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The answer is blowing in the wind
THERE has never been a better time for farmers to consider harnessing the power of the wind, according to renewable energy specialists at city firm Carter Jonas.
THERE has never been a better time for farmers to consider harnessing the power of the wind, according to renewable energy specialists at city firm Carter Jonas.It follows the lifting of funding restrictions on grants from 50 per cent to 100 per cent on projects which qualify for funding under the Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE),
The RDPE – which is administered in this region by the East of England Development Agency (EEDA) – can fund small-scale diversification and business development projects, including those in the renewables sector, for the benefit of rural businesses.
As more small-scale commercial interests look to the wind to generate power, single wind turbines on farms and rural developments are becoming more popular – and installing a small wind development scheme can help rural businesses offset their energy costs.
Individual turbines appropriate for farm use can range from 5kw to up to 50kw, depending on the property’s electricity demand.
A standard small wind turbine will typically generate between 20,000kw and 35,000kw on a moderate wind speed site and costs approximately 45,000, including foundations.
Grants schemes available could reduce this to approximately 25,000 for a turbine which has the potential to generate annual income or savings of 3,500 to 6,000 yearly, resulting in payback periods of as little as five and a half years.
Renewable energy and rural property specialists at Carter Jonas in Peterborough are already working with clients to locate suitable sites and provide advice on turbine siting and grid connections, as well as feasibility studies and planning and grant advice.
Nick Barber, of Carter Jonas in Peterborough, commented:
“On-farm energy generation for self-sufficiency or for selling on to an energy provider is really gaining momentum, and it’s something that the current grants regime supports.
“The process for selling electricity and qualifying for Renewable Obligation Certificates (ROCs) – which then get sold on to energy providers – and sourcing grant finance can be quite complicated.
“It’s daunting but do-able with the right professional advice.”
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Weather for Peterborough
Wednesday 23 May 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 11 C to 22 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: North
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 11 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 14 mph
Wind direction: North east
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