What is this about?
To encourage forestry businesses to install small scale renewable energy capacity, mainly for own consumption as a way to help to combat climate change and improve business viability.
What will this achieve?
- Improved business efficiency
- Reduction in carbon emissions
- Help to develop a local sustainable energy supply
What you can do?
Two distinct elements:
- Purchase and install a renewable energy system up to 250kW. In exceptional circumstances, applications for installations over 250kW will be considered, where applicants can demonstrate the generation capacity is primarily for use on forestry related activity.
- If installing biomass boiler, the purchase of supply chain or specialist equipment to harvest and process woodchips, pellets or logs.
Who can apply?
Primary forestry businesses
Eligibility Criteria
What technologies and or equipment are supported?
- Small scale wind turbines
- Hydro-electric turbines
- Solar panels
- Automated woodfuel boilers
- Heat pumps
- Solar water heating
- Anaerobic digestion equipment using slurry and other agricultural by-products in the production of energy
- Specialist equipment for harvesting, pre-use processing (e.g. dryers, chippers, pelletisers), quality assurance (e.g. for checking moisture content, chip size, etc) and handling.
- Supply chain equipment
Which products and installers can I use?
- If installing a Micro renewable energy system (defined as up to 50kW electricity generating capacity or 45kW heat capacity) the product and the installer must both be accredited, under the UK wide accreditation system called the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS)
- The exception to this is for hydro installers, where an accreditation scheme has not yet been established. Subject to confirming that more than one quote has been obtained, work can be carried out by local expertise under the supervision of a qualified advisor who can sign off installations to confirm that appropriate standards have been met
- Details of installers and products can be obtained from the Microgeneration Certification Scheme website http://www.microgenerationcertification.org/ or on 020 7090 1082.
- Independent advice on all aspects of installing renewable systems can be obtained from your local Energy Saving Scotland advice centre on 0800 512 012 or via their website at www.energysavingtrust.org/schri/household/how.cfm
Technical requirements for biomass installations
- All Combined Heat and Power ( CHP) installations must meet the criteria set for Good Quality for the purposes of the Enhanced Capital Allowances (ECA) scheme, as set out in the CHP Quality Assurance (CHPQA) Programme
- If located in a Smoke Control Area you must install an exempt appliance
What costs could be supported?
Purchase and installation of equipment, including construction, upgrading or development of infrastructure.
- competitive quotes should be obtained. If, however, you are seeking grant support towards a specialised piece of equipment then 1 quote is acceptable. Please see the guidance on quotes and estimates for more information.
Rate of support?
- Up to 50% of eligible cost in Less Favoured Areas (LFA).
- Up to 40% of eligible costs in non-LFAs.
Inspections/verification
- All final claims must be accompanied by relevant invoices.
- You must allow any person, duly authorised by the Scottish Government, to have access to allow an inspection to take place. An inspection may take place at any reasonable time either before or after completion
- If applicable, the Microgeneration Certification Scheme list of registered installers will be checked
- If applicable, the criteria set of good quality CHP Programme will be verified for compliance
- If located in a Smoke Control Area must install an exempt appliance and this licence must be verified
Technical Guidance