George F White to give renewable energy advice

Posted by The Journal on Feb 8, 10 09:45 AM in News

Hugh Fell of rural specialists George F White A subsiduary of rural specialists George F White has opened for business to advise farmers, landowners and tenants about producing renewable energy on a small scale.

Interest in the subject is expected to increase now that the Government has approved the Feed in Tariff (FIT) rate, which pays small scale power generators for the energy they produce.

The new business, called gfw-Wind, will concentrate on the production of wind energy which is expected to become a major player in the region's green power revolution.

Hugh Fell, managing partner of Alnwick-based George F White, said: "We have been assessing the Governments proposals for small scale renewable energy production for some time and have realised that there could be a huge potential for land occupiers throughout the North East.

"The confirmation from the Government on the FIT rates is a fantastic opportunity for land occupiers to take an active role in producing renewable electricity while at the same time reducing their electricity bills and getting paid to produce it.

"FITs will really allow all to be involved while providing a good investment and reducing costs.

"In essence it will provide owners of wind turbines, solar panels, hydro plants, or small scale anaerobic digestion plants, with not only free electricity, but an income for every unit of electricity produced. Surplus electric can then be exported to the grid for which a payment is also made."

Gfw-Wind will be holding a series of free seminars across the North East for landowners and tenants to outline the pros and cons of installing wind turbines, what sort of equipment is available and the types of grants that can be claimed to cover the capital costs. Experts will also be able to give people an idea of how much it will cost to get off the ground and what sort of income they can expect from producing their own power.

Mr Fell said: "We have a good understanding of what is on the market and will be able to help interested parties through their turbine selection, turbine siting, planning and grant application."

The Government's clean energy cash back scheme comes into force on April 1. Small scale producers ranging from 1.5 - 15kW will receive a FIT of 26.7p/kW if the equipment is installed by March 2012.

The confirmation from government on the FIT rates is a fantastic opportunity for land occupiers to take an active role in producing renewable electricity.

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