This presentation formed part of the Farming Futures workshop 'Profitable business in a changing climate: Renewables Masterclass' March 22nd 2010

1. Rural Development Programme for
England (RDPE)
2007 – 2013 and
Renewable Energy
Jonathan King
European Project Manager
SEEDA

2. Overview of RDPE

3. RDPE 2007 to 2013
• Total budget £3.9 bn funded by
– Defra £850m
– EU £750m European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development
– Voluntary Modulation £1.5bn + £800m from Defra
• £3.3bn via Natural England & Forestry Commission
• £554m via Regional Development Agencies

4. RDPE objectives
Axis 2
• Improving the environment and the countryside
– Entry Level Scheme
– Higher Level Scheme
– England Forestry Grants.
• 80% of the budget
• Delivered by Natural England and the Forestry
Commission

5. RDPE objectives
Axis 1
• Improving the competitiveness of the agricultural,
horticultural and forestry sectors
• Includes supporting, for example
– Training and technology transfer
– Renewable energy projects
– Adding-value
– Improved water resources management
– Making better use of forestry
• 10% of the budget
• Delivered by Regional Development Agencies

6. RDPE objectives
Axis 3
• Improving the quality of life in rural areas and
encouraging diversification
• Includes supporting, for example
– Farm diversification
– Rural tourism
– Rural micro-businesses
– Assisting rural communities
• 10% of the budget
• Delivered by Regional Development Agencies

7. Funding 2007 to 2013
Axis 1 Axis 3 Total
N East £15m £32m £47m
N West £38m £36m £74m
Yorks & Humber £32m £34m £66m
East Mids £28m £32m £60m
West Mids £34m £32m £54m
East of England £24m £41m £65m
South West £49m £52m £101m
South East £27m £37m £64m

8. RDPE Funding for Renewable
Energy Projects
Funding available through two measures:
• Modernisation of agricultural holdings (axis 1)
• Diversification into non agricultural activities (axis 3)
Which measure is dependant on how the energy is used

9. Modernisation of agricultural holdings
(Measure 121)
To be eligible under this measure the
majority of the energy released for use
must be used on farm within the farm
business

10. Modernisation of agricultural holdings
• Who’s eligible under this measure?
Farmers, land owners, groups of farmers
• What level of grant available
up to 40%
Budgetary constraints may limit amount

11. Diversification into non agricultural activities
(Measure 311)
To be eligible under this measure the
majority of the energy released for use
will be sold

12. Diversification into non agricultural activities
• Who’s eligible under this measure?
Farmers, Groups of Farmers
• What level of grant available
either up to 50% to a maximum of 200,000 euros
or flat rate of 20%
budgetary constraints may limit amount

13. What Type of Energy Projects are eligible:
• Any small scale on farm system producing
renewable heat or electricity
E.G.:
Biomass
Hydro-electric
Solar- thermal and photovoltaic
Anaerobic Digestion
Wind
Ground Source Heat Pumps

14. What costs are eligible?
Building costs,
Technical equipment,
Consultancy fees
What costs are ineligible
Grid connections
Statutory fees e.g. planning permission

15. RDPE, Feed in Tariffs & Renewable
Heat Incentives
Complex so be cautious
Take independent professional advice

16. The application process
• Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to SEEDA
• SEEDA respond to EOI
• Submit application to SEEDA
• Application appraised by SEEDA
• Application put to Regional Appraisal Panel (RAP)
• RAP make formal offer of grant
• Accept offer and commence construction

17. Do’s and Don’ts
Do’s
• Talk to us about your project before you submit an EOI
• Obtain planning permission before you submit an application
• Keep us informed as your project proceeds
Don’ts
• Don’t start work or commit to capital expenditure or purchase
equipment before you receive a formal offer of grant.

18. Further information
Further details on RDPE can be found at:
http://www.seeda.org.uk/rdpe/
Or
Telephone
Jonathan King on 07789171621