Wind, Hydro and Micro-CHP News
Are small wind turbines worth it, and have the rules on planning changed? Is the Smart Export Guarantee rate for hydro or micro-CHP any better this year? Which makers of wind, hydro and micro-CHP kit are launching, growing or in trouble?
Every wind, hydro and micro-CHP story we have reported, newest first: prices, export payments, rules, products and the companies behind them. Each one links to our guides on what it means for you.
- May 2026
G99/NI Fast Track application limit raised to 60A per phase
NIE Networks has raised the G99/NI Fast Track application limit in Northern Ireland from 16A to 60A per phase, while keeping the export limit at 16A per phase.
- January 2025
Ryse Energy G-11 wind turbine achieves MCS certification
The Ryse Energy G-11 has become the first wind turbine to gain MCS certification in more than four years, and the only certified wind product currently on the scheme.
- July 2024
Government removed the de facto onshore wind ban in England
The government has removed the de facto ban on onshore wind in England that had been in place since 2015, according to its formal response to the Climate Change Committee's progress report.
- May 2023
Wind and water turbines added to qualifying ESMs and 60% test removed
Wind and water turbines become permanently qualifying energy-saving materials and the 60% test and social policy conditions are permanently removed, with a temporary zero rate extended to Northern Ireland from 1 May 2023.
- January 2023
BEIS starts making EBSS payments in Northern Ireland
The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy began paying Energy Bills Support Scheme grants in Northern Ireland in January 2023, three months after payments started in Great Britain.
- September 2022
Mini-Budget ends effective ban on onshore wind in England
The Chancellor's mini-Budget of September 2022 ended the effective ban on building onshore wind in England and added GBP1bn to a scheme that installs energy saving measures in fuel poor homes.