As of the 28th November 2011, non-domestic sectors including the industrial and commercial sector, the public sector, non-profit organisations and communities will be able to start applying to Ofgem for the Renewable Heat Incentive.
 
The RHI will provide payments for heat generated from renewable technologies including; biomass boilers, solar thermal systems and heat pumps installed since 15th July 2009.
 
The Coalition has made £860 million available to support renewable heat. Successful applicants will be paid up to 7.9p/kWh for biomass boilers, 8.5p/kWh for solar thermal systems and up to 4.5p/kWh for heat pumps. Organisations will receive payments based on the metered amount of heat generated on a quarterly basis for heat generated, guaranteed for 20 years.
 
The RHI will contribute towards the Government's target of 15% of total UK energy consumption being generated from renewable sources by 2020.
 
To apply for the Renewable Heat Incentive, you must contact Ofgem via telephone, mail or online. There will also be provisions to pre-accredit larger systems, details are to follow. To view all details on how to apply please view the Ofgem guidance documents, volume 1 and volume 2. Unfortunately, you cannot appoint someone else to do this for you.
 
There will also be support for householders under the second phase of the RHI, the timing of which will be confirmed early in the new year. The Government remains absolutely committed to driving the renewable heat agenda not just in the industrial, business and public sector, but in the domestic sector as well.