Despite recent changes to the level of Feed In tariffs for Solar PV, renewable energy remains one of the best choices for landowners and farmers looking to diversify their business.
As the cost of energy (both electricity and heat) and the detrimental impact of fossil fuels on the world’s climate continue to rise, adopting renewable energy alternatives will allow landowners to offset costs and reduce their carbon footprints. These benefits, plus the additional income from the Renewable Heat Incentive and Feed-In Tariff, and from selling excess energy back to the National Grid or supplying local households and businesses, make renewable energy a shrewd investment.
Members will be aware that electricity generation from wind, solar, hydro and biogas have been supported by Feed In Tariffs since April 2010. However, thanks to CLA lobbying, the new Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) also offers opportunities for effectively heating your properties or businesses with non-fossil fuels.
Biomass boilers, heat pumps, solar thermal systems and the heat generated by biogas from anaerobic digesters (biogas) are supported under the RHI.
The RHI is the first scheme of its kind in the world and provides a 20-year payment for every unit of heat generated by your renewable heating system. The first phase of the RHI is targeted at commercial, industrial and domestic community heating projects, with phase two, for domestic heating installations, expected in the second half of 2012. Agricultural and rural businesses with multiple-occupied buildings, such as let outbuildings, main farmhouse and other dwellings fall into phase one.
Choosing the right renewable energy system depends on many factors, including the available resources, cost and the proposed uses for the power or heat being generated. These details, as well as information on the wide variety of options available will be available at the Energy Now Expo on the 15th & 16th February 2012 at the Malvern Showground, Worcestershire.
The event has been designed specifically for the agricultural and rural communities and is being held in association with the CLA and the NFU. It is sponsored by NatWest Bank and will include:
- An exhibition; featuring more than 120 different renewable energy product and service suppliers including Fisher German, NatWest Bank, EDF Energy Renewables, Envitec Biogas, Energy Innovations and, Aeolus Power.
- A two-day conference, featuring specialists discussing the latest developments affecting the sector, the technologies and their viability. The conference will be chaired by the CLA’s very own chief surveyor, Oliver Harwood, as well as the renewable energy advisor to the NFU, Dr Jonathan Scurlock. It will combine presentations with interactive panel debates on a number of different topics, including:
o Financial Incentives – FITs and RHI – Sarah Wells, Countrywide Renewable Energy
o Planning your project, the do’s and don’ts – John Silvester, Planning Officers Society
o Setting up and maintaining a biogas plant – James Murcott, Methanogen UK Ltd
o Owning your own wind turbine – Laurence Duncan, ICE Renewables
o Alternative Vehicles – Michael Hurwitz, The Office for Low-emission Vehicles
o Biomass heating options – Chris Miles, Econergy
o Financing renewable energy projects – Ian Burrow, NatWest Bank
o The future of solar PV – Ray Noble, Solar Trade Association
o Why hydropower? – David Williams, British Hydropower Association
In 2012, event organisers are also introducing a workshop area for the first time. This will be used by experienced suppliers and installers to provide practical advice on the steps involved in progressing with an alternative energy solution. The opening presentation, focussing on how to select the right solution, will be delivered by Oliver Harwood.
Conference tickets cost £99 per person per day, which includes lunch and access to all presentations and panel debates, as well as the exhibition. The exhibition is free to attend, providing you register beforehand.
To order tickets or for more information, please visit www.energynowexpo.co.uk or call 01293 854 405.
