The much-awaited support scheme for renewable heat (SSRH) will open next month, but support for heat from biomass and biogas expected to generate demand for agricultural fuels will have to wait longer for EU clearance.

The scheme will only accept applications for once-off heat pump grants when it opens next month, Ray Langton of the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland told the Energy in Agriculture event on Tuesday. He added that tariffs for metered heat remained subject to state aid approval from the European Commission, hopefully by the end of this year.

Langton presented the example of a 320kW wood chip boiler for a poultry house representing a €240kW investment, which would be paid back in three and a half years thanks to €39,000 annual payments under the scheme.

Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment Denis Naughten said he was still considering expanding the scheme to biomethane from agri-food waste and crops injected into the national gas network, but warned that this would cost more and require approval from both the Department of Finance and the EU.