Carbon Trust’s Technology Acceleration projects – seeking to advance the commercial development and deployment of specific, low-carbon technologies.
The Carbon Trust are seeking partner sites and can offer a fully funded, detailed feasibility study examining the costs and practicalities of a biomass heating solution at the site. Partner sites must be existing properties without access to the natural gas grid and have relatively high annual heat loads and heating energy spends. For further details download the attached flyer.
(return to top)
Other Sources of Advice and Funding
Installation of Renewable Technology
SRDP: Land-based businesses (agriculture and forestry) and rural-microenterprises can apply for funding for renewables installation under the Scotland Rural Development Programme (SRDP). For more information on the support for biomass installation available through SRDP, contact our Regional Biomass Advice Network.
CARES: Community groups can apply for funding for renewables installations under the Scottish Government’s Communities and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES) managed by Community Energy Scotland. Contact our Regional Biomass Advice Network or Community Energy Scotland for more information on the support available for communities.
Householders can apply for funding for renewables installations under the Energy Saving Scotland Home Renewables Grant Scheme managed by the Energy Savings Trust. Contact our Regional Biomass Advice Network for more information or call the Energy Savings Trust hotline on 0800 138 8858. Installation of renewable energy equipment under the scheme must be carried out by an accredited installer, details available on the Low Carbon Buildings Programme website.
Supply Chain Development
Land-based businesses (agriculture and forestry) and rural-microenterprises can apply for funding for supply chain development under the Scotland Rural Development Programme (SRDP). For more information on the support for biomass supply chain development available through SRDP, contact our Regional Biomass Advice Network.
Practical help, advice and support for new and growing businesses in Scotland is available through the Business Gateway.
(return to top)