Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, what her policy is on the continuation of operation of the Renewables Obligation Closure Order 2014, no 2388, before the introduction of primary legislation to close the Renewables Obligation to new onshore wind from 1 April 2016.

The Renewables Obligation Closure Order 2014 no. 2388 implements some of the policies set out in the March 2014 Government response to the consultation on transition from the Renewables Obligation (RO) to contracts for difference (CfDs), and associated grace periods [1]. It provides for the closure of the RO to new generating capacity in Great Britain (with grace periods) after 31 March 2017, at which point CfDs will become the main support mechanism for large–scale low-carbon electricity generation. The order was amended by the Renewables Obligation Closure (Amendment) Order 2015 No. 920 which provides for the closure of the RO to solar projects above 5MW in Great Britain (with grace periods) after 31 March 2015.

On 18^th June, my rt. hon. Friend the Secretary of State announced plans to close the RO to new onshore wind projects in Great Britain from 31 March 2016, with a proposed grace period. This will be done through the Energy Bill, meaning that any changes will be subject to full Parliamentary scrutiny.

1] ‘ Government Response to the consultation on the Renewables Obligation transition and on grace periods’ (March 2014) at : https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/289076/Transition_and_Grace_Periods_Government_Response_-_12_Mar_2014.pdf.