FINAL STAGE IN THE COMPETITION

Around 550 renewable energy schemes have reached the final stage in the competition for contracts in the third order of the Non Fossil Fuel Obligation which is expected to yield 300-400 MW of new renewables capacity. Out of a total of 585 schemes that were assessed for economic and technical viability by the Office of Electricity Regulation (OFFER) some 6% failed the "will secure" test. The remaining renewable generators who passed the test were invited to submit binding bids by September 30 and are now waiting to hear if their schemes have successfully cleared the final hurdle. The Department of Trade and Industry is expected to announce in mid November details of the projects that have secured contracts. Many within the renewable energy industry are also expecting the Minister for Energy to use the occasion to announce preliminary details for the fourth round of NFFO.