The government has now published its energy security strategy. Find out what it means for UK agriculture at NFUonline.
The war in Ukraine has sparked a renewed focus on the UK's energy security. In particular, there's a desire to reduce the UK’s dependence on Russian oil and gas.
The Energy Security Strategy is expected to focus primarily on energy efficiency, renewables and nuclear.
Any new government policy measures to encourage energy efficiency and renewables could present attractive opportunities for NFU members.
Renewable energy
The most likely focus areas for renewables in the Energy Security Strategy are accelerating existing plans for offshore wind deployment and relaxing planning rules for onshore wind and solar power – although neither are certain.
Financial measures
It’s also possible the government could introduce new financial measures to support roof-mounted solar.
NFU Energy’s Renewable Energy Solutions service helps NFU members develop renewable energy schemes of all sizes, ranging from small schemes where the primary goal is to consume the energy on the farm, to very large schemes where the primary goal as the landowner is typically to earn land rental income for hosting them.
“There has arguably never been a better time for NFU members to invest in energy efficiency and renewable energy.”
Dr Jonathan Scurlock, NFU Chief Advisor, Renewable Energy and Climate Change
Dr Jonathan Scurlock, NFU Chief Advisor, Renewable Energy and Climate Change said: “The government’s renewed focus on energy security, coupled with its ongoing commitment to net zero and sky-high energy prices, mean there has arguably never been a better time for NFU members to invest in energy efficiency and renewable energy.”
Quick payback
NFU Energy also has a long track record of helping NFU members identify and implement quick-payback energy efficiency measures.
Further details of NFU Energy’s services can be found on the NFU Energy website.
Members interested in talking to an NFU Energy expert can get in touch on [email protected] or 024 7669 6512.