Policies

Renewables Obligation (RO)

Source: JOIN IEA/IRENA Policy and Measures Database
Last updated: 30 July 2015

The Renewables Obligation (RO) is currently the main support mechanism for renewable electricity projects in the UK. Smaller scale generation is mainly supported through the Feed-In Tariff scheme (FITs).

The RO came into effect in 2002 in England and Wales, and Scotland, followed by Northern Ireland in 2005. It places an obligation on UK electricity suppliers to source an increasing proportion of the electricity they supply from renewable sources.

Renewables Obligation Certificates (ROCs) are green certificates issued to operators of accredited renewable generating stations for the eligible renewable electricity they generate. Operators can trade ROCs with other parties. ROCs are ultimately used by suppliers to demonstrate that they have met their obligation. Entities unable to present required are obligated to pay the fine. 

Yearly obligation levels

 

2010/2011

2011/2012

2012/2013

2013/2014

2014/2015

2015/2016

 

ROCs per MWh

England, Wales and Scotland

0.111

0.124

0.158

0.206

0.244

0.290

Northern Ireland

-

0.05

0.081

0.0.97

0.107

0.119

 

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Technologies