Micro-CHP set for feed-in tariff boost

Greg Barker outlines plans to increase subsidies for the technology and explore other policy levers to improve take-up.

Greg Barker has pledged to increase the feed-in tariff payments to micro-combined heat and power (CHP) systems and examine other regulatory options to increase uptake of the technology in UK properties.

The climate change minister made the comments in a Westminster Hall debate yesterday, recognising that to date the roll out of micro-CHP, which saves money and emissions by capturing heat produced when generating electricity and using it to warm buildings, has been "beyond disappointing".

"We set a 30,000 limit, worried that there would be a surge of deployment, but there has been one per cent of that" said Barker.

Greg Barker further commented "I will be publishing our proposed levels very shortly – within a matter of days. I will be introducing a new tariff proposal for CHP," he said. "Unlike almost all the other technologies, I will be looking to raise the tariff in those proposals. I do not think I will be able to satisfy the... demand for 15p, but I am considering raising the tariff."