The DETI Minister, Arlene Foster, has officially launched the Northern Ireland Renewable Heat Premium Payment scheme (NIRHPP). The NIRHPP is a government designed scheme to help domestic householders in Northern Ireland afford renewable technologies that can heat their home. This is a short term measure prior to the possible introduction of a Northern Ireland Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) for the domestic sector. The scheme was opened to application on the 24^th May 2012. Individuals can apply for a voucher which is a promise they will receive a grant once the equipment has been installed, providing the voucher terms and conditions are met.

DETI is currently finalising proposals for a longer term RHI that will support installations in the non-domestic sector in the first instance, a further announcement will be made on the RHI scheme in due course. According to DETI FAQs, homeowners that install renewable energy with the aid of the technology voucher will also be able to qualify for the RHI once it is introduced in the domestic sector.

The technology voucher value is a follows:
Air Source Heat Pump £1,700
Biomass boiler £2,500
Ground Source or Water Source Heat Pump £3,500
Solar Thermal Hot Water £320

Homeowners can even apply for more than one of these technologies for their site.

Wood burning stoves and biomass hot air systems are not eligible for a technology voucher. However, biomass systems which heat water to provide space heating are eligible. Gilles biomass boilers are an example of an eligible biomass technology.

Gilles Biomass Boiler

Please follow this blog as we will post up information as it become available.