Hill farmers can cash in on hydro-power

Seven farmers with ample supply of water in the Northumberland uplands have trailed new micro hydro technology on their farms in a project funded by the Northumberland Uplands Local Action Group (NULAG) and Northumberland National Park Authority.

The farmers, who operate on tight margins, found they could make savings of between 5 and 10 per cent using on-farm power generation.

Graham Dixon, who farms at Alwinton Farm, commissioned the project after he underwent a carbon footprint report on his farm last year.

“There has been much publicity regarding renewable energy production on farms but what we needed were some hard facts to show what is feasible for specific sites,” he said.

The study proved there were practical measures available to tackle the environmental and economic issues facing hill farms, he added.  

The study authors said hydro energy could benefit the many remote farms in the Cheviots who were not on the national grid and powered by expensive diesel generators.

They added that for five of the seven farms assessed, micro hydro electricity generation had delivered important economic benefits alongside carbon emissions reductions.

Roger Wilson, chairman of NULAG said: “This collaboration is a great example of how sharing energy and ideas can give farmers confidence and enthusiasm for a sustainable and rewarding future in the Uplands.”

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