Long-awaited domestic heat scheme launches

Following several years of delay, the domestic Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) is finally up and running. Energy minister Greg Barker broke the news with a tweet last night, ahead of today’s launch (9 April).

Applications for the domestic RHI, the first scheme of the kind in the world, are now open through scheme administrator Ofgem.

Providing financial support for renewable heat in the home, technologies currently covered by the scheme are solar thermal panels, biomass heating systems, ground or water source heat pumps and air-to-water heat pumps.

Greg Barker said in due course the government hopes to include other technologies, “putting the UK at the forefront of innovation in the renewable heat industry”. He said: “Not only will people have warmer homes and cheaper fuel bills, they will reduce their carbon emissions, and will also get cash payments for installing these new technologies.

“It opens up a market for the supply chain, engineers and installers – generating growth and supporting jobs as part of our long-term economic plan.”

Speaking in a videoed announcement, the minister said more people were needed to train up to offer the products around the country, though he pointed out the focus is particularly on those who live in rural areas off the gas grid.

“We very much hope that the installer base will work with us to make sure that they receive them,” he added. “While we hope to drive this forward we’ve got nearly 90,000 installations that we hope to see over the next two years. So as important as it is today to mark this successful launch, believe you me, the real work has only just begun.”

More details about the scheme at www.ofgem.gov.uk/domestic-rhi