The Farmers Mart Dec-Jan 2018 - Issue 54 | Page 13

FARM NEWS 13 • DEC/JAN 2018 Are you getting the maximum benefit of your renewable energy system? MANY farms throughout the UK are benefiting from renewable energy schemes (incl. Solar and Wind), to diversify incomes and reduce the impact of fluctuating import energy prices. Although few farmers are gaining the maximum benefit from these schemes, the average system throughout the UK exports more than 50% of the total gener- ation. Comparing fixed export rates to import rates, generation is far more valuable when utilised on site. Considering energy storage schemes (such as batteries) can help increase the profitability of existing renewable energy systems. The feed-in tariff (FiT) scheme has attracted many farms; they in- stalled renewable energy systems with greater capacity than the 66914 - N-ergy - HALF.pdf 1 05/01/2018 consumption to justify the invest- ment and get maximum benefit from the FiTs. However, the government has cut renewable energy subsidies and incentives in April 2016. In November 2017, the UK Treasury has declared no subsidies will be granted to renewable energy projects before 2025 making the sector less attractive for new investors and less profitable for current ones. Specialists in the field, such as Keith Robertshaw, disagree with this and argue that farms are not achieving the maximum profita- bility of their renewable energy systems. Robertshaw, Business Develop- ment Director of N-ERGY Power Solutions, highlights: “Renewables can supplement incomes and be a great source of energy inde- pendence for farms. However, the 16:36:24 downside to renewables is that they are intermittent and do not produce electricity when we want them to.” “After analysing the energy sta- tus of farms in the UK, we realised what farmers need is an energy storage solution. Batteries can increase the profitability of solar panels or wind turbines up to 50% on energy imported from the grid”, Robertshaw added. N-ERGY Power Solutions spe- cialises in finding energy solutions for farms in the UK to increase the return on investment. In addition to offering operation and main- tenance (O&M) services for AD plants, gas engines, and gener- ators, N-ERGY has customised solutions for renewable energy systems and batteries. Robertshaw explains; “Farmers get paid around 5p per Kilo- watt-hour when they export electricity, whereas, they pay around 12p/kWh when they buy it. With existing schemes, the point of generation must be the point of consumption, with most schemes the point of generation will not match the site demand, that surplus generation will be ‘lost’.” N-ERGY can add batteries to al- ready existing renewable energy systems so the farms can store electricity and use it when there is a consumption load on the farm. Robertshaw says “we, at N-ER- GY, design batteries in a way to ensure maximum efficiency and benefit for farms.” Service & Maintenance for AD Plants, Gas Engines, Generators & Balance of Plant Maximum efficiency, reduced operating costs & high availability. C M Y CM MY CY CMY K WE OFFER: • Service & maintenance of gas engine generators. • Increased revenue from the sale of electricity. • Service solutions for balance of plant (switchgear, flares, controls). • 24 hour remote monitoring & emergency call out available. • From repairs & servicing to all-inclusive maintenance including routine, intermediate & major overhauls. • Assistance to ensure the AD feedstock generates the best gas quality. For the best service and lowest cost, contact us at [email protected] or telephone: [phone] | www.n-ergy.solutions