NFU Scotland is hosting a ‘Windy, Sunny and Woody’ evening in the North East next week, as farmers get a chance to hear about some of the many renewable energy options available to them.

The meeting, being held at Lochter, Oldmeldrum on Tuesday, 15 October, has pulled in a range of speakers from within the renewables sectors.   Topics covered will include the range of technologies available, planning, feed-in tariffs, Renewables Obligations Certificates and community projects.  The meeting will be chaired by the region’s Renewables convenor Davie Smith.

Speaking ahead of the meeting, regional manager Lorna Paterson said:

"Farmer interest in the renewables sector grows day by day, but each new enquiry brings with it a number of unanswered questions on many aspects of installing this technology.

“We believe we have pulled together a panel of experts who will not only explain the range of technologies available – wind, solar, hydro, biomass and so on – but will also spell out in plain English the routes to securing planning, project support and available tariffs.

“We would encourage any member with an interest in renewables, whether they are at the early or later stages of considering a project, to join us and get a better handle on financial viability, alternative opportunities, and recognised pitfalls associated with any potential projects.

“It is a rapidly developing sector and we want to help our members make unbiased, informed decisions on whether it is right for them and their businesses.” 

Notes to Editors

• The renewables event, entitled “A Windy, Sunny, Woody Renewables Evening’ will be held at Lochter, Oldmeldrum on Tuesday, 15 October, at 7.00pm.
• Those interested in attending can book a place by calling Davie Smith on 07889 060930
• Speakers at the event (and their topics) include the following:

-    Gavin Catto from Greencat Renewables (Grid connections, MOD, NATS, ROCS and FITS, including Degression)
-    Dick Stephens from EUROHEAT (Biomass, RHI, Emissions and practical experiences)
-    Paul Shearin from UKFM (Solar, Roof Mounted or Field. Case studies)
-    Eric Wells, renewable energy Development Coordinator from Aberdeenshire Council (Ground source/Air source, the economics and how they could adapt to Agriculture)
-    Jamie Wilkinson, Cares Development Officer (Government funding to assist getting Planning Applications prepared, Renewable Energy Investment Fund for joint Community schemes)
-    Trevor Gruben from Audit Energy (Energy Efficiency,  examples and administration)

Ends

Contact Bob Carruth on 0131 472 4006