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DECC gives boost to coal-biomass conversion

Energy minister John Hayes has announced fresh plans to speed up investment in converting coal plants to biomass.

The government will introduce a voluntary reporting process under the Renewables Obligation for these generators which will minimise regulatory burdens and allow DECC to better estimate how much financial support these schemes will need.  

To provide long term certainty, a fact sheet has been issued setting out ‘grandfathering’ arrangements to provide suurance on the level of subsidy converted plants will recieve during their lifetime.

Minister Hayes said: “Energy is central to our economic recovery. We must deliver investment in new infrastructure while keeping costs down for consumers.

“The solution set out today means less new red tape for developers and enables government to manage cost to consumers.

“Converting from coal to sustainably sourced biomass is good news for both investors and consumers.  It provides a new beginning for our existing power stations, enabling them to achieve radical reductions in emissions, whilst providing affordable, secure and clean energy.   

“I hope that by setting a simple process, we can help safeguard jobs and encourage new investment in biomass generation.”

The fact sheet can be accessed online by clicking here.