Energy Act 2016 (c. 20)

PART 5 Wind power

Renewables obligation

81 Onshore wind power: use of Northern Ireland certificates

(1) The Electricity Act 1989 is amended as follows.

(2) Before section 32M insert—

“32LM Use of Northern Ireland certificates: onshore wind power

(1) The Secretary of State may make regulations providing that an electricity supplier may not discharge its renewables obligation (or its obligation in relation to a particular period) by the production to the Authority of a relevant Northern Ireland certificate, except in the circumstances, and to the extent, specified in the regulations.

(2) A “relevant Northern Ireland certificate” is a Northern Ireland certificate issued in respect of electricity generated after the onshore wind closure date (or any later date specified in the regulations)—

(a) using the original capacity of a Northern Ireland onshore wind generating station accredited after the onshore wind closure date (or any later date so specified), or

(b) using additional capacity of a Northern Ireland onshore wind generating station, where in the Authority’s view the additional capacity first formed part of the station after the onshore wind closure date (or any later date so specified).

(3) In this section—

• “NIRO Order” means any order made under Articles 52 to 55F of the Energy (Northern Ireland) Order 2003;

• “Northern Ireland certificate” means a renewables obligation certificate issued by the Northern Ireland authority under the Energy (Northern Ireland) Order 2003 and pursuant to a NIRO Order;

• “Northern Ireland onshore wind generating station” means a generating station that—

  (a)

  generates electricity from wind, and

  (b)

  is situated in Northern Ireland, but not in waters in or adjacent to Northern Ireland up to the seaward limits of the territorial sea.

(4) Power to make provision in a renewables obligation order by virtue of section 32F (and any provision contained in such an order) is subject to provision contained in regulations under this section.

(5) This section is not otherwise to be taken as affecting power to make provision in a renewables obligation order.

(6) Regulations under this section may amend a renewables obligation order.

(7) Section 32K applies in relation to regulations under this section as it applies in relation to a renewables obligation order.”

(3) In section 32M (interpretation)—

(a) in subsection (1), for “32LB” substitute “32LM”;

(b) in subsection (7), for “32L” substitute “32LM”.