Solar First Renewable Step For Welsh Border Farm
Broad Oak Farm, located on the Welsh border, has introduced a range of renewable technologies to provide a new income stream and reduce reliance on the fossil fuels used across the 777-acre farm agri-business. The decision was taken after a review of the energy used in the commercial buildings and head office by North West renewable company, the Green Electrician Group and follows a drive to reduce energy costs.
Having remained in the same family for over 200 years, Broad Oak was once a traditional dairy farm on the Clwyd / Shropshire border, each successive generation has demonstrated the ability to adapt to an ever changing business environment, securing its future by diversifying into a modern, well managed business. Run together with Gilar Farm, a Welsh hill-farm on the edge of Snowdonia, it now includes an arable enterprise; mixed livestock contract farming; forestry; the Broad Oak Business Park, a range of commercial and light industrial business units developed from the original dairy buildings; cottages and a holiday let in the Welsh farmhouse.
Renewable Energy was identified as the latest positive investment, with solar panels and biomass being the clear technologies of choice. John Warburton-Lee, owner of Broad Oak Farm, said: "I was very keen that a sizeable proportion of our energy usage should be delivered from sustainable/green sources, both from an ethical standpoint, but also, taking a longer term view, I like the idea of trying to provide our own energy security. I see these first two projects as steps along the way. I am looking at further renewable projects to move us closer to generating 100% of our energy requirement.
"I used the Green Electrician Group to conduct an energy audit and provide us with all the options available, including the potential returns from government incentives. I then appointed them to do the installations. I felt confident of the technical support and customer service that they offer down the line."
The works began in 2012 with the installation of a 21kWp solar PV system on a south-facing commercial unit in the Business Park. Since its installation the system has already exceeded its estimated output by 22%, saving over 10 tonnes of carbon and supplying electricity to the 16 commercial tenants through sub meters.
The second phase, which was completed in May 2013, saw the design and installation of a biomass boiler at the head office that could provide the estate office, two photographic businesses and the main house with heat and hot water. The system installed was a 56kW Okofen biomass boiler, replacing a costly oil heating system, potentially reducing running costs by 30-50%. The system will generate revenue through the Renewable Heat Incentive and has a pay-back time of just five years.
Stephen Davies, Sales Director of The Green Electrician Group said: "Good design and installation is the basis of any high performing renewable installations. Both the biomass and solar PV technologies are good business decisions that will not only help future-proof Broad Oak from escalating energy bills but also provide a new revenue stream."
Mr Warburton-Lee adds: "The technologies have exceeded their expectations and are proving to be a reliable investment and solid new income stream. We continually look for additional investment and diversification opportunities as part of our programme of estate management."
