The Renewables Obligation Order 2015, No. 1947 (as amended)

The Renewables Obligation Order 2015 is a regulatory framework established in the United Kingdom to encourage the generation of electricity from renewable energy sources. Its primary purpose is to contribute to the country's efforts in reducing carbon emissions and transitioning towards a more sustainable energy mix. The order sets out specific requirements for electricity suppliers operating in the UK market.

Under the Renewables Obligation Order 2015, electricity suppliers with a capacity of 5 MW or more are obligated to source a certain proportion of their electricity from eligible renewable sources. This proportion, known as the Renewables Obligation (RO) target, is reviewed annually and sets a renewable energy generation target for each supplier. Suppliers failing to meet this target are required to pay a penalty known as the RO Buy-Out Price.

Renewable energy sources covered by the order include wind power, solar energy, hydroelectricity, biomass, and certain types of energy from waste. These sources are considered environmentally friendly alternatives to fossil fuels and are essential in the UK's efforts to combat climate change and ensure energy security.

The Renewables Obligation Order 2015 applies primarily to electricity suppliers in England, Wales, and Scotland, with separate regulations in Northern Ireland. It plays a crucial role in promoting investment in renewable energy projects, fostering innovation in the sector, and contributing to the UK's broader renewable energy and sustainability goals.

The Renewables Obligation Order 2015 outlines specific evidence requirements to ensure that electricity suppliers comply with their obligations to source a certain proportion of their electricity from eligible renewable sources. The evidence requirements are designed to verify the authenticity and origin of the renewable energy generated. Key aspects of the evidence requirements include:

1. Renewable Obligation Certificates (ROCs): Electricity suppliers need to obtain Renewable Obligation Certificates for each megawatt-hour (MWh) of eligible renewable electricity they generate or import. ROCs are issued by the relevant authority and serve as evidence that a certain amount of electricity has been produced from renewable sources. Suppliers are required to submit these certificates to demonstrate compliance with their Renewables Obligation targets.
2. Metering and Measurement: The order emphasizes accurate metering and measurement of renewable electricity generation. Suppliers must ensure that proper metering systems are in place to track and quantify the amount of renewable electricity generated. This data is crucial for calculating the number of ROCs to be obtained and reported.
3. Accreditation: Renewable energy installations must be accredited by the appropriate regulatory bodies to be eligible for ROCs. This accreditation process involves verifying the renewable nature of the energy source and the compliance of the installation with relevant technical and environmental standards.
4. Renewable Energy Guarantees of Origin (REGOs): In addition to ROCs, REGOs are evidence of the renewable origin of electricity generated. These certificates are often required by customers to ensure that the electricity they purchase comes from renewable sources. Suppliers can use REGOs to demonstrate compliance with the Renewables Obligation.
5. Data Reporting: Electricity suppliers are required to submit regular reports detailing their renewable energy generation, ROC holdings, and other relevant information. These reports help regulatory authorities monitor compliance and verify that suppliers are meeting their Renewables Obligation targets.
6. Auditing and Verification: Suppliers may be subject to audits or verification processes to ensure the accuracy of their reported data and compliance with the Renewables Obligation. This helps maintain the integrity of the scheme and prevents fraudulent activities.
7. Administrative Records: Suppliers are expected to maintain detailed administrative records related to their renewable energy generation, ROC transactions, and compliance efforts. These records provide a transparent trail of evidence and can be used for audits and verification purposes.

The evidence requirements established by the Renewables Obligation Order 2015 are crucial to ensuring the effectiveness and credibility of the scheme. By establishing clear guidelines for documenting renewable energy generation and compliance, the order contributes to the UK's renewable energy goals and the reduction of carbon emissions.