Energy Now magazine

Comment for 'Renewable Energy Opportunities for Landowners' feature

Renewable energy: social and financial benefits for landowners
According to Regen SW, which focuses on sustainable energy delivery, farmers and landowners could be in excellent position to take advantage of the opportunities that renewable energy offers, both from a financial and social point of view.

“If their location is right, landowners may be perfectly positioned to set up a community wind scheme,” said Cheryl Hiles, head of sustainable energy delivery at Regen SW. “This could reap huge benefits for them and their neighbours, providing them not only with sustainable energy but also income that can be fed back into other initiatives.”

It’s here that Regen SW can help get the ball rolling. “We’re currently working hard to find funding for exactly this type of project, so, if farmers have land and support from their local community to develop renewable energy projects, they should register with us, then they’ll be on the list of groups to potentially receive that support. With our help, landowners and communities can reap the benefits of wind energy, rather than seeing the profits leave the local area.”

As a result, Regen SW is urging community groups to register their interest with Regen SW’s Communities For Renewables scheme as soon as possible. Interested parties can find out more at www.regensw.co.uk/projects/communities-for-renewables.

And it’s not only wind energy that has opportunities for those with land. Stephen Green, Regen SW’s technology project manager said: “Many land owners have a significant amount of unmanaged woodland that can be used to supply the growing biomass woodfuel industry in the Westcountry. Regen SW’s South West Bioheat Programme can help them tap into this resource and understand how to make the most of their forestry – helping them realise both the financial and environmental benefits.” This information is held on the South West Woodshed website (www.southwestwoodshed.co.uk)

Also, with the introduction of the feed in tariff (FIT) – which earns generators money for the renewable energy they produce – some landowners are even considering covering their land with solar PV panels to generate electricity from the sun. Landowners who wish to do this can register their interest with Regen SW.

There are many potential renewable energy sources that landowners can harness from. To find out more about the potential opportunities and how Regen SW is can help you diversify into renewable, visit www.regensw.co.uk