With interest in renewables at an all-time high and attractive returns on offer, now could be the time to join the green revolution. But, as Ben Collard explains, careful planning is essential for anyone looking for a slice of the action.

WITH an increased commitment by the Government to reduce the UK’s carbon output still further, continuing uncertainty over oil prices and the nuclear disaster at Fukushima leading to a rethink on European nuclear policy, the North East looks set to benefit further from the investments it has already made in renewable energy.

From installing charging points for electric cars to investing in infrastructure for offshore wind, the region is already at the forefront of developments in renewable technology. Sustainable energy production could even provide part of the stimulus to lift the North East out of our current economic difficulties.

Whether you are a business, an individual or a family, now is the ideal time to look at releasing value from your land and property either from a small-scale project such as your own small turbine or solar pv panels through to large-scale wind farms and renewable heat projects.

Not only will many of these installations reduce your own energy bills, they will also provide you with an additional income stream. However, as with any project, planning is crucial as there is a fine line between a successful project and a complete failure.

Both the Government and the private sector are offering schemes to make renewable projects easier to finance and quicker to produce a return on investment by allowing the sale of energy to the national grid.

The current feed-in tariffs scheme provides payments for 20 to 25 years with an 8-15% return on investment. Compared to the interest rates offered by banks this is extremely attractive. Farmers and landowners have access to preferential loans and developers who can offer a ground rent or free electricity deal.

The RHI is also likely to commence for domestic customers from July/August 2012. To help with the capital cost of domestic installations there is a proposed “premium payment” scheme made between 2011 and July/August 2012. The proposed figures range from £300-£1,250 depending on the technology.

Therefore, timing is extremely important for all who are considering a renewable energy product. The current feed-in tariffs are in review, so people need to act quickly, if they are to have a realistic chance of success.

While such support makes these projects an extremely worthwhile consideration, the planning stage is crucial as there both obstacles and opportunities.

Finding the potential objections to a project and mitigating against these is very important to achieve the right result. Issues such as a negative impacts on the landscape, environmental concerns, weak grid connection, radar and telecommunications interference are all potential show stoppers.

A project that is well planned from the start, takes these factors into account, and looks at ways to minimise objections is more likely to have a quicker and less costly route to a planning consent.