Ministers ‘committed’ to renewables

17 February 2012 | By Julian Milnes

Installers should start planning for forthcoming RHI, as Ministers and officials remain committed to renewable heat

Kelly Butler, BEAMA’s (British Electrotechnical and Allied Manufacturers Association) marketing director, said: “The Government’s entire integrated energy policy relies on de-carbonising both electricity supply and demand side building services.”

“To achieve this Government has no choice, but to invest in the uptake of renewable heat technologies such as heat pumps; officials understand that the clock is ticking towards the 2020 legally-binding target to reach 15 per cent renewable energy generation in the UK.”

Butler confirmed that DECC officials are planning to announce a firm timeline for the RHI phasing-in within the next month.

Butler adds: “Of course, there are additional issues to consider on the Government side such as how the RHI will link with the Green Deal.

“These things take time, but we are hoping to see announcements confirming regular long-term incentives for renewable heat in the next month or so, along with a commitment to align RHI with Green Deal as soon as possible”.

Mrs Butler advises installers not to get caught in the cold when the RHI and Green Deal launch.

“Start working now on identifying appropriate training courses and MCS accreditation routes so you can hit the ground running this Autumn.”