Hereford Times - 7th January 2016 - Page 50
Hereford Times - 7th January 2016 - Page 50
Image displayed may not be an exact representation of the image in the library. Colour and contrast may differ.
Image Details
| Date | 07/01/2016 |
|---|---|
| Type | |
| Format | |
| Language | English |
| Area | Hereford Times |
| Collection Holder | |
| Date of Publication | 7th January 2016 |
| Transcription |
50 THE HEREFORD TIMES Thursday. January 7, 2016 herefordtimes.com Where Next for Renewable Energy? asks Harriet Murray Jones, head of Energy and Renewables at Harrison Clark Rickerbys THE last few years have seen an explosion of busi- ness in the renewable en- ergy sector, allowing farm— ers and landowners lots of opportunities to diversify into a number of different technologies. This has created jobs for developers and the supply chain. but it has also been a period of much uncer- tainty due. to the frequency of policy changes from the government. Despite the Autumn Spending Review. there is ongoing uncertainty about the FiT review this autumn, speculation about the future of the Renew- able Heat Incentive (RHI) beyond April 2016, con— tinuing tariff degression and delays to the next Con- tracts for Difference (CfD) auction. All this has led a number of commentators to consign diversification into renewables to a by‘ gone, golden era. While potentially less lu- crative than in the past. farm~based renewables still remain an excellent opportunity for diversifi- cation. There has been a race to complete existing solar projects, but what about new projects? The government seems to remain committed to roof- top solar and so for those with suitable farm build- ings it is anticipated that these will continue to ben- efit from FiT support. There may also be oppor- tunities for those devel- oping larger community- based schemes, or with solar developers who are looking to secure funding via the Cfl) auction system. The government seems to remain committed to rooftop solar and so for those with suitable farm buildings it is anticipated that these will continue to benefit from FiT support And of course there have been considerable cost re- ductions in solar that seem likely to continue and that could make it competitive with traditional forms of energy. There are few signs of new projects Within the AD sector, but with legally binding heat targets to meet, there is an expecta- tion that the RHI will re- main in some form beyond 2016. Wind is likely to remain very tough. Changes to planning and the end of subsidies have seen a mas- sive withdrawal from this sector. While prices may come down and turbines will become more efficient, the costs are unlikely to de- crease dramatically. For those who want a smaller turbine, planning can be easier, though. As long as landowners are prepared for a longer pay- back, Wind may still pre- sent an opportunity. The other area which has been a major sticking point is” that of grid connection, but as some projects in- evitably fall by the wayside this does free up grid ca- pacity for other renewable developments. Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) are in- creasingly looking to re- claim grid offers where de- velopers fail to show that projects areadvancing. Despite the uncertainty renewables remain a di- versification opportunity for the right project. fuels. ‘ 3cm; Wood you believe it? Burning wood is good! We are all more environmentally owore; we recycle end are more aware of our carbon footprint. Now Leominster based family business are encouraging homes and businesses to use wood to heat their rooms and woter using environmentally friendly energy systems. 3 Counties Wood Fuels. run by David and Louis Sder, are promoting their biomoss fuels which come from sustainable timber. David soys: ”After renovating our family home and installing a Heizomot woodchip boiler we sow market for producing Biomass Our business, Cholford Timber storied 35 years ago so we have plenty of knowledge and experience of sustainable timber harvesting to establish 3 Counties Wood Fuels. 3 Counties Wood Fuels Form, Nordon." Fire logs which can also be cut to your specification ready to collect or be delivered from their North Herefordshire depot. schedules ” David continues: ”As a customer led business we are happy to offer impartial advice on switching to Biomass, running and maintaining systems and attaining (Renewable Heot incentive) RHI payments. The RHI payments can help towards the cost of o woodfuel boiler, given the cost of fossil fuels, you could see savings in 5 years. We can also share our knowledge of establishing and maintaining sustainable woodlands. Give us a coil or come along to see us at New House 3 Counties Wood Fuels carry out contract chipping as well as producing wood chip, "We can provide wood chip. or if its suits the customer round timber can be chipped at their own site.” Contact Louis Soer on 07807 l25852 for wood chip stocks and delivery New House Farm, Norddn, Leominster, HR6 OAJ 01568 616980 I www.3countieswoodfuelscouk | ddmin@300untieswoodfueiscouk |
| Newspaper name | Hereford Times |