Cumbrian Energy Revolution

Towards a Sustainable Cumbria

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Farming Energy

A quiet revolution is underway in the British countryside as more and more farmers are investing in renewable energy. According to the National Farmers Union, one in five of its members had produced clean electricity from solar or wind by the end of 2012.(1) Between 2011 and 2012 there was a 28% increase in the number of biogas plants, capable of providing both renewable electricity and heat from farm waste.

But the current on-farm renewables capacity in Britain is tiny compared with Germany. By the end of 2010, German farmers owned over 10% of the country’s renewable energy capacity, equivalent to over 5,700 MW. Compared with the UK’s 78 biogas anaerobic digesters, there were 6,000 digesters in Germany by 2010, with plans to double capacity by 2020. But the German example just shows the potential that could be realised here. The income from feed-in tariffs can provide a lifeline for farmers struggling with poor harvests in bad weather.

Farming Wind

The late Gordon Proven of Proven Energy, now part of Kingspan Wind pointed out that if one of his small wind turbines, either a 3kW or 6kW model, were installed on every farm in Britain, they would be able provide about 50% of Britain’s electricity.(2) Gaia Wind, the UK’s eighth fastest growing company based in Glasgow, is keen to take advantage of a 10-fold Capital Allowance Increase for renewable energy technology purchases that will allow farms and rural businesses to gain an increase in the annual investment allowance, giving 100% tax relief on investments from £25,000 to £250,000 for the next two years. The company is rolling out a new turbine model targeted at rural homes, businesses, crofts and farms, which cannot access three phase power. Thousands of potential wind turbine owners have, up until now, been hampered by only having access to single phase electricity.(3)

A Kingspan Turbine on an industrial estate in Midlothian

A Kingspan Turbine on an industrial estate in Midlothian

Small scale wind turbines can generate a significant income for farmers and rural landowners by producing electricity for specific applications or the entire farm. At the same time the farm land is not affected by the turbine and can still be used for crops and grazing livestock. Land owners are ideally placed to maximise the benefits of small scale wind power with an enviable availability of open aspect land that complements the installation of multiple small scale wind turbines.(4)

The “Post 2013: A sustainable future for Cumbria” project advises farmers that although large-scale wind farms face opposition in terms of visual effects on the landscape, small-scale turbines on farms or estates can be installed without impact on current land-use.

As well as wind, solar photovoltaic panels could be installed on roofs or disused land, wherever there is space.

Farmers in Cumbria who have yet to investigate the feasibility of renewable energy on their farm could contact the NFU Farm Energy Service. The Service has just celebrated its first year during which time it advised more than 1,550 farmers. It is interesting to note that more calls have come in from farmers asking how they can make their business more efficient – around 900 – not just businesses looking to invest in renewable energy.  Cumbria County Council, in conjunction with the Lake District National Park Authority, should encourage farmers to investigate the feasibility of installing small-scale wind turbines, or other forms of renewable energy.

  1. Something stirring down on the farm by Matthew Lockwood, IGov 18th March 2013
  2. Edie 24th August 2006
  3. Business Green 13th May 2013
  4. See Kingspan Wind website.
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Farm & Forest Information

National Farmers Union (NFU) Farm Energy Service helps farmers decide what options are best for their business and provides a comprehensive advice and guidance from conception to completion.

Post 2013: A Sustainable Future for Cumbria. Solutions for Farmers and Land Managers.  University of Cumbria 2013. The Post 2013 Project aims to raise awareness of the issues facing land management from 2013 for producers and consumers. Working with Natural England and the Federation of Cumbria Commoners, the project provides a range of mechanisms to consider climate change, food security, peak oil, agri-environment grants, EU expansion, changes in upland EU legislation, biodiversity, common land management, green energy, micro-generation and carbon footprints.

Oxfordshire Community Woodfuel Programme aims to help communities connect with their local environment and local energy supply, and understand the productive nature of woodlands; increase their supply and demand for woodfuel and in doing so, reduce their carbon footprints, improve their biodiversity, and reduce their ‘fuel miles’.

Cumbria Woodlands promotes the benefits of proper woodland management which can help boost production of timber and wood fuel as well as benefit wildlife. Its Woodland Advisory Service was re-launched in May 2014 with government funding sufficient to offer 40 visits over the summer and autumn.

Warmth from Wood: A Guide to using wood for fuel, Cumbria Woodlands.

The Anaerobic Digestion and Biogas Association (ADBA) was was established in 2009 as a not-for-profit trade body representing businesses in the anaerobic digestion sector and to support those interested in using the technology, to help remove the barriers to growth currently faced by the industry and to promote the benefits of AD to the UK. We want to realise the potential of the AD industry, and allow this sector to deliver energy security and economic growth – in waste management, farming, transport and food processing, among others – while also combating climate change, supporting food security and improving air quality.

Government information portal on Anaerobic Digestion.

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