In a time when energy costs are rising, regulations are tightening, and pressures to decarbonise are increasing, UK farmers need more than general advice — they need tailored, practical support.
That’s where
NFU Energy steps in.
What is NFU Energy?
NFU Energy is an energy consultancy service under the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) that’s specifically geared towards agriculture and horticulture.
It does several things:
Helps farmers buy and sell energy — securing competitive energy contracts, handling the paperwork, managing supplier issues.
Offers support to generate their own energy — through renewables like solar PV, wind, anaerobic digestion, etc., and helping with subsidies and feasibility.
Helps with using energy more efficiently — audits, feasibility studies, advice on saving methods.
Helps farmers stay compliant with regulations and make the most of schemes/discounts like the Climate Change Levy (CCL), RHI, etc.
Key Ways It Helps Farmers
Here are some of the concrete benefits that NFU Energy brings to farms and growers:
Cost savings
NFU Energy helps members secure better energy deals, often with less effort on the farmer’s part. This includes negotiating contracts and acting as part of buying groups.
For many farms, energy is a significant fixed cost. Even marginal savings on electricity, gas or fuel can make a real difference to profitability.
Access to renewable generation and diversification
Farmers are increasingly looking to generate their own energy — solar panels, wind turbines, battery storage — both to reduce their bills and potentially earn income from selling back to the grid. NFU Energy helps assess feasibility, find installers, understand the returns.
Also, by partnering with accredited renewable installers (e.g. YLEM Energy, Infinite Renewables) NFU Energy reduces some of the risk and complexity.
Regulatory compliance and financial incentives
Staying on top of energy regulation is tricky. For certain sectors (pig, poultry, protected horticulture), there are specific schemes like CCL (Climate Change Levy) discounts, Climate Change Agreements, etc. NFU Energy helps members manage their compliance, returns, data reporting.
Practical help with efficiency
On-site energy audits, renewables feasibility studies, recommendations such as switching to LED lighting, variable speed drives for pumps/fans, electric vehicle alternatives — these are real, tangible actions that farms can take.
Decarbonisation & long-term resilience
With net zero goals looming, farmers are under pressure to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. NFU Energy works with local authorities & schemes (for example the North Yorkshire fully-funded decarbonisation initiative) to give farmers the tools to reduce emissions and become more sustainable.
Reducing administrative burden
Much of the complexity of energy contracts, regulatory reporting, subsidy applications, etc., is offloaded from farmers to NFU Energy. That frees up time and reduces risk of costly mistakes.
Challenges & Considerations
While NFU Energy offers a lot, it's not a magic wand. Here are some challenges/limitations:
Upfront costs: Even when feasibility and subsidy help is available, installing renewable technologies or making major efficiency upgrades can require significant capital.
Complexity & bureaucracy: Regulations, schemes, compliance can still be confusing, and not all farms have the capacity to act quickly.
Suitability: Not all farms will have the right geography, scale or infrastructure for certain technologies (solar, wind, battery storage).
Long payoff periods: Some investments only pay off after many years; farmers under financial pressure may struggle to wait.
Why It Matters Now
A few reasons NFU Energy is especially relevant in the current climate:
Energy prices remain volatile. Farmers face rising costs for electricity, gas, fuel, and are exposed to global energy markets.
Environmental regulations are tightening, plus there is increasing pressure (from policy, from consumers) to reduce carbon emissions.
Government grants and “green” schemes are more available now, but navigating them effectively is tricky; having specialist support gives an advantage.
Diversification is increasingly important for farm income resilience. Generating energy or selling back to the grid can provide an alternative revenue stream.
Success Stories & Examples
Here are a few examples of what NFU Energy has already done:
A pilot scheme in the North of England where 16 farms received free energy audits and renewable feasibility assessments. The recommendations included standard measures (LED lighting, variable speed drives) and options for renewables.
The North Yorkshire decarbonisation initiative: 30 farms will be chosen to receive fully funded assessments (energy audits, renewables feasibility, soil carbon testing etc.) to help them reduce greenhouse gas emissions while improving efficiency.
What Could Be Improved / What to Watch For
To maximise the benefit of NFU Energy, here are some areas that might be looked at:
Ensuring that assistance reaches smaller farms, which may have less capacity or fewer resources.
Continuing to reduce paperwork, simplify applications, speed up decision-making for grants/subsidies.
More accessible financing options (loans, grants) so that farms don’t need to front large sums.
More regionally tailored advice, since what works (climate, grid access, planning permission etc.) can vary a lot.
Clear guidance and transparency around the payback times, risks, maintenance for renewable installations etc.
In Conclusion
NFU Energy represents a powerful resource for UK farmers and growers: helping reduce energy costs, improve efficiency, comply with regulations, and move toward more sustainable, resilient farming. Especially in times of rising costs and climate concern, having such specialist support is vital.
For those working in agriculture, keeping an eye on what NFU Energy offers — audits, renewable feasibility, compliance help — is more than just “nice to have”. It can make a material difference to the bottom line, to farm sustainability, and to future proofing operations.
To learn more visit https://nfuenergy.co.uk
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