As we reported some time ago in Spring 2015 there is new criteria relating to biomass wood fuel which could affect your RHI payments. So our customers don’t come unstuck this spring we have produced the following information to see you through.
From October 5, 2015 all biomass fuel used by households, businesses and other organisations claiming the RHI must meet a lifecycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions target of 60% GHG savings against the EU fossil fuel average, and land criteria, which for woodfuel are set out in the UK Timber Standard for Heat and Electricity. The Biomass Suppliers List contains details of approved suppliers and guidance about how to meet the new criteria. This criteria will effect both the domestic and commercial RHI participants, both that are already accredited to the scheme as well as new applicants.
How to meet the criteria
Commercial RHI participants
Option A: Source woodfuel from the Biomass Suppliers List (BSL). Ofgem will then require a quarterly declaration (along with your quarterly RHI meter reading) that the woodfuel used within that period was sourced correctly. The regulations have also stated that you should keep records of your BSL registered supplier and delivery notes for a period of five years.
Option B: If you use an unregistered supplier for your wood fuel but you are confident of their sustainability, you can make quarterly declarations (along with your quarterly RHI meter readings) that the fuel you have used for that period meets the GHG and sustainability criteria. To evidence this declaration you will need to submit an annual sustainability audit to Ofgem at your own cost.
Domestic RHI participants
There is only one option for domestic RHI biomass boiler projects. All woodfuel sourced for use in biomass boilers will need to be registered on the BSL at the time of consumption. Annual declarations will be required by Ofgemto confirm the woodfuel has been sourced correctly. The regulations have also stated that you should keep records of your BSL registered supplier and delivery notes for a period of five years.
Self-suppliers (domestic and commercial RHI)
When using your own woodfuel you must register this with the BSL in order to make quarterly declarations as highlighted above. Participants with a heat capacity of 1MW or over are unable to register as a self-supplier.
As a self-supplier you do not need to evidence compliance with the sustainability criteria but you will need to prove evidence such as a forest management plan or Felling Licence.
Biomass Suppliers List (BSL)
This website is now live, with a search facility to source and procure sustainable woodfuel in your area.. The Government is urging all participants to start sourcing their woodfuel from the BSL site as soon as possible.
Although suppliers listed on the site all be approved to have met the sustainability criteria this is not a guarantee of quality. All participants of the RHI are also reminded to check their woodfuel products meet the quality standard required, such as EN Plus.
Click here to register as a self-supplier or a supplier to RHI participants.