From 1st February, the Carbon Trust will extend their interest free Energy Efficiency Loans scheme so that the agricultural sector can apply for funding ranging between £3,000 and £20,000 to upgrade their equipment.
The loans can be used to buy energy efficient equipment such as:
- Thermal screens used in greenhouse horticulture, which typically cost up to £20,000 and can save more than 100 tonnes of CO2 emissions each year.
- Grain drying humidity controls used in arable farming, which cost around £3,000 but can reduce energy bills by up to £1,500 per year.
- Upgrading heating and ventilation controls in livestock farms which cost approximately £3,000 but can lead to savings worth £4,000 a year.
It is thought the Carbon Trust will make up to £12 million worth of loans available on a first come, first served basis; a sum that could benefit a thousand farm businesses.
Announcing the move, Environment Secretary Hilary Benn claimed:
"It makes sense for farmers to reduce the energy they use. It reduces the cost of producing food, and it cuts the environmental impact too - something more and more consumers are asking about."
Tom Delay, Chief Executive of the Carbon Trust said:
"Upgrading old equipment using our loans scheme is an excellent way for farmers to be more competitive in difficult times, by cutting their costs and reducing carbon emissions."
The decision has been welcomed by NFU President Peter Kendall, who argued that improving energy efficiency was a 'win-win situation':
"It helps cut agriculture's greenhouse gas emissions as well as saving money for farmers and growers."
Further details about Energy Efficiency Loans can be found on the Carbon Trust website.
Source: Carbon Trust 21/12/2009
