Renewable energy projects generating electricity from wood or waste have received a boost now the Government has confirmed anaerobic digestion and waste-to-energy projects will be ‘grandfathered’ under the Renewables Obligation, says David Wright, managing partner at J.H. Walter.
The company is a member of the Renewable Energy Association, which has been lobbying Government for a steer on Renewables Obligation (RO) support.
‘Grandfathering’ means initial support levels under the Renewables Obligation (RO) will remain at the same level for 20 years, says Mr Wright.
“This brings these bioenergy projects into line with other technologies, such as wind, and removes the uncertainty of future changes in support during a project’s life.
“It means, in effect, that Renewable Obligation Certificates available at the beginning of a project will be guaranteed for 20 years.
“Businesses need quick decisions on electricity market reform, and certainty that the planning regime will not be changed in a way that deters investment.
“This announcement, along with feed-in tariffs, should unlock much-needed private investment in this sector.”
n Meanwhile, Harper Adams University College was due to start work this week on a £3 million-plus renewable power system at its Shropshire campus.
The anaerobic digester has been in planning for two and a half years, and the plant is expected to be generating heat and power from farm and food waste by the end of March 2011. It is expected to offset campus carbon emissions more than three times over.
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