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An investigation has found some anaerobic digestion (AD) plants in NI could be in breach of rules relating to planning permission and waste management.
Inspectors from the Department for the Economy (DfE) examined all AD plants that generate electricity under the NI Renewable Obligations (NIRO) incentive.
“This work is complete and a small number of potential issues have been referred to the appropriate local authorities i.e. district councils and the NI Environment Agency,” a DfE spokesperson said.
“If the appropriate planning or waste management license is not in place, then the duty falls to the appropriate responsible authority to take enforcement action,” the spokesperson added.
Media reports in 2018 also suggested that some AD plants in NI are operating in name only as “phantom plants” to claim NIRO payments
A steering group has also been investigating concerns raised by a whistle-blower that some off-grid stations were generating electricity unnecessarily to claim payments under NIRO.
The DfE spokesperson said that this investigation found that electricity use was “consistent with the provisions of the NIRO legislation”.
Media reports in 2018 also suggested that some AD plants in NI are operating in name only as “phantom plants” to claim NIRO payments.
However, onsite audits by energy regulator Ofgem has disproved the allegations, maintain DfE.
The NI Audit Office is currently conducting its own investigation into the NIRO incentive scheme. This work is also looking at planning permission and environmental issues relating to AD plants and a report is to be published in the coming months.
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