Renewables and Non Food Crops
Archie Montgomery, a Somerset farmer, champions the renewable energy/alternative crop topic. His aim is “To accelerate the use of agricultural crops (and forestry) for non-food applications, in a manner which maximises benefits to South West farmers”.
SW CoRE are working in partnership with various organisations, including the National Non Food Crops Centre (NNFCC), Regen SW and County Councils, to pursue this agenda.
For more information about this topic, contact Archie Montgomery on 07768 856974 or email montyhfarm@aol.com.
Bio-Energy Capital Grants Scheme - Round 4
Renewable Energy Alternative Crops
South West to Pioneer Bio-mass energy
Regen SW expanding its remit
From 1st April, Regen SW will be extending its remit. While they will continue to support the region’s renewable energy industry, South West RDA will also fund them to take on a new role to support the region’s energy-efficiency sector.
They will still focus on accelerating the uptake of renewable energy – by helping private companies, and assisting and influencing those in the public sector – but they also be championing energy efficiency initiatives.
25Apr2008
Bio-energy Capital Grants Scheme - Round 4
A new round of the Bio-energy Capital Grants Scheme will be launched on 9 April 2008.
Eligible technology
Capital grants will be awarded to support the installation of biomass-fuelled heat boilers and biomass-fuelled combined heat and power (CHP) equipment, including anaerobic digesters for heat-only or CHP.
Who can apply?
The scheme is open to the industrial, commercial and community sectors. This includes, but is not restricted to, public and private limited companies (Ltd and plc), sole traders, farmers, local authorities, hospitals, universities, schools, housing associations, charities etc.
Householders and individuals are not eligible.
Applications can only be made by the end-user/ultimate beneficiary of the biomass boiler or CHP plant.
Further information is available on the Defra website: http://www.defra.gov.uk/farm/crops/industrial/energy/capital-grants.htm
AEA Energy and Environment, part of AEA Technology plc, are administering the round on Defra’s behalf. Detailed guidance notes and the application forms will be available on their website at: www.bioenergycapitalgrants.org.uk from 9 April. NB This website will not be open until 9th April
25Apr2008
Renewable Energy and Alternative Crops
“Opportunities for novel crops and alternative uses of existing crops in the South West of England” have been the subject of a study by Cornish Horticulture Enterprise (CHE), funded by SWRDA. Phase 1 of this work, completed in May 2006, evaluated current activity, production processes and market potential for novel and alternative crops in the region, such as pharmaceuticals, fibres, specialist oils, starches and nutraceuticals. Phase 2 of their work, to be completed by the end of September 2006, will focus on three areas of greater interest and opportunity:
- Essential oils for cosmetics, food applications, personal care products and pharmaceuticals and fixed oils for the manufacture of industrial lubricants.
- Fibres for transport composites, construction composites, specialised papers and textiles.
- Starch packaging materials.
It is intended that this study, which will also provide a database of regional knowledge, expertise, and research capabilities, will provide the basis for SWRDA’s investment strategy for novel and alternative crops over the next five years.
View the Phase 1Full Report. To obtain a hardcopy of the report contact SW CoRE.
Renewable electricity targets for the South West
REvision 2010 will work with authorities and partners
within sub-regions of the South West. It will facilitate the
identification and then adoption of sub-regional renewable
electricity targets for 2010 that are in line with the needs
of the sub-region and the South West as a whole.
View the Revision 2010 document
SOUTH WEST TO PIONEER BIOMASS ENERGY WITH OVER £1/2 MILLION INVESTMENT FOR WOODFUEL
Regen SW, the renewable energy agency for the South West of England, has received an investment in excess of £1/2 million to help develop the region's bioheat sector.
The core investment has come from the South West of England Regional Development Agency (RDA) as part of its strategy to support the development of renewable energy projects in the region, in particular wave, tidal and biomass. The Forestry Commission has also contributed to the programme with support and training for fuel suppliers. Overall, the RDA has approved over £6m in projects that are directly associated with renewable energy and much more in projects that indirectly involve energy.
The South West Bioheat Programme will champion the installation of bioheat systems, encourage and support new fuel suppliers and provide recognised training programmes across the region. It is estimated that this intensive support will lead to an additional 32 MW of installed capacity which will equate to around 40 new bioheat systems on the ground.
Together they would generate enough to heat several thousand South West homes, and save over 7000 tonnes of carbon a year when offsetting oil. They will also generate an investment of £8 million on capital equipment, the creation of 48 new jobs and a sustainable market for local woodfuel worth an estimated £2.4 million per year.
The programme will focus on heat initially to build up the fuel supply chain so that the industry will ultimately support the development of electricity generation. It is expected that the programme will lead to increased activity in the supply of locally sourced wood fuel, which could mean added incomes to farmers who diversify into the sector.
According to a report from the national Biomass Task Force last year, chaired by former farmers' leader Sir Ben Gill, biomass technology could reduce the UK's carbon emissions by almost three million tonnes a year, which is the equivalent of taking 3.25 million cars off the road. For more information contact: Regen SW 01392 229 394
For Case Studies on Renewables Click here
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Last Updated 25Apr08