Published at 14:21, Monday, 05 September 2011

A NEW scheme is offering advice to farmers on how to cut their energy bills and find new ways of making money from their land.

The Renewable Energy Advisory Service will help farmers by identifying the most viable renewable energy systems for local land.

The service is being part funded by the Rural Development Programme for England and is split into two different phases.

Phase one identifies renewable energy and energy efficiency savings for farmers and landowners.

A farm auditor visits prospective farms to advise on the best energy solutions. A professional report is also produced.

Phase two goes into more detail and provides farmers with information on installation costs, grid connection, planning consideration, revenue returns and local installers.

It will also include the development of a business case for when farmers approach lenders looking for funding.

Phase one costs £150 plus VAT. Seventy per cent of its cost is subsided. Some farms that have previously received a resource energy audit through the North West Livestock Programme may be able to bypass the first phase.

The second phase can cost between £1,000 and £3,000 plus VAT depending on what schemes and technologies are identified. Once again, the overall bill is met in part by a subsidy.

Tim Knowles, Cumbria County Council’s Cabinet member for environment and carbon reduction, said: “With a vast array of renewable energy technology entering the market it can often be confusing where to start, who to contact and which is the most appropriate system for you.

“This service aims to provide confidence in making that important business decision and to provide a solid business case, often vital for gaining access to finance.”

Adam Swainbank, project manager for the farms project at Envirolink, said: “With a huge acceleration in renewable energy information available over the past 12 months, it is often difficult for farmers to access the right information. This programme helps to break down those information barriers, to offer impartial energy advice and to provide the stepping stone to moving your renewable energy project forward and diversifying your income.”

For more information, eligibility and to arrange a survey, call 01768 213084 or email farms@envirolink.co.uk.

Published by http://www.whitehavennews.co.uk