Union Members Given New Guide to Wind Energy Generation
As NFUS delivers fresh guidance to its members on developing wind energy projects, the Union has called for the Scottish Government to kick its proposed Agri-Renewables Strategy into gear.
The Scottish Government announced in August that it was to draw up an Agri-Renewables Strategy but stakeholders have yet to formally meet to discuss the subject. Progress with the strategy would be invaluable to the growing number of Scottish farmers looking to make the most of the opportunities for producing green energy on their land. It would also help the Scottish Government continue to make progress on its world leading renewable and climate change targets.
NFUS believes progress on the promised strategy is fundamental to tackle the growing list of issues emerging around farm-based energy projects. Many NFUS members are facing an inconsistent approach to planning applications, and connection to the national grid is proving a problem in some areas.
To assist those members looking to get involved in on-farm wind energy, the Union has produced a 28-page guide entitled: “An Overview of Installing Renewable Wind Energy”.
NFU Scotland Vice President Allan Bowie said:
“Scotland’s farmers have a fundamental role to play in helping the Scottish Government achieve its laudable and ambitious targets for carbon reduction, climate change and renewable energy provision. It is a role that many farmers the length and breadth of Scotland are keen to be involved in.
“The Scottish Government’s proposed Agri-Renewables Strategy, with the assistance and involvement of industry stakeholders, would be invaluable for all farmers wanting to make the most of the opportunities for producing green energy on their land.
“Since the commitment to the strategy in July, the list of issues around farm-based energy generation have continued to grow. They include inconsistencies and constraints in the planning system. Difficulties in getting site approval and, for wind energy, in meeting noise requirements mean that many farmers are struggling to get energy projects off the ground.
“The ambitious target to be able to produce 100% of our electricity demand equivalent from renewable sources by 2020 is attainable, but we need the strategy and a clear steer from the Scottish Government on agri-renewables to be in place as soon as possible.
“In the meantime, NFU Scotland has responded to membership interest in agri-renewables by producing a 28-page guide to getting started in on-farm wind energy generation. The list of considerations is long – location, grid connection, feed-in tariffs, planning permission, finance, potential income. There is a wealth of information in the guide that will help any interested farm business decide whether wind energy is right for them.”
Notes to Editors
- To assist those members looking to get involved in on-farm wind energy, the Union has produced a 28-page guide entitled: “An Overview of Installing Renewable Wind Energy”. Copies are available on request.
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Contact Bob Carruth on 0131 472 4006