Page type: primary-anchored (mirrors Renewables Obligation Closure Order 2014, SI 2014/2388)
Renewables Obligation Closure Order 2014
The RO Closure Order implements the phased shutdown of the Renewables Obligation to new generating stations, managing the transition to Contracts for Difference. The Order does not close the RO itself (which continues for accredited stations until their support period ends). It stops new stations from entering the scheme.
Source file: sources/legislation/uk/si-2014-2388-ro-closure.md
Closure timeline
| Technology | Closure date | Provision |
|---|---|---|
| Large solar PV (>5 MW) | 31 March 2015 | Art. 2A |
| Small solar PV (<=5 MW) | 31 March 2016 | Art. 2E |
| All other technologies | 31 March 2017 | Art. 3 |
Solar was closed early because CfD Allocation Round 1 (2014) showed it was cost-competitive and no longer needed RO support.
Grace periods
The Order provides nine grace period routes (Arts. 4-12), each requiring evidence that the station was "in the pipeline" before the relevant closure date:
- Already accredited by 31 March 2017 (Art. 4)
- Grid or radar delay, accredited by 31 March 2017 or 2018 (Arts. 5-6)
- Investment contract terminated by EU Commission/Court events (Art. 7)
- Dedicated biomass cap allocation, accredited by 30 September 2018 (Art. 8)
- Scottish offshore wind test and floating turbines, per RO(Scotland) Order provisions (Arts. 9-10)
- Offshore wind, gasification, or pyrolysis with notice of intent, accredited by 31 March 2018 (Art. 11)
- Biomass CHP with CHPQA certification and notice of intent (Art. 12)
Notice of intent procedure (Art. 13)
Developers must file a notice with Ofgem containing: identity and authority of the declarant, station name and technology, evidence of planning permission, evidence of grid connection offer, evidence of land rights (including offshore seabed), and a director's declaration. Ofgem confirms receipt in writing.
Key threshold
The 5 MW RO capacity boundary between "large" and "small" solar PV gave sub-5 MW stations an extra year of eligibility. This was widely criticised as distortionary but the government proceeded on the basis that stations above 5 MW could compete in CfD auctions.
Cross-references
| Related instrument | Connection |
|---|---|
| Renewables Obligation | Parent scheme (continues for accredited stations) |
| Renewables Obligation Order 2015 (SI 2015/1947) | Definitions, RO capacity |
| RO (Scotland) Order 2009 | Scottish offshore wind provisions |
| Energy Act 2013 | Investment contract definition |
| CfD Allocation Framework | Successor support mechanism |
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Last updated: 2026-04-05