Dynamic hydro and wind power to feature on 23 June

Scottish farmers are invited to view dynamic hydro and wind energy projects in Argyll at an open day next week (Tuesday 23 June).

The hydro schemes at Glen Creran Estate, Creagan and the turbines at Barran near Connel will be open to view as part of NFU Scotland’s Renewable Development Initiative (RDI).  

At Glen Creran, Estate manager John Livingstone will share with farmers and land managers his experience in setting up two hydro schemes on significantly different scales– one 100kW and the other 670kW.  With current grid connection constraints limiting many projects to less than 100Kw, this is a great opportunity to see a Tinck Pelton turbine at that size range and how little it differs to the larger hydro scheme also on the Estate.  

The morning visit to Glen Creran will be followed up with a visit in the afternoon to see the two turbines – a 330kW and a 900kW – established by David Colthart. This is an interesting project which received planning consent in an area where most turbines are refused. It narrowly secured the vital feed-in tariff (FiT) less than 3 hours before the last degression at the end of March, and has a managed grid export connection requiring complex telemetry between the two wind turbines to maximise power export. David will be joined by Chris Rodgers of Close Brothers who financed the wind turbines on the farm.

The Union’s three-year RDI project is designed to provide sound, independent advice to farmers and land managers across Scotland on renewable energy.  

Through a programme of on-farm events, co-ordinated by Thomas McMillan of Savills Smiths Gore, the initiative has already shown hundreds of Scottish farmers and land managers energy projects that are contributing to farm businesses or are at the planning stage.  

On-farm days held in 2014 and 2015 looked at wind, solar, biomass, gasification, hydro, biodiesel, heat pumps and anaerobic digestion.  A further on-farm event looking at wind energy, biomass, heat pumps and solar is to be held at Feoch Farm, Darvel, Ayrshire on Wednesday 1 July, courtesy of Jimmy Ireland.

Speaking ahead of the event, Mr Livingstone said:
“With the FIT being degressed, we found that timelines on the project were crucial and we hope that by sharing our experience it will highlight some of the key challenges that have to be overcome on hydro projects, helping other landowners streamline their own plans.”

Mr Colthart added:
“The wind projects will make a real difference to my farming enterprise and I am now also looking at a hydro scheme.  One of the reasons that my wind project was successful was that I decided to progress with it myself rather than just signing it over to a development company.  In doing this I made sure that from the very outset I had control of the process.

“My first step was to speak to the planners and SNH. After receiving their initial guidance, I appointed a highly experienced renewable energy consultant to produce a high standard landscape and visual assessment, along with informing my neighbours as the project progressed to make sure they were always up to speed. This is one of the key reasons I believe I managed to secure planning consent without a single objection''

Thomas McMillan added:
“Not only are these projects located in one of Scotland’s most picturesque areas, but they are impressive installations in their own right.  Collectively this makes for one of the most exciting events we have organised in the three years of the initiative.”

Notes to Editors

• Glen Creran Estate has installed two hydro schemes sized at 100kW and 670kW.  This is a great opportunity to see two schemes in operation at differing scales and to hear from the design engineer, project manager and landowner about the challenges faced and the benefits that the hydro schemes now bring to the Estate. 
• After the visit to the hydro schemes there will be an opportunity to visit two installed wind turbines at Barran Caltum croft, Connel by Oban (meeting point will be opposite the Oyster Inn at Connel). 
• Photographs of John Livingstone, beside the hydro schemes, and David Colthart with his turbines are available from media@nfus.org.uk
• Wednesday 1 July - Biomass, Solar, Wind & Heat Pumps - Jimmy Ireland, Feoch Farm, Darvel, East Ayrshire Jimmy Ireland runs a 900ac family farm with his wife, brother and sons near Darvel, East Ayrshire raising suckler cows and ewes as well as running a contracting business.  He has installed a 100kW biomass boiler and a 3.6kW solar PV array at his farm and is trying to get a 500kW wind turbine through planning.  He is currently looking to install a second biomass boiler and a drying floor.  This open day will allow you to hear from Jimmy and see his technology in operation.  It will also cover alternative technologies such as Heat Pumps.  We are also arranging for there to be a number of workshops run at the event from professional advisers presenting on woodland management, finance, legal matters, insurance, grid connections, planning consents and energy efficiency.  As our only event in Ayrshire, this is very much a one-stop-shop for anyone looking at progressing a renewable energy project.
• RDI events are FREE to farmers and land managers to attend. If you would like to book a space or join the mailing list, please email rebecca.bell@smithsgore.co.uk  or telephone: 0131 344 0888.   More details on our Renewables Development Initiative at: http://www.renewableenergyonfarms.co.uk/

Ends

Contact Bob Carruth on 0131 472 4006