Renewable energy a money spinner for French farmers
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,
Analysis: French farmers turning to renewable energy By Gus Trompiz., France 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
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Zoom webinar – “Nuclear Winter: The Environmental Consequences of a Nuclear Exchange.”
April 7th at 11:30 am PST / 2:30 pm EST
Nuclear Winter: The Environmental Consequences of a Nuclear Exchange”
Join us for an informative webinar with renowned atmospheric scientist, Professor Brian Toon, as he discusses the environmental risks and global impacts of a nuclear war. Despite the potential damage caused by the blast from even small nuclear weapons, many countries continue to invest in and expand nuclear arsenals. Professor Toon will provide a scientific assessment of civilian fatalities, agricultural failures, climate concerns, and complications with food supply that would follow any international nuclear conflict. We need to plan how to prevent nuclear conflict and avoid catastrophe. Politicians and military planners must be made aware of global climate and agricultural complications that would ensue. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from, and engage in, this vital conversation
The Road to War brings a sharp focus to why it is not in Australia’s best interest to be dragged into a war with China which will almost inevitably go nuclear very quickly. The filmmaker has interviewed some of Australia’s senior foreign policy analysts who have vast experience behind them in analysing what really is going on here as the United States rattles its sabres with China. And sets us up to be its proxy, like the poor Ukranians have been fed into the Meatgrinder. So America can remain the Top Dog. The Road to War reveals how the United States through its spy base at Pine Gap and by stationing six nuclear capable B52 bombers in the Top End (without permission from the traditional owners) is making Australia a prime nuclear target if the current war of words suddenly melts down into full scale war.
The Road to War shows the implicit connection between Carbon emissions (the US military uses a whopping 70% of America’s annual petroleum to move its armies and vast War Machine around the globe to its 800+ military bases..but under a loophole wangled at Kyoto, the US military does not have to report its C02 annual emissions). The Road to War starts screening at selected cities and regional centres in March. See the trailer end for details.
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