Farmers Union President urges caution over rush to renewables

President of the National Farmers Union Scotland (NFUS), Jim McLaren, this week gave a key note presentation to a large audience of farmers at the RenewableUK annual conference in Glasgow and urged them to look before they leap when it comes to buying small wind turbines.

Mr McLaren used the opportunity to address the questions he felt were critical to landowners and farmers considering wind technology.  He stated that the importance of the governments feed-in tariff, and the financial guarantees it offers means that farmers have to act fast but first ensure that they select the most appropriate wind turbine to capitalise on revenues.

Landowners were urged to ensure that you are dealing with established manufacturers who have a reputation for manufacturing reliable product and who have the resources to back up any warranty they offer.  Their wind turbines should have actually stood up to the tests of time in appropriate wind regimes and they must have the correct certifications.  Mr McLaren said, the worst thing I can imagine is having to stand on my farm on the windiest day of the year and watch a wind turbine that has shut itself down because of the strong wind.

Also key is local expertise, a friendly face who has experience of the area, who can advise on best siting and is committed to proper servicing.

The NFUS President, who currently has three Proven Energy wind turbines awaiting planning, also urged Planning Departments to recognise that a small wind generation capability on as many farms as possible is the way forward.  Wind power is our past and will be our future.

Proven Energys director, sales and marketing, Steve McMahon, said the feed-in tariff means that there are many start up companies looking to get involved in this rapidly growing and exciting industry.  Proven Energy has manufactured for 30 years in Scotland and employs around 100 people. I would congratulate the NFUS on highlighting how to navigate round potential pitfalls when investing in small wind.

• Established in Scotland in 1980, Proven Energy is an industry leader manufacturing and supplying many hundreds of wind turbines every year.  With an operational fleet spanning 60 countries and every continent Proven Energys high performance wind turbines accrue over 30 million run hours annually.
• Proven Energy has installed over 3,000 wind turbines globally.
•  More information can be found on Proven Energy by visiting www.provenenergy.com
• A range of Proven Energy pictures are available by contacting the below.
• The NFU Scotland is an organisation that promotes and protects the interests of its members by influencing government, the supply chain and consumers in order to secure a sustainable future for Scottish agriculture.
• More information can be found on NFU Scotland by visiting www.nfus.org.uk
•  If you have any questions, please contact Johanna Clarkson on 01355 597 000/ 07833 206 727 or johanna.clarkson@provenenergy.com