Aardvark News
Mixed Response to Feed In Tariff Scheme (FITS) Announcement
There has been a mixed response to Monday’s announcement of the Government’s Feed-in Tariffs.
Aardvark who has been working closely with the South West Dairy sector on opportunities in renewable energy was disappointed by the apparent lack of support for small scale Biogas and Anaerobic Digestion renewable energy schemes.
Aardvark has in particular been looking at low cost, low tech Anaerobic Digestion schemes on farms which was the subject of their research report for the Cornwall Agri-Food Council published in 2009.
The NFU, in a press release this week said,
“The proposed tariffs for anaerobic digestion (AD) have been dismissed as inadequate by many in the biogas sector, which had lobbied for a range of scaled tariffs similar to those on offer for small-to-medium wind power. Surprisingly, other forms of biomass power generation have been left out of the FIT scheme altogether, in yet another blow to the bioenergy industry.
“Farmers are willing and ready to contribute to the low-carbon energy revolution but we are deeply disappointed at this missed opportunity to encourage smaller-scale biogas production on farms. The multiple environmental benefits of thousands of on-farm AD plants will only be rolled out if smaller farm businesses can afford them. The government seems to have ignored the advice of its own AD Task Group, and now risks upsetting next month’s AD Implementation Plan by discouraging investment from the agricultural sector.”
The NFU says that tariffs available for small and medium-sized wind power (under 500 kilowatts), mini-hydro power and solar photovoltaics look more attractive, especially in the first two years of the scheme, while the proposed index-linking of the FIT is a welcome response to industry demands. However, solar electricity remains relatively expensive, and few farmers have access to falling streams for hydro power. Many agricultural applicants to the Feed-in Tariff will be left with only one technology choice – wind power.
Aardvark will be jointily hosting a stand with Foot Anstey Solicitors at the "South west Climate Change Trade Fair" on 10th February 2010 at Exeter Racecourse to discuss how farmers can save & profit by acting on climate change.
Wednesday, 03 February 2010