I'm a farmer, can I put a wind farm on my land?
Yes you can. Wind farms can play an important role in generating extra income for farmers and rural communities, as well as contributing to reducing greenhouse gases.
Try contacting WindWorks, www.windworks.ltd.uk, which has been set up by the wind developer National Wind Power to create partnerships between farmers/landowners and NWP. It aims to help meet the growing demand to develop small, locally-led wind energy projects as well as to assist in rural diversification in the light of the continued crisis in farming.
As Durham farmer Michael Eggleston said "I thought it was a great opportunity to utilise our wind resource while contributing towards the drive for green energy. Many farmers have been hard hit by the recent crisis in farming and an income from a few wind turbines will be extremely helpful in keeping the farm viable."
The British Wind Energy Association have a useful "starter pack" on their website for anyone who is interested in developing a wind energy project. This introduction will give you the basics of wind power, how to tell if your site is suitable and how to go about developing your own electricity from the wind.
www.bwea.com/you/starter-pack.html
Also, read farmer Adam Twine's story about his attempts to get planning permission for 5 turbines on his land. And pick up some tips from Cwmni Gwynt Teg Cyf - the first farmer co-operative to develop and own a wind project in Britain. It could be first of many!
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