Biggest ever Renewables area at Cereals
Renewable energy exhibitors are gearing up for a busy time at Cereals 2011 as farmer interest in the sector gathers pace.
This years event, organised by Haymarket Exhibitions and taking place at Boothby Graffoe, Lincolnshire on Wednesday 15th and Thursday 16th June, boasts the biggest Renewables and Waste Management area yet. More than 30 companies will offer expert advice across a range of renewable energy generation and supply opportunities.
For visitors looking to generate power themselves, every aspect is covered, from biomass boilers and biogas plants to wind turbines and solar panels. And plenty of help is at hand for those considering biomass cropping opportunities.
Drax Power Limited returns as Renewables area sponsor and will highlight the benefits of its Green Shoots direct biomass supply programme, set up in association with Masstock Arable and agricultural consultant Brown & Co. Drax has also announced plans to set up a 70-acre Energy SMART Farm with its two partners to test and develop energy crops and to inform farmers how these crops can fit into their businesses.
Until now, our programme for energy crops has concentrated on working with supplier groups, says Rob Wood, biomass buyer at Drax. To build the volumes we need we are now also working directly with individual growers and offering direct contracts for energy crops and straw.
The need for such supplies is growing as the firm plans to increase significantly the amount of biomass it burns, subject to an appropriate level of regulatory support.
We are delighted to sponsor the Renewables area, which has become firmly established as an excellent showcase for the sector, says Mr Wood.
Renewables is set to become part of the fabric of agriculture and the landscape, says Allan Wilkinson, head of agriculture at HSBC Bank, principal sponsor of Cereals 2011.
“The subject of renewable energy production in farm businesses has caused considerable interest, to take advantage of existing resources or to help counter the rising price of energy. A chat with our dedicated sustainability manager will ensure projects are professionally assessed, planned and structured to suit particular farm businesses.
Knowing that building and owning an anaerobic digester plant is not for every farmer, BioG UK is seeking growers to supply crops to feed its own plants. It says farmers can increase profit margins by providing an alternative break crop to their existing rotation. Long-term contracts are available, while the farm can also benefit from nutrient-rich digestate applied back to the land.
BioG UK maintains responsibility for growing, cultivating and harvesting the energy crops, using specialised equipment like the Krone Big X forage harvester displayed on the stand, fitted with specialist biogas technology including GPS yield monitoring, moisture metering and a 40-knife biogas drum.
GlenFarrow will be exhibiting its award-winning range of biomass boilers, which it says are easier to install and use than other comparable units. The GlenFarrow Biomass Boiler is a batch-fed system, using waste or surplus materials such as wood, straw or cardboard (biomass).
The boiler burns these to produce hot water or hot air, for grain drying and other agricultural uses as well as domestic, industrial and commercial applications. The boiler is available in five sizes, producing a minimum output range from 50kW to 400kW.
ICE Renewables is launching a pair of GEV MP Vergnet wind turbines. The 200kW model is aimed at the North East and Yorkshire to comply with maximum generation allowances in parts of the region, while the 250kW is launched for clients who want to benefit from the financially attractive 18.8p per kWh Generation Tariff band.
Over 400 GEV-MP wind turbines have been installed worldwide, with the light, two-blade design aiding cut-in at low wind speeds. The innovative lowering mechanism ensures operation and maintenance costs are kept to a minimum, says the company.
Windcrop will be demonstrating a full-size, working wind turbine at this years Cereals Event. Windcrop uses 15m high, 5kW generators designed to reduce installation time, minimise the ground space required and make planning approval easier to obtain.
The company secures planning permission and then carries out the installation and ongoing maintenance of all turbines. The landowner receives free electricity generated by the turbine while the companys own return comes from the governments feed-in tariff system. Windcrop has secured contracts for over 100 sites.
Despite the governments recent review of the Feed-in-Tariff and the renewable energy industry, solar energy is still a viable option and growing rapidly, says Cambridgeshire-based installer, Playfords Solar Energy. Farmers, landowners and small businesses are creating new demand for PV systems below 50kW. Solar PV can offset some electricity costs and still provide farmers with a generous return on investment through the Feed-in Tariffs, says Playfords.
Leading bioenergy information service Enagri will be launching its new Directory of UK Biogas Plants at Cereals. The report, which follows on from the success of a similar directory of biomass generation plants last year, is the definitive guide to more than 130 anaerobic digestion schemes and includes both operating and announced projects.
With information on project location, developers, technology providers, feedstock requirements, capacity and subsidy schemes, the directory is set to become the standard reference work for anyone looking for information on the development of the UKs rapidly expanding biogas industry.
Tickets for Cereals 2011 are now available online at www.cerealsevent.co.uk/tickets. It costs 20 for a standard adult ticket, while students pay just 17. Visitors will also qualify for 2 NRoSO CPD points / 4 BASIS points for attending either day.
For more information on Cereals 2011 go to www.cerealsevent.co.uk
The Cereals Event
The Cereals Event is the leading technical event for the UK arable industry with over 64ha of stands and live demonstrations including crop plots, working demonstrations, the Sprays & Sprayers arena and renewables, an area specially dedicated to renewable energy, biofuel and non-food crops.
Over 400 leading suppliers are already preparing to keep visitors up to date with the very latest products, advice and information; offering a complete one-stop service from seeds to sprayers, crop varieties to cultivation equipment, fertiliser to finance.
Cereals brings together over 23,500 professional farmers and industry experts over two days. For more details go to www.cerealsevent.co.uk
The Cereals Event is organised and presented by Haymarket Exhibitions Ltd.
Farmers Weekly and Crops are the media partners for Cereals.
Tickets cost 20 per adult and 17 per student and can be booked online at www.cerealsevent.co.uk/tickets /cont
HSBC Agriculture
HSBC Agriculture is Principal Sponsor of the Cereals Event. HSBC Agriculture provides a specialist service to agriculture and agribusiness customers throughout England, Wales and Northern Ireland with a team of over 50 dedicated managers that concentrate exclusively on the needs of farmers and growers. www.hsbc.co.uk/agriculture