BENI host Brash processing demonstration at Shanes Castle Estate – 17/06/2016

Biomass Energy Northern Ireland (BENI) held a brash chipping demonstration recently at Shanes Castle Estate, Co. Antrim. The event was organised by one of its members from the local area, Glendale Tree services, Randalstown. The event was held for anyone actively involved or interested in the biomass sector, showcasing a very informative day and a great networking opportunity for those involved within the sector. Read more

DECC: Renewable Heat Incentive crucial for decarbonising UK heat

The Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) is crucial for heating decarbonisation efforts and could create 800MW of additional capacity annually, the UK Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) says. DECC reports have evaluated both the UK and international RHI schemes and concluded that the scheme is essential for reaching the UK’’s target of producing 12% renewables for heat. See press release and link to series of assessment reports

North’s RHI closure on 29th February confirmed

Last week we reported Enterprise, Trade and Investment (DETI) Minister Jonathan Bell had announced the domestic and non domestic Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) schemes in Northern Ireland will close on the 29th February. The NI Assembly duly approved the closure earlier this week, see Notice of Suspension. Responding to the move, John Martin, Chairman of Biomass Energy Northern Ireland (BENI) issued a press release and called for “urgent talks between the NI Government and the heat sector to plan an appropriate way forward”. The Belfast Telegraph reported this. In a further step this week, John Martin wrote to Minister Bell (cc’d to UK Minister for Energy and Climate Change Amber Rudd and to Patsy McGlone, MLA Chairperson, Committee of Enterprise, Trade and Investment) requesting an urgent meeting  to discuss the implications of the suspension and to consider an appropriate policy framework going forward to 2020 and beyond. See letter.

Renewable Heat Incentive

North’s RHI to close on 29th February

Enterprise, Trade and Investment (DETI)Minister Jonathan Bell has announced the domestic and non domestic Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) schemes in Northern Ireland will close on the 29th February. The move is a severe blow to the renewable heat sector in the North, to jobs, and will also impact negatively on fuel and equipment suppliers into that market from the Republic. The decision comes following a surge in applications in the run up to the recent scheme changes introduced in November 2015. Responding to the move, John Martin, Chairman of Biomass Energy Northern Ireland (BENI), said the association is “extremely disappointed that DETI has not managed the policy and applications in such a way that would provide longer term certainty to investors and developers in the market”. BENI has called for “urgent talks between the NI Government and the heat sector to plan an appropriate way forward”. See DETI press releases one (initial announcement) & two (details of date), and BENI press release in response.