RDI has strong practical experience in a number of fields, and this gives us a strong voice when lobbying on behalf of the rural sector. We pride ourselves on our innovative and independent way of thinking, underpinned by the highest standards of logical rigour and methodology in carrying out research.
RDI is a frequent contributor to Government consultations and industry representative groups. In 2009 we were asked to join the Renewable Energy Association (REA) advisory board for the support levels of the proposed Renewable Heat Incentive. In partnership with approximately 15 other companies from around the UK, RDI helped put together a robust series of proposals and a methodology for calculating the appropriate level of support for stimulating the renewable heating sector in order to meet Government targets for 2020.
RDI has also been instrumental in helping draw up a partnership response to the Government consultation on Heat and Energy Saving, where we presented strong evidence supporting the principle of the RHI and the idea of promoting efficient use of heat. Specific recommendations included broadening the spread of ROC allocation between biomass electricity and biomass CHP, strongly pressing for consistent grant support until the start of a RHI, rapidly improving and expanding training in the installation sector, and to publish a Green Paper on introducing a Personal Carbon Allowance (PCA).
