Back in 2018, a very positive and significant change to the RHI regulations was brought in which meant that RHI participants could replace accredited heating systems such as boilers, engines and heat pumps so long as they retain the same technology category. This is great for participants that have catastrophic failures and means they can install new equipment and continue the RHI scheme, but it is not limited to this.

This does also give participants options as they can:

• Increase the capacity of the equipment if more heat or expansion was required
• Decrease the capacity if needed
• Change a boiler from manually fed to automatic
• Install a boiler that could burn different fuels
• Install more efficient equipment

We have seen several participants changing their systems to better work for their needs. Some have increased the size of the boilers which allows them to meet peak demands and not run fossil fuel backups. In this case, a participant cannot benefit more than the original plant could and the amount of Tier 1 stays the same, but they can save fossil fuel and utilise more Tier 2 if it is needed.

We have seen participants looking for alternative fuels and different boilers can burn different fuels depending on emissions testing. Participants are looking for more efficient cheaper fuels and changing to a boiler that allows a wider range of fuels can have a great benefit.

Changing the boiler type is a regular conversation I have with RHI participants, either from a batch burning boiler to an automated or the other way around. Each has their benefits, but individual situations can mean that a change in type would help. The thought of loading a boiler manually for the next 10 - 15 years, having done it for the last 5-10 years, makes changing to an automatic fed boiler a very real option. Likewise, if a participant has been struggling with feeding issues a manual boiler with less to go wrong could be what they are looking for.

The key message is that the scheme gives you flexibility and an option to change equipment if your system isn’t working for you.

NFU Energy can discuss this with you and help with the feasibility and RHI changes required, please give us a call on 024 7669 6512 or drop us an email on [email protected].