AYLESFORD: Greg Barker, Minister of State for Energy and Climate Change has visited the dedicated renewable energy branch of PTS to tour its facilities and launch three consultations on the Coalition’s Renewable Heat Incentive scheme (RHI).

Proposals on long term support for householders who install renewable heating kit such as biomass boilers, heat pumps and solar thermal were published for consultation alongside proposals on expanding the non domestic RHI scheme, in conjunction with the visit to PTS on Thursday 20 September 2012.

Mr Barker also took some time to tour the facilities which feature working renewable energy products in addition to dropping in on a training session being run by PTS’ training partner PPL.

In launching the consultations, Mr Barker, said: “We need to revolutionise the way we heat our homes and businesses and move away from expensive fossil fuels, not only to cut carbon but to help meet our renewables targets and save money on bills.

“Our proposals aim to encourage even more uptake of clean green heating in industry and in our businesses. We have also set out our views on long term support for those who invest in low carbon kit in their homes and we look forward to hearing your thoughts.”

Maxine Frost, PTS renewables director, added: “We were pleased to welcome the Minister to our Aylesford branch and to hear that the consultations had been launched as a sign of progress towards the introduction of the RHI for the domestic sector.

“The Aylesford branch was opened in 2008 to specifically encourage the uptake of renewable technologies, so it’s great for interest to be taken in the support we offer to installers and what this sector means for the future of the heating industry.”

Key proposals in the consultations for householders include indicative tariff ranges for products that are MCS certified and meet the required standards, payments for householders over seven years for each kWh of heat produced for the expected lifetime of the renewable technology, a budget management system and minimum energy efficiency requirements.