THE potential benefits and pitfalls of renewable energy will be explained at two meetings next week.

The new Feed in Tariffs (FIT) scheme was introduced on April 1 and gives farmers the potential of a guaranteed income for 20 years.

Andrew Entwistle, of George F White, said the three-year scheme aims to kick-start small-scale energy production.

He said: “We do not think FIT will be renewed at the end of this period, so people do need to take advantage within the next three years.”

The company has established a subsidiary – gfw-wind – to give independent advice to farmers, tenants and landowners on establishing their own small-scale renewable energy schemes.

Mr Entwistle said it was a direct result of many clients asking about renewables but finding it hard to get an independent view.

“There are people doing renewables, but they are usually trying to sell their own kit,” he said.

“We decided to do it ourselves and give people good, independent advice. We are doing quite a lot of feasibility studies at the moment.”

FIT requires energy companies to pay anyone who generates small scale energy production.

Payments are guaranteed for 20 years.

Mr Entwistle gave the example of a farmer who uses 10,000KW a year and who installs a micro wind turbine which generates 7,500KW annually.

Not only would the farm receive 7,500KW of energy free, but the farmer would also receive £2,000 a year for 20 years for producing it.

Turbines do need planning permission and must have a micro generation certificate to qualify for FIT, something which is not always explained.

There are opportunities for larger-scale wind turbines and wind farms but there could be tax implications with some.

FITs also covers other opportunities including hydro plants, solar panels, and small-scale anaerobic digestion plants.

Mr Entwistle said: “Of all the renewables, wind is the most developed because it is more tangible, you can see a turbine.

On the small and mid-scale it is definitely a growing area.”

The company will explain all the benefits and pitfalls of renewable energy and FIT at two meetings next week.

They are at Tynedale Rugby Club, Corbridge, on Monday, and Sedgefield race course on Tuesday; both at 6pm.