EfW projects could be given easier access to ROCs, minister admits

We need to acknowledge that, to date, there has not been the most effective provision

 
Joan Ruddock, DECC

Speaking during a parliamentary debate on energy yesterday (July 9), Ms Ruddock explained that at present, certificates were only granted for the biomass proportion of waste sent to an energy from waste plant.

In addition, plants needed to be accredited as combined heat and power (CHP) plants and have agreed a fuel measurement and sampling procedure with Ofgem, she explained.

As a result, the minister admitted the system was “not the most effective” – but claimed that work was already underway to improve the situation.

A ROC – Renewables Obligation Certificate – is issued for all eligible renewable energy generated in the UK and acts as a subsidy for energy generation.

She said: “We need to acknowledge that, to date, there has not been the most effective provision. Indeed, in April, we altered the fuel measurement and sampling requirements on energy-from-waste plants to secure ROCs in response to industry feedback that the previous requirements were too arduous.

“We have seen a positive response to that, and departmental officials are working with industry representatives and Ofgem to establish new measurement techniques,” she added.

Criteria

Ms Ruddock's comments followed questions raised by Anne McIntosh, Conservative MP for the Vale of York, who asked whether the minister would consider giving energy-from-waste plants the same access to ROCs as other technologies.

Ms McIntosh said: “From the proceedings of the Climate Change Bill, the minister will be aware that if energy-from-waste plants are to be successful they need to have access to ROCs on the same basis as other projects. Will she consider making the criteria apply in a similar way to the energy sector?”

Ms Ruddock assured Ms McIntosh that the government supported energy-from-waste plants, citing the Private Finance Initiative (PFI) as an area where it had provided support.

She said: “The Government support energy-from-waste plants. We have made a significant sum of money – about £2 billion – available to do that. A number of huge projects are on the stocks and we expect them to come to fruition soon.”