After attending the Ofgem extension application workshop last week we know more about what to expect and timeframes.

The extension applications, until 31 March 2022, are only available to participants that cannot receive a tariff guarantee, this is for:

• Biomass <1MWth
• Biogas combustion <600kWth
• Ground source and water source heat pumps <100kWth

The application window will be open from 00:01 on 01 March 2021 until midnight on the 31 March 2021.

Information we expect Ofgem to require:

• Source of energy and technology
• Expected commissioning date
• Expected annual generation
• Expected plant size (allowed ±10%)
• Location of the plant
• Evidence of the proposed heat use

Crucially to some projects, planning permission is not required for the extension application.

Extension applications are only available to participants that can evidence significant capital, or significant human or material resources were invested in the project prior to 17 August 2020.

This can come in 2 forms; either primary where one piece of evidence is required, or secondary, where 2 pieces are required. See pages 9 and 10 on the link here.

Another important point is that there is only a finite budget for the extension applications, Ofgem will consider the applications in the order they are received. If no budget is available, then the applications will enter a queue system.

If you have any queries about whether you qualify for the RHI extension application, please call the NFU Energy team on 024 7669 8899.