Following the Clean Air Strategy published in May 2018, the
Government has published
a consultation, proposing that biomass combustion installations
should no longer be eligible for RHI support if they are located in
urban areas that are on the gas grid. The consultation defines
these areas and indicates where restrictions could apply. This
consultation covers the RHI in Scotland, as well as England and
Wales.
The change would only apply to new applications from the time
the amending regulations come into force. There is no timetable for
implementing any change mentioned in the consultation at this
stage.
There is an opportunity to express views to the Government on
this proposed change and the date for responses is 27 November
2018. These can be sent to The RHI Team, Department for Business,
Energy & Industrial Strategy, 1 Victoria St London, SW1H 0ET.
Or Email: [email protected].
It should be noted that the Medium Combustion Plant Directive
(MCPD) has been adopted in the UK to limit the emissions of certain
pollutants from medium combustion plants, with the purpose of
improving air quality. The MCPD is, in part, a direct response to
the rise in the number of biomass-fired boiler systems and CHP
plants being installed across the EU, and to the need to clean up
air pollution from biomass and other forms of combustion.
From 20 December 2018, all new plant will need to be registered
or have obtained a permit and comply with Emission Limit Values
(ELVs). This may affect how Government plan to deliver the
proposed RHI changes and could form part of consultation
responses.