HOW TO ENGINEER
RENEWABLEHEAT T
DEMAND FOR
The Renewable Heat Incentive is far more likely to succeed if the government avoids complex tariff-style payments and takes a long-term view on training, accreditation and product development, says CIBSE in its response to DECC’s proposals for the non-domestic RHI
he Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) is likely to fail if the government adopts the same tariff system used for solar PVs, according to CIBSE’s response to
the government’s consultation on proposals for non-domestic RHI. CIBSE says the proposed tariff system is complicated and contains uncertainties about the amount of support on offer. The Institution acknowledges that the ‘opening tariffs need to be very attractive to kickstart the scheme’, but notes that subsequent tariff reductions, once the market takes off, may ‘cause confusion and possible market collapse’. It notes there was a big fall in installations of
solar PV in 2012 when feed-in tariffs were cut from 43.3p to 21p per kWh of solar electricity.
Hands up for cashbacks The institution says that the proposals fail to provide an incentive for manufacturers to invest in product development, and make it very difficult for the supply chain to predict the uptake in RHI. As a result suppliers, designers and installers are unlikely to see sufficient business to warrant investment in training, installation and maintenance, says CIBSE. It says the government needs to take a
holistic approach and make training and accreditation key planks of its programme. The institution also recommends a design improvement programme that would help ensure advances in the next generation of renewable products and suggests the government work with technology innovation partners such as TSB to achieve this. The measures would have the benefit of reducing the perceived risk of taking up the RHI in the eyes of consumers, says CIBSE. In its response, submitted last month,
CIBSE recommends incentivising the market with a cashback scheme rather than
30 CIBSE Journal January 2013
www.cibsejournal.com
tariffs. This would offer ongoing annual payments for those who agree to metering, regular maintenance and the submitting of performance data. CIBSE says customers would know how much money they would receive, and it would give suppliers the certainty they need to invest in renewables. CIBSE says that the RHI must first be given
for proven renewable technologies. It advises the government to look closely at biomass and the issues around safe and efficient design and installation of both the biomass boiler and the chimney (see Burning issues, CIBSE Journal, December 2012). CIBSE guidance on biomass boilers will be published in the new year.1 It warns the Department of Energy and
Climate Change (DECC) that describing biomass boilers as being part of a ‘boiler replacement scheme’ would be misleading as fossil fuel boilers operate at higher
temperatures than renewable heat sources and so are smaller, lighter and easier to match to existing heating systems. The need for larger radiators and a fuel store, as well as fuel availability should also be considered. CIBSE backs the DECC proposal to make improvements to homes’ energy efficiency before installation of renewable heat sources. Without so called ‘green ticks’ CIBSE says ‘the system will be larger than it needed to be, more expensive to run, and will waste energy’.
Switching back Customers switching back to conventional heat will be likely if technology underperforms, warns CIBSE, adding that while accrediting the supply chain should protect consumers, there are relatively few knowledgeable designers and installers for heat pumps2 To stop consumers from switching back
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to gas, CIBSE says a loyalty bonus could be offered at 10, 15, and 20 years, which would contribute to maintenance costs. Consumers would show receipts from DECC-approved maintenance service providers to receive the bonus. CIBSE says the relationship could mimic that of the car buyer and garage dealer.
C JONES / SHUTTERSTOCK
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