April 2015 will see the Government launch the new biomass fuel sustainability criteria for the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI). This criteria will effect both the domestic and commercial RHI participants, whether already accredited to the scheme or 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 5 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 wood fuel sourced for use in biomass boilers will need to be registered on the Biomass Suppliers List (BSL) at the time of consumption. Annual declarations will be required by OFGEM to confirm the wood fuel 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 5 years.
Self-Suppliers (Domestic and Commercial RHI)
When using your own woodfuel you must register this with the Biomass Supplier List (BSL) in order to make quarterly declarations as 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.