NFU Scotland’s newly established Renewable Development Initiative is inviting farmers to come on site and see the technology in action for themselves.
The Initiative’s inaugural Demonstration Farms Open Day, on Monday 4 November, will give farmers from across Scotland the opportunity to visit renewable energy projects on two farms in the North East.
The technology on show at Balring Farm, near Mintlaw (courtesy of Hamish Watson) and Cairnadailly Farm, Ellon (courtesy of Davie Smith) includes two operational biomass boilers and a proposed wind turbine site. In addition, there will be workshops on all aspects of renewables, including support and tariffs and an opportunity to meet with industry experts.
Speaking ahead of the event, host farmer and the North East’s renewables convenor Davie Smith said:
“The potential for farmers to invest and profit from renewables is tremendous. That makes this an exciting time, but for Scotland to achieve its full energy generating potential, it is essential that farmers and land managers share and learn from each other’s experiences.
“The initiative has been established with the aim of providing sound independent advice to farmers and land managers across Scotland on renewable energy and there is no better way to showcase the technology than by showing it in action on farms.
“For those who come along, this open day will also offer great networking opportunities with industry experts to help them optimise their projects, maximise financial returns to the business and identify future investment opportunities.
“It is essential that Scottish farmers grasp the opportunity that renewables present, be it large developments or smaller domestic projects, rather than leave it to corporate investors! The Renewables Initiative, and its network of demonstration farms round the country will make sure farmers remain at the core of the renewable sector’s success.”
Notes to Editors
- NFU Scotland, with funding from The Scottish Executive and the European Union, has established the Renewable Development Initiative, facilitated by Smiths Gore.
- The inaugural Demonstration Farms Open Day will take place on Monday, 4 November.
Morning: Biomass
- 9:45 for 10:00: Meet at Balring Farm, nr Mintlaw, Aberdeenshire, AB42 4JN
- 10.00: Talks by host farmer and the following practical demonstrations on renewable energy – 400kW log fired biomass boiler installation hosted by Paul Kitchen of Glenfarrow Boilers; 200kW Froling wood chip biomass boiler installation hosted by Colin Elrick from Turblown; My Experience and Lessons Learned hosted by Hamish Watson and Duncan Paterson from Balring Energy
- 12:00: Lunch at Maud Village Hall with David Lewington of UKFM available to discuss solar and biomass.
Afternoon: Wind
- 13:00: Talk by the farmer David Smith and workshops with renewable energy experts at Maud Village Hall covering planning hurdles, taxation, legal issues, project risks, CARES and wind data modelling.
- 15:00: Travel to Cairnadailly Farm, Ellon, AB41 8QJ
- 16:00: Close
- Those wishing to attend are asked to Email: rebecca.bell@smithsgore.co.uk or call Rebecca Bell on 0131 344 0888 to book your place for lunch.
Ends
Contact Bob Carruth on 0131 472 4006