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France’s farmers turn to renewable energy for economic reasons

Solar, wind and biomass energy are taking off in France in the wake of national and European energy targets. Farmers see them as a potential source of steady income amid erratic commodity prices, a way of cutting costs

Analysis: French farmers turning to renewable energy Jan 21, 2011 ESTIGNEY, France (Reuters) – An increasing number of farmers will try to claim a share of France’s renewable energy sector to help cope with farm price volatility and counter environmental criticism that has tarnished their rural image.

Solar, wind and biomass energy are taking off in France in the wake of national and European energy targets. Farmers see them as a potential source of steady income amid erratic commodity prices, a way of cutting costs and a riposte to an image of farms as polluting.

French farm income is estimated to have risen by two-thirds in 2010 on the back of surging grain prices…………

Farm groups are looking to biogas in particular as a model for efficient, sustainable and locally controlled agriculture. For now, solar and wind power are more common.

In Igney and neighboring villages in a northeastern farm belt better known for Munster cheese, 99 locals provided 10 percent of a 35 million euro ($47.4 million) investment by local start-up Erelia — now part of GDF Suez — to build 22 windmills in the area.

“This project gave an impetus to renewable energies as a whole in the district,” said Stephane Malgras, a cattle farmer who invested 10,000 euros in the project……

 

On a bright, snowy winter’s morning, the towering white turbines have a harmonious appearance that lends weight to Malgras’ claim that “no one has said it’s ugly.”

Solar energy has offered the prospect of a bigger return for farmers. Several thousand of them have signed up to receive attractive rates set by the government for selling electricity to the grid from roof-integrated panels, which are well-suited to farm hangars.

The tariffs, safeguarded in 20-year contracts, have enabled farmers to get bank loans sometimes worth millions to pay for installation, providing the prospect of extra income for retirement ……….

Analysis: French farmers turning to renewable energy | Reuters

January 22, 2011 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | France, renewable