East Durham farmer reveals 'how investing in a wind turbine slashed my energy bills'
Plans to encourage farms to install small wind turbines for their own use have been welcomed by a prominent local farmer and farming union bosses.
Andrew Thompson, who owns Murton Hall Farm, in Wingate, invested in a wind turbine three years ago, slashing his property’s energy bills and feeding electricity back to the grid.
And he says other farms across the country might benefit from returning to a model in which farmers once again harness the wind for profit.
The Government plans to remove the need for planning permission for small wind turbines on farms, schools and factories as it pushes to accelerate the country’s drive for energy independence.
The proposals would enable farmers, businesses and schools to reduce their bills and help protect them against volatile fossil fuel markets.
Andrew said: “Hundreds of years ago, we had lots of wind turbines – or windmills, as they then were – so we could be going back to that model.
“Those windmills were grinding corn and most farms had their own to make flour.
“This is a slightly different concept.
“They are not quite as bulky as they were back then. But the ones that are going to be sited on farms are probably not a great deal taller than the windmills that were on farms a hundred years ago and they can be a great way to lower bills.”
National Farmers’ Union president Tom Bradshaw said: “We’re pleased that the government has listened and will allow farmers to put up a turbine of up to 30 metres – no bigger than an oak tree – without having to submit complex planning proposals.
“This will help cut energy costs at a time when margins are extremely tight and provide long-term business resilience, so farmers can continue to produce food for the nation alongside their work in protecting and enhancing the environment.”
Andrew, who is chair of Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) Durham, invested in his wind turbine for environmental reasons but has seen excellent financial returns as fossil fuel prices have shot up.
His turbine cost £60,000 and produces around 25,000 kilowatts a year for the farm.
The original payback was expected to be 20 years but after the increase in electricity prices in recent years, it should now pay for itself within 10.