The Electricity (Individual Exemption from the Requirement for a Generation Licence) (Riverside Energy Park) (England) Order 2025
The Electricity (Individual Exemption from the Requirement for a Generation Licence) (Riverside Energy Park) (England) Order 2025 grants an indefinite exemption to Riverside Energy Park Limited from the requirement of obtaining a generation license for its Riverside 2 energy from waste facility in Belvedere, London.
This exemption is subject to conditions limiting power export to 100 megawatts and requiring connection to the national grid.
The order applies only to England and was enacted under the Electricity Act 1989.
Arguments For
Streamlined energy production: The exemption simplifies the process for Riverside Energy Park Limited to generate electricity, potentially accelerating project development and reducing administrative burdens.
Economic benefits: Facilitating energy generation can stimulate local economic activity through job creation and investment in infrastructure. The exemption removes a regulatory hurdle, which may improve the project's financial viability.
Energy security and supply: Increased energy generation capacity can potentially enhance energy security and diversify sources of power. The exemption may contribute to a more resilient energy system.
Alignment with policy goals: Depending on government policy goals, the exemption might reflect a commitment to supporting renewable energy or waste-to-energy initiatives. The decision may be influenced by decarbonization objectives and environmental considerations.
Arguments Against
Lack of regulatory oversight: Granting an exemption potentially reduces the level of regulatory oversight for this specific energy generation facility. This could raise concerns about potential environmental impacts or operational safety.
Potential for market distortion: The exemption might create an uneven playing field for other energy generators who are required to obtain licenses. This could raise competitive concerns.
Unintended consequences: The long-term consequences of granting the exemption may not be fully predictable. There might be unforeseen negative impacts on energy markets or the broader regulatory framework.
Transparency and accountability: The decision-making process and the rationale behind granting an exemption should be transparent and accountable to ensure public confidence in the regulatory system.
- Citation, commencement, extent and application (1) This Order may be cited as the Electricity (Individual Exemption from the Requirement for a Generation Licence) (Riverside Energy Park) (England) Order 2025 and comes into force on 1st October 2025. (2) The Order extends to England and Wales and Scotland. (3) This Order applies in relation to England only.
This section details the Order's title, effective date (October 1st, 2025), and geographical scope.
While the Order extends legally to England, Wales, and Scotland, it only applies practically within England.
- Exemption from prohibition of unlicensed generation of electricity for supply (1) Exemption is granted from section 4(1)(a) of the Act (prohibition of unlicensed generation of electricity for supply) to Riverside Energy Park Limited in respect of Riverside 2. (2) The exemption in paragraph (1) is granted indefinitely. (3) The exemption granted by paragraph (1) is subject to the following conditions— (a) Riverside 2 is connected to the total system; (b) Riverside 2 does not export more than 100 megawatts of electrical power to the total system, except in circumstances outside the reasonable control of Riverside Energy Park Limited; and (c) Riverside Energy Park Limited does not hold a licence under section 6(1)(a) of the Act in relation to Riverside 2. (4) In this article— “the Act” means the Electricity Act 1989; “Riverside 2” means the energy from waste facility which is located in Belvedere, London, England, whose entrance is situated at Ordnance Survey map reference TQ 495 806; “Riverside Energy Park Limited” means the company of that name registered in England and Wales with company number 11536739; “the total system” means all transmission systems and distribution systems, located in Great Britain, of holders of licences under section 6(1)(b) and (c) of the Act.
This section grants an indefinite exemption to Riverside Energy Park Limited from the requirement to hold a generation license for its Riverside 2 facility.
This exemption is conditional upon Riverside 2's connection to the national grid and a limit on electricity export of 100 megawatts, unless beyond the company's control.
Additionally, the company must not hold a separate license under section 6(1)(a) of the Electricity Act 1989.
The section defines key terms, including 'the Act,' 'Riverside 2,' 'Riverside Energy Park Limited,' and 'the total system'.