For businesses considering installing energy-saving technologies, seeing them in action before making an investment can make a huge difference. Businesses that attended Kirklands Farm’s open day were able to see a wide range of technologies already being used on site.
Our Business Energy Advisor, Michael McGovern, attended the Farm Scale Renewables: The What, The Why, The How event, which was organised by our colleagues at Scotland’s Farm Advisory Service (FAS).
Designed to showcase how renewable and low-carbon technologies are being used on a working farm, the event brought together farmers, rural businesses and industry professionals to explore these technologies and learn how they are being used at Kirklands.
Kirklands is a modern family dairy in Dunsyre, South Lanarkshire, with a progressive outlook that has led to innovation in housing, robotics, crop management, genomics, feed efficiency, forage intake and calf rearing.
As a fully automated dairy farm that operates around the clock, attendees got to see several renewable and low-carbon technologies in action.
The most visible technology was the large solar photovoltaic (PV) array covering the cowshed. The 280kWp system helps reduce energy costs by allowing the farm to generate its own electricity and reduce its reliance on imported energy.
A recent addition to the PV array is a new set of panels and a 122kWh battery storage system. Located on site, the battery system helps the farm use more of the renewable electricity it generates, reducing energy bills.
Visitors also saw a rechargeable electric silage pusher and a rechargeable electric slurry scraper being used as part of daily farm operations.
Destratification fans were also on show. These help circulate air throughout the building to maintain animal welfare.
Discussions also covered future opportunities, including a potential ice builder system installation. If introduced, the technology could help improve milk cooling efficiency and reduce the energy needed to store and process milk at the correct temperature.
Seeing these technologies first-hand in a working farming environment helped attendees understand how they could be integrated into their own existing operations. It also highlighted the farm’s approach to investing in renewable and energy-efficiency technologies.
Michael said:
“Many organisations are interested in reducing energy costs and carbon emissions but aren’t always sure about taking the next step. Events like this help people see technologies in practice, learn from the experiences of others and make more confident decisions about their own investments.”
Looking for more inspiration?
The Green Network for Businesses is an online database of over 300 businesses, charities and organisations across Scotland taking effective steps to reduce their environmental impact.
Search the network to get inspiration, tips and ideas for your organisation. You can enter a postcode and search filters to find member projects near you.
Keep an eye on the Farm Advisory Service’s website for notifications of on-farm renewable energy events.
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