No subsidy is required
“No subsidy is required — the resource pays for its own processing. / This is not a request for subsidy.”
wrong Retired in version 2.0.0, 2 October 2026.
Where it appeared: Model v1, 'The Value Add' and 'Front Page'; Briefing paper, sections 6 and executive summary; Home page: closing statement.
Why it failed
Welsh Water's own sludge energy earned £6.6m of renewable-energy subsidies in 2025-26 (Renewables Obligation Certificates £2.1m and Renewable Heat Incentive £4.5m), against £1.6m from energy sold. The model itself counted Green Gas Support Scheme and ROC/RGGO income. UK farm-scale digestion grew under the Feed-in Tariff and RHI, both now closed to new entrants.
Evidence
- Welsh Water, Annual Performance Report 2025-26, tables 8A, 8C, 8D
- Ofgem, Green Gas Support Scheme: open to applications until 31 March 2028
- Ofgem, Feed-in Tariffs: closed to new applicants from 1 April 2019
- Ofgem, Non-Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive: closed to new accreditation on 31 March 2021
What the site says now
Subsidy income is shown as a sourced figure; support for farm-scale digestion is a question.