Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland
Operational Tariff for Biomass and Biogas Heating Systems (Support Scheme for Renewable Heat)
SEAI's Operational Tariff for biomass and biogas heating systems, part of the Support Scheme for Renewable Heat (SSRH), pays businesses an ongoing tariff based on useable heat output for up to 15 years, for new or converted biomass boiler/CHP or biogas (anaerobic digestion) boiler/CHP heating systems. It supports businesses switching from fossil fuels to biomass or biogas heat, and can be combined with separate External Project Management Support for professional services related to the installation.
- Grant range
- Ongoing tariff payment
- Funding level
- Rate varies
- Support type
- Other
- Last checked
- 3 Sept 2026
About this scheme
The Operational Tariff for biomass and biogas heating systems, delivered under SEAI's Support Scheme for Renewable Heat (SSRH), pays businesses an ongoing tariff for up to 15 years based on the useable heat output of an eligible renewable heating system. It applies to new installations or conversions from fossil fuels using biomass boilers or biomass high-efficiency CHP heating systems, or biogas (anaerobic digestion) boilers or biogas high-efficiency CHP heating systems. Participants must submit quarterly heat meter readings from permanent, tamper-proof heat meters to confirm the amount of eligible renewable heat for tariff payments. Additional External Project Management Support is available for a range of professional services related to a biomass installation, with eligible costs capped at 7% of the total project cost and 40% of those costs covered by a separate grant. SEAI recommends carrying out an energy audit and engaging an energy consultant or sustainability manager before applying. Applications are made online via SEAI's Project Evaluation Platform (PEP).
Who can apply
- Applicant must be converting from a fossil fuel heating system, or installing a new eligible renewable heating system
- Eligible technologies: biomass boilers or biomass high-efficiency CHP heating systems; biogas (anaerobic digestion) boilers or biogas high-efficiency CHP heating systems
- Eligible heat use: space heating or process heating
- System must comply with eco-design standards
- Heating system design must comply with building regulations and other relevant regulations
- Works must be carried out by qualified designers competent to carry out the works
- Recipients of payments must meet tax clearance requirements
- Recommended (not stated as mandatory) to carry out an energy audit and engage an energy consultant or sustainability manager before applying
How to apply
- Check eligibility: the applicant must be able to show conversion from fossil fuels, eligible heat use (space heating or process), compliance with eco-design standards, a heating system design compliant with building regulations, qualified designers competent to carry out the works, and that payment recipients meet tax clearance requirements.
- Consult an expert: carry out an energy audit, engage an energy consultant or sustainability manager to evaluate suitability for biomass, biogas or heat pumps, and identify the most suitable heating system for the business's needs.
- Ensure compliance: check compliance with the scheme's Terms and Conditions, refer to the Tariff Scheme Operating Rules and Guidelines, and (if seeking additional project management support) the Guidance Note on the External Project Management Support Scheme (EPMSS).
- Start the application: refer to the application checklist and the guidance on submitting an online application, then apply online via SEAI's Project Evaluation Platform (PEP) for the Operational Tariff, and separately via a dedicated online form for External Project Management Support if required.