Renewable energy opportunities showcased at North East event

The CLA has organised a major event taking place on 29 October at the Ramside Hall Hotel, County Durham, which will examine new energy technologies available to landowners, farmers and property owners. The event is sponsored by Farming Futures, ONE North East and SFFS, and is being held in association with Wardell Armstrong, Fisher German and Sintons. The event is open to all and is free to attend.

The organisers promise that the emphasis will be firmly on practical solutions, and their cost-saving and income generating benefits.

As well as short presentations from key speakers covering an overview of technologies, logistical considerations, financial implications and practical help, there will be a display and meeting area where delegates can receive advice on a one-to-one basis and look in more detail at the technologies on offer, and potential funding streams.

CLA’s North East Director Angus Collingwood-Cameron said: "Land managers have produced energy in various forms for many hundreds of years, but we are now in new times with new technology. Farm scale renewable energy has long been debated in the North East, but now the time is right for action. We will show case actual, practical, solutions which will reduce costs, provide additional income and secure future energy supplies.

"There is a real thirst for knowledge. By getting experts across the range of solutions together in the same room, we can offer a real and worthwhile event."

Haydn Scholes, Director of Renewable Energy at Wardell Armstrong International, said: "Renewable energy is no longer the preserve of the energy utilities and green enthusiasts. There are real opportunities at the micro and macro scale for landowners and rural businesses to reduce their CO2 emissions, improve their energy security, take control of their energy costs and tap into some long term revenue streams."

Henry Sale of Fisher German said: "The race is on to secure suitable sources for renewable energy. The news is good for farmers and landowners as Central Government is encouraging the agricultural industry to embrace renewable energy production. We hope to demonstrate how politics can translate into reality on your land."

Admission is free, but pre-registration is required. To reserve a place contact the CLA Regional Office on 015395 67597 or email info.north@cla.org.uk