Recently Oli and I took a trip to London to see Ofgem for a Fuelling and Sustainability workshop. The workshop was all about the Renewable Obligations Certificate (ROC) Scheme, of which my knowledge has so far been limited to solar technology. I was interested to find out more from an Anaerobic Digester (AD) perspective, as we have some clients already on this scheme and more who could be interested. It was also a good opportunity to put faces to the names we regularly talk with on the telephone.

Some points of interest from the workshop:

• The compulsory Annual Audit, for ROC accredited installations greater than, or equal to, 1 MW, was due by 31^st May 2016.
• Providing annual Profiling Data is compulsory for all generating stations over 50 kW. This data is used by DECC to help determine future policy.
• The deadline for ROC applications is 31^st March 2017, before the scheme closes for good. However, to make a full application the plant must have been commissioned.
• Preliminary ROC applications can be awarded. However, they are just proof of concept and do not guarantee a ROC tariff.
• The ROC scheme runs for 20 years. For anyone already significantly committed, but in danger of missing the deadline, a grace period may be granted by Ofgem which is determined on a case by case basis.
• If granted a grace period, ROCs will only be approved from the commissioning date and not back dated.
• The scheme life time will not be extended for late commissioning; the end date for ROCs will still be 31^st March 2037.

Therefore, if you are considering applying for the ROC scheme, the clock is ticking. Please contact us on 024 7669 8899 if you would like to discuss eligibility or would like to apply.