NFU Energy - Generate

York & North Yorkshire Pilot Paves the Way for Carbon-Negative Farming by 2040

Roger Stones — Thu, 21 Nov 2024 09:51:48 +0000

Energy saving, Generating energy

York & North Yorkshire Combined Authority, in partnership with NFU Energy, is celebrating the successful progression of its fully funded decarbonisation pilot for farmers. With promising results from the first round of assessments, including energy audits and renewable energy feasibility studies, farms like Butter Park Farm, a 175-cow dairy operation, are already seeing actionable opportunities to enhance sustainability and efficiency.

Launched earlier this year, the initiative offers North Yorkshire farmers fully funded tailored assessments to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, improve energy efficiency, and explore renewable energy options. Supported by North Yorkshire Council through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the programme is a vital step toward the region’s goal of becoming carbon negative by 2040.

Butter Park Farm, located in Whitby, exemplifies the pilot’s impact. Initial assessments identified cost-saving measures and renewable energy opportunities, setting the stage for further progress. Now, the farm is participating in the programme’s second phase, focusing on soil carbon analysis and biodiversity net gain assessments. These studies will establish a vital baseline for improving soil health, enhancing habitats, and building long-term resilience.

In November, the Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, David Skaith, joined programme partners at Butter Park Farm to showcase the initiative’s progress. Speaking on-site, Mayor David Skaith said:

“With over 70% of our area dedicated to agriculture, farming plays a pivotal role in our ambition to become carbon negative by 2040. This programme not only helps farmers reduce emissions but also equips them to manage rising energy costs – an area largely beyond their control – while laying the groundwork for sustainable, cost-effective practices that benefit both farmers and the environment.”

He continued:

“At the same time, we recognise the need for infrastructure improvements. Farms like Butter Park face significant limitations due to inadequate grid capacity, restricting access to three-phase power and renewable energy upgrades. That’s why we’re urging the government and grid operators to prioritise these upgrades, ensuring rural businesses can thrive and contribute to a carbon-negative future.”

The Mayor also emphasised York and North Yorkshire’s leadership in agricultural decarbonisation:

“Our region is uniquely positioned to trailblaze these efforts, offering valuable lessons for other areas across the country while learning from their experiences as well.”

Next Steps for Farmers

With 40 applications received, the project is now entering its second phase, referred to as the Farm Sustainability Programme. This phase adopts a whole-farm approach to decarbonisation, enabling farmers to assess various aspects of carbon emissions and capture across their operations, including soils, biodiversity, and energy. By building on the insights from energy audits and renewable energy feasibility studies in phase one, the programme provides a comprehensive roadmap to drive meaningful and sustainable change.

Roger Stones, Senior Energy Consultant at NFU Energy, reflected on the programme’s success:

“We’ve seen remarkable enthusiasm from farmers keen to embrace low-carbon technologies and improve efficiency. The additional assessments in this round will provide even deeper insights, ensuring a holistic approach to sustainable farming in North Yorkshire and beyond.”

The Environmental Impact of Fossil Fuels vs. Renewable Energy: Making the Switch for a Healthier Planet

Thomas Ovenden — Fri, 14 Jun 2024 07:56:54 +0000

Generating energy

As we conclude our Great Big Go Green Week, we take a closer look at one of the most important issues: the environmental impact of fossil fuels versus renewable energy. Understanding the significant differences between these energy sources is crucial for recognising the benefits of making the switch from fossil fuels to renewables.

The Environmental Impact of Fossil Fuels

Fossil fuels—coal, oil, and natural gas—have been the backbone of global energy production for hundreds of years. However, their environmental impact is huge. Here’s some of the ways it’s impacted our planet:

Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Burning fossil fuels releases a substantial amount of greenhouse gases (GHGs), particularly carbon dioxide (CO2), into the atmosphere. These emissions are the primary cause of global warming and climate change.
Air Pollution: Fossil fuel combustion emits pollutants such as sulphur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx). These pollutants contribute to smog, respiratory illnesses, and damage to the environment.
Water Pollution: Oil spills and coal mining runoff can contaminate water sources, harming water ecosystems and potentially causing health risks to humans and wildlife.
Land Degradation: Extracting fossil fuels often involves destructive practices like mountaintop removal and drilling, which can devastate landscapes and ecosystems.
Resource Depletion: Fossil fuels are limited resources, and their extraction becomes more challenging and environmentally damaging as reserves reduce.

The Benefits of Renewable Energy

In contrast, renewable energy sources—such as solar, wind, hydro, and biomass—offer a cleaner, more sustainable alternative:

Reduced Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Renewable energy sources produce little to no GHG emissions during operation. For example, solar panels and wind turbines generate electricity without burning fuel, significantly cutting CO2 emissions.
Improved Air Quality: By eliminating the need for combustion, renewable energy reduces air pollutants that harm human health and the environment. Cleaner air can lead to fewer respiratory problems, as well as lowering healthcare costs.
Water Conservation: Renewable energy systems typically use less water compared to fossil fuel power plants, which require significant water for cooling and other processes. This helps preserve freshwater resources.
Land and Ecosystem Preservation: Renewable energy installations, such as solar farms and wind turbines, have a smaller footprint and can be designed to minimise impact on local ecosystems. They can also operate with other land uses, such as agriculture and the grazing of sheep.
Sustainable and Infinite Supply: Unlike fossil fuels, renewable energy sources are limitless. Sunlight, wind, and water flow are naturally replenished, ensuring a continuous supply of energy.
Economic Benefits: Transitioning to renewables can create jobs in manufacturing, installation, and maintenance of renewable energy systems. It also reduces dependence on imported fuels, enhancing energy security.

At NFU Energy, we are committed to helping you make this vital transition. Our services, from carbon accounting to renewable energy solutions, are designed to support you every step of the way. If you’re interested in any of our services, give us a call on 024 7669 6512 or email sales@nfuenergy.co.uk to see how we can help you.

Thank you for joining us in celebrating Great Big Go Green Week. We hope we’ve encouraged more of you to swap fossil fuels for renewables in an effort to become more sustainable.

Your Guide to Switching to Renewables: A Step-by-Step Process

Thomas Ovenden — Thu, 13 Jun 2024 07:56:54 +0000

Generating energy

As part of our Great Big Go Green Week celebrations, we're excited to bring you a comprehensive guide to making the switch from fossil fuels to renewable energy. Transitioning to renewables can seem daunting, but with the right information and support, it can be a smooth and rewarding process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you on your journey to a greener future with the help of NFU Energy.

Step 1: Understand Your Carbon Footprint

Take the first step by understanding your carbon footprint with NFU Energy’s carbon accounting expertise. From assisting with choosing the most appropriate calculator to a bespoke full calculation project, we’ve got you covered.

Step 2: Assess Your Energy Needs and Use Less Energy

Before making any changes, it's crucial to understand your current energy consumption. NFU Energy offers on-site energy audits to help businesses assess where, when, and how they use energy. From the efficiency of equipment and processes to how well buildings, stores, and specialist structures are built, maintained, and used, we help uncover hidden energy-saving opportunities.

Step 3: Explore Renewable Energy Options and Evaluate Costs and Savings

There are several types of renewable energy systems to consider, each with its own benefits. NFU Energy helps determine what the best renewable energy solution is for businesses and whether their proposed renewable projects are worth it, via feasibility and electrification studies.

Step 4: Planning Your Installation

Once you’ve decided on which renewable energy system to install, our Renewable Energy Solutions team will evaluate which of our approved renewable energy installers is right for you and your business based on your requirements and location. We will also give advice on finance and insurance, ensuring you are supported throughout the entire journey.

Step 5: Maximise Your On-going Benefits

The benefits of installing renewable energy technologies are endless. For instance, you might choose to add batteries into your solar PV system to store excess energy for later use, and if feasible, sell surplus energy back to the grid. Additionally, there's the potential to create an additional revenue stream by trading Renewable Energy Guarantees of Origin (REGOs) certificates generated from your renewable energy. At NFU Energy, we provide comprehensive compliance guidance and assistance with claiming and transferring certificates.

By following these steps and using the services offered by NFU Energy, you can successfully transition to renewable energy and contribute to a more sustainable future. For more detailed information and personalised advice, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team on 024 7669 6512 or email sales@nfuenergy.co.uk.

Stay tuned for more tips and updates throughout the Great Big Go Green Week!

Missed Our Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) Webinar? Watch the Replay Now!

Molly Bourne — Fri, 24 May 2024 07:56:54 +0000

News and Views

Thank you to everyone who joined NFU Energy's webinar, "Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) Clinic Webinar: Optimise, Comply and Get Your Questions Answered!" held on Wednesday 22 May.

Whether you attended the webinar or not, we're happy to announce that the replay is now available on our newly launched YouTube channel. This is a fantastic opportunity for those who couldn't make it to the live event to catch up, and for attendees to revisit the key strategies discussed or watch any parts they may have missed.

Watch the Webinar Replay Now! Click here to watch!

By watching the replay, you'll have the opportunity to:

Gather an Overview of the Scheme: Gain a comprehensive understanding of the Renewable Heat Incentive scheme and its benefits.
Understand Why We’re Still Talking About the Scheme: Learn about the ongoing relevance of RHI, even though the scheme has officially ended.
Discover Our RHI Services: See how we can help both new and existing participants optimise their engagement with the RHI scheme through our range of services.

The webinar is packed with practical tips and expert advice that can help you make the most of your renewable heat projects.

Don't miss out - click the link above to watch the replay and stay informed about the latest developments in Renewable Heat Incentive!

UK Government Announces Solar Grants for Farmers

Thomas Ovenden — Fri, 26 Jan 2024 07:56:54 +0000

Generate

In a recent announcement by the UK Government, farmers and rural businesses have reason to celebrate as the Environment Secretary, Steve Barclay, unveiled a comprehensive plan to support innovation and productivity in the agricultural sector. NFU Energy is thrilled to share the latest developments, particularly the availability of capital grants for the acquisition of cutting-edge robotic and automatic equipment, as well as solar installations on rooftops and irrigation reservoirs.

Steve Barclay, in his keynote speech at the Country Land and Business Association conference on 30 November, declared a £45 million fund for farming innovation. This funding will play a crucial role in advancing agricultural practices, fostering innovation, and boosting productivity in the industry.

A significant portion of the announced funding will be accessible through the second phase of the Improving Farm Productivity Grant. This grant, administered by the Rural Payments Agency, offers financial support ranging from £25,000 to £500,000. It is designed to facilitate the acquisition of robotic and automatic equipment, providing farmers with the tools they need to enhance efficiency on their farms. Additionally, the grant includes funding opportunities between £15,000 and £100,000 specifically earmarked for solar equipment installation on rooftops and irrigation reservoirs. This strategic move aims to strengthen energy resilience and promote renewable energy generation in the agricultural sector.

Farmers, horticulturalists, and agents acting on behalf of businesses interested in applying for the Improving Farm Productivity Grant Round 2 should refer to the official guidance published by the Rural Payments Agency on 12 December 2023. The 2-stage application process details, including the online checker, are set to open in January 2024. Interested parties are encouraged to review the eligibility criteria and prepare the necessary documentation for a successful application.

Applications are now open! Find out how to apply or simply start your your application.

NFU Energy’s Renewable Energy Solution

NFU Energy stands alongside the farming community in celebrating this significant investment. We urge farmers to give us a call as we provide one-stop-shop access to our accredited list of renewable energy installers, finance and insurance, as well as support at every stage in their transition to renewable energy. Plus, NFU members get a 10% discount on our service fees. Find out more or give us a call on 024 7669 6512.

UK Government Unveils Simplified Solar Installation Rules

Thomas Ovenden — Mon, 11 Dec 2023 07:56:54 +0000

Generating energy

In a significant stride towards a sustainable future, the UK Government has unveiled game-changing planning rules that streamline the installation of rooftop solar panels for homes and businesses. The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, in collaboration with Lee Rowley MP and The Rt Hon Graham Stuart MP, has announced modifications to permitted development rights. These changes aim to simplify the process, making it more accessible and cost-effective for property owners.

Impact on Homeowners and Businesses: The focal point of these new rules is the removal of barriers that homeowners and businesses face when navigating the planning system for solar installations. Currently, the process involves over eight weeks of waiting time and additional costs. The government's intervention aims to expedite this process, making solar panel adoption more financially viable for those that are interested.

Streamlining Rules for Efficiency: Housing and Planning Minister Lee Rowley MP emphasised the need for homes to be future-ready, aligning with Net Zero ambitions. By cutting through red tape, property owners can now install solar panels without the delays and costs associated with the planning system. This move is anticipated to accelerate the uptake of solar energy solutions, contributing significantly to the fight against climate change.

Encouraging Solar Installations: The new regulations bring equality to residential and business properties, allowing homes with flat roofs to install solar panels without planning permission. Moreover, businesses no longer need planning permission for solar panels generating over one megawatt of electricity, streamlining the process and reducing costs.

Stay tuned for more details, as additional information on eligibility and conditions will be announced soon.

Interested in solar PV?

NFU Energy’s Renewable Energy Solutions gives you one-stop-shop access to leading solar PV installers, finance, and insurance. Plus, NFU members get a 10% discount on our service fees. Discover more about solar PV or give us a call on 024 7669 6512 or email sales@nfuenergy.co.uk today.

Empowering the Future: Highlights from NFU Energy's Accredited Installer Event

Thomas Ovenden — Thu, 23 Nov 2023 07:56:54 +0000

Renewable energy

At NFU Energy, we recently had the pleasure of hosting an event that brought together our exceptional team of renewable energy accredited installers hailing from every corner of the country. This gathering not only served as a moment to extend our gratitude for their unwavering dedication and hard work throughout the past year but also provided a platform to delve into the exciting blueprints we've planned for the future.

Our event kicked off with a celebration of our installers' collective triumphs, underscoring a year marked by surpassing targets and playing a pivotal role in advancing the cause of renewable energy adoption. From groundbreaking solar PV technologies to other storage options, our installers have been at the forefront of propelling us forward.

As the event unfolded, discussions revolved around the incredible performance of our Renewable Energy Solutions team and the strategic roadmap we've laid out for the upcoming year. We delved into insightful analyses of the energy market, shedding light on the dynamics influencing its current state. Furthermore, we presented our attendees with an overview of NFU Energy’s feasibility studies and the impactful results they can yield, encouraging customers to embrace renewables for enhanced energy efficiency.

Moreover, attendees gained insights into NFU Energy's marketing strategies, discovering where our initiatives are showcased and the impressive reach they've achieved. The event also served as a platform for a noteworthy update from NFU Policy on renewable energy and climate change, offering a glimpse into the evolving landscape of electric farm vehicles and the promise of upcoming grants.

Thanks to the passion and dedication of our installers, NFU Energy's Accredited Installer Event emerged as a resounding success. As we reflect on a year of commendable achievements, we're eagerly anticipating an even more triumphant future. A heartfelt thank you to all our accredited installers for making this event a remarkable success.

NFU Energy and Anelec Join Forces to Boost Renewable Energy Solutions

Thomas Ovenden — Mon, 06 Nov 2023 07:56:54 +0000

Generate

At NFU Energy, we are thrilled to announce our exciting new partnership with Anelec, an accredited renewable energy solutions installer. This partnership represents a significant step in our commitment to supporting our customers in the North with sustainable energy solutions. Anelec, a company that has grown from a small local business to a full-service electrical solutions provider, shares our dedication to customer focus, expertise and a passion for reaching Net Zero by 2040.

Andrew Porritt, the Managing Director of Anelec, expressed his enthusiasm for this partnership, saying, "Coming from a farming family on both sides, working with NFU Energy is an incredibly exciting opportunity for Anelec. It enables us to make an even bigger difference in the sector we care passionately about – the rural economy. We are committed to reducing the impact of volatile energy costs and decreasing reliance on expensive energy imports from the national grid.

“This can be achieved by empowering farmers to utilise their large shed roofs and open fields to install medium to large-scale solar generation systems. Anelec possesses the expertise to design and implement not only solar solutions but also integrated systems, such as Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), for load shifting. By storing energy generated from solar or taking advantage of off-peak energy tariffs, we can help farmers store energy at lower costs for use during periods of higher demand or elevated prices.

“We take pride in our track record of installing various solar and BESS systems, including two battery systems of 100kw and 300kw for dairy farms in North Yorkshire. At Anelec, we are dedicated to understanding the unique needs of our clients in agriculture, offering the right advice, and delivering on our promise of delivering high-quality solutions."

Through this partnership, NFU Energy and Anelec aim to bring affordable and sustainable renewable energy solutions to our customers. By harnessing the power of solar energy and implementing cutting-edge battery storage technology, we can help customers reduce their carbon footprint, lower energy costs, and enhance energy independence.

Are you considering utilising solar energy on your buildings or land? Contact NFU Energy for expert guidance on 024 7669 6512 or email sales@nfuenergy.co.uk.

Green Gas Support Scheme: Extension announced!

Anonymous — Mon, 23 Oct 2023 10:12:28 +0000

Generate, Renewable energy, Comply

In response to the recent consultation on the Green Gas Support Scheme (GGSS), government has announced that the scheme has now been extended to 31 March 2028 from its original date of 30 November 2025. It is hoped that this will provide prospective applicants sufficient time to apply for and commission on the scheme before it closes.

The Green Gas Support Scheme is a government environmental scheme designed to support the deployment of new anaerobic digestion (AD) biomethane plants to increase the proportion of green gas in the gas grid.

There are three stages to the application process:

Stage 1: Make an initial application via Ofgem's Green Gas Support Scheme Portal. If successful, you'll be awarded a Provisional Tariff Guarantee Notice (PTGN).
Stage 2: Submit financial close information. If successful, you are awarded a Tariff Guarantee (TG).
Stage 3: Submit a full application. This can only be made once you have injected gas to the grid and are fully commissioned. If approved, you are entitled to claim GGSS support.

How NFU Energy can help

Here at NFU Energy we can assist businesses with submitting applications to the GGSS and ensuring ongoing compliance through various services and expertise. To date, NFU Energy’s application on behalf of one of our clients has been the only application to have had full approval by Ofgem and now benefitting from the support.

If you’re considering implementing an AD plant, we can help. From assessing the feasibility of implementing green gas projects and evaluating the potential returns on investment, to providing expert guidance on the GGSS application, ongoing technical assistance and compliance support, we’ve got you covered. Give the team a call on 024 7669 6512 or email sales@nfuenergy.co.uk

NFU Energy Partners with YLEM Energy to Power a Sustainable Future

Thomas Ovenden — Mon, 25 Sep 2023 07:56:54 +0000

Generate

NFU Energy is thrilled to announce a partnership with YLEM Energy, a renowned provider of renewable energy generation solutions, welcoming them as one of our new accredited installers of behind-the-meter assets, such as Solar-PV.

In recent years, an increasing number of farmers have turned to solar generation as a source of revenue. A recent report by the NFU found that farmers own or host up to 1,200 solar farms in the UK, generating around 10% of the UK’s electricity needs.

Commenting on the new partnership, YLEM Energy’s Managing Director, Ian Gadsby said: “The UK has an ambition to increase its solar output to 75GW by 2035. In order to do this, we’re going to need to utilise our roof and ground space, the latter, being something, farms have in abundance. We’re excited to be working with NFU Energy to support NFU members to diversify their income streams, and help them and the UK achieve its net zero goals.”

Welcoming the partnership, NFU Energy’s Sales and Marketing Director, Lisa Howkins said: “We’re delighted to have YLEM Energy on board as one of our accredited installers. By working together, we’ll be able to offer a unique solution for those considering large-scale renewable options for their business. NFU Energy provides ongoing support and assistance throughout the process, working with both YLEM Energy and customers to ensure a seamless transition to renewable energy.”

YLEM Energy has significant experience in helping companies across the food and drink supply chain decarbonise and secure their energy supply. The Salford-based business has over three decades experience in building, owning and operating smart generation systems.