The process of formally inspecting boilers accredited under the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme has finally begun with 20 sites initially to be checked as part of a pilot audit. A second phase of inspections is to be put out to tender to interested parties this autumn.

The first boilers were checked on Monday.

The Department for the Economy has appointed Ricardo Energy and Environment to undertake the pilot inspection programme. It is understood that 10 inspections are to be announced, and 10 unannounced.

According to farmers inspected earlier this week, the two inspectors from Ricardo Energy were accompanied by two Government officials.

As part of the process, the inspectors checked invoices, the amount of woodchip used, the amount of chicken produced and also looked at the meter to check for any tampering. In total, the inspection lasted approximately three and a half hours.