Overview

Setting a world first, Parliament has approved the Renewable Heat Incentive Regulations 2011, due to come into force in late 2012. The scheme aims to cut the UK’s reliance on fossil fuels and greenhouse gas emissions by encouraging owners of domestic or commercial buildings to install biomass boilers, ground source heat pumps, bio methane and solar and thermal panels.

The scheme is to be exercised in two phases. First, tariff support for industrial, business and public sector. The domestic sector can currently utilise the interim Renewable Heat Premium Payments. These subsidise the cost of installing qualifying renewable heating systems. Second, the support under the RHI will be extended to domestic properties on October 2012 as part of the Green Deal.

As well as providing background information, this briefing identifies several legal issues that the scheme raises for landowners, householders and tenants. Click 'View Briefing' to read more.