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Why this sheep farmer added a turbine to his flock
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What's it actually like to live and work alongside a wind turbine?
We put some quick-fire questions to the landowner of one of our Octopus Fan Club turbines to hear his experience first-hand. From the impact on his land to the importance of diversification, tackling concerns like noise, and most importantly, what do the sheep think?
If you’ve ever wondered what adding a turbine could mean for your land and your community, his answers might be just the insight you’ve been looking for.
What first made you think, “Yes, I’d like a wind turbine on my land”?
Geraint - “It was basically to help the farm to stay afloat!”
Diversification is key to the future of farming, and renewables can play a big role in making it happen. Hosting a turbine alongside traditional farming helps create stable income while keeping the land productive.
Did you have any worries before making the decision?
Geraint - “There was a slight worry as it was all new to us and we knew very little about them, but now truthfully, I love the turbine.”
It’s completely normal to feel a bit unsure at first, most landowners do! Adding renewables to your land is a big step, but that’s what we’re here for: to walk you through it, answer questions, and make sure it really works for you. Geraints now had this turbine on his land for 10 years!
How did the local community respond to a turbine in their area?
Geraint - “I’ve had no negative or positive feedback or comments.”
In Geraint’s case, things were pretty quiet locally. No complaints and no issues. But across the UK, the picture’s clear: we found that 9 out of 10 people support onshore wind, and we’ve had over 41,000 requests for ‘Fan Club’ turbines so far. At recent Plots for Kilowatts consultations, the response has been hugely positive. We’re focused on building turbines in places where people really want them.
What’s it actually like living and working alongside a turbine?
Geraint -“It’s great, we got used to living and working alongside it very quickly. There has been no change in our routine at all."
Leasing your land for renewables doesn’t mean giving up what you already do with it. In most cases, you can carry on as normal, whether that’s farming, grazing, or other day-to-day use. It’s all about dual land use: making the land work harder without changing your routine.
How much of your land does the turbine actually take up?
Geraint - “Very little considering what it is and what it can produce”
For a turbine, the actual footprint is surprisingly small. Just the base and an access track. In Geraint’s case, the base is only 11m diameter, which means the rest of his land carries on being used exactly as before.
Do the sheep notice it at all, or is it just another part of the scenery?
Geraint - “The sheep and cattle couldn’t give a monkeys, they’re not bothered by it whatsoever, and will graze right up to the base.”
What's a Welsh turbine without some sheep!
How much of your time and effort is required to manage the turbine?
Geraint - “Absolutely nothing!”
That’s right, nothing at all. When you lease your land for renewables, we handle everything from installation to maintenance. You just receive your rental payments while we do the hard work. Benefits without the hassle
How does it feel knowing your land is literally powering local discounts through the Octopus Fan Club?
Geraint - “I’m extremely proud to have an octopus turbine on my land and can’t recommend joining enough."
The Octopus Fan Club allows customers living close to one of our Fan Club turbines to receive up to 50% off their electricity bill when their local turbine is spinning. Members can monitor their ‘Fan’ and shift their energy consumption to when it’s cheapest & greenest. Want a Fan Club near you? Register your interest now.
Has the turbine changed the way you think about energy and the future of farming?
Geraint - “Yes. Being 1250ft above sea level makes me wonder why there aren't more turbines around this area as we have plenty of wind. And the way Octopus has packaged the Fan Club deal is nothing short of incredible especially with the rising cost of power. With all the difficulties and uncertainty we farmers face, the turbine is a large contributor to the farm staying afloat.”
You live very close to the turbine, is it noisy?
Geraint - “After a short time and to this day I don’t notice any sound from it”
What’s the biggest myth about turbines you’ve found isn’t true?
Geraint - “That it’s noisy!”
Modern wind turbines are much quieter than people think. The main sound comes from the wind moving through the blades, and most of the time, especially in rural areas, the wind itself is louder than the turbine. As Geraint puts it: after a short while, you just don’t notice it (if you even noticed it in the first place!)
If you were advising another landowner, what would you tell them about the business case?
Geraint - “If you’re lucky enough to get the chance it makes perfect business sense.”
If you lease your land for renewables, you’ll receive an inflation-linked annual rental payment, for up to 40 years. It’s steady, long-term income that can sit alongside your existing farming business. As Geraint says: if you get the chance, it just makes sense.
What would you say to another landowner who’s sitting on the fence about Plots for Kilowatts?
Geraint - “It should be an easy decision really. Go for it!”
If another farmer or landowner asked you, “Is it worth it?” - what would you say?
Geraint - “100% yes!!”
Lease your land to the renewable energy revolution
Inspired by Geraint? Search Plots for Kilowatts today. Register a plot in less than 60 second and see if your land has renewable potential with a free site assessment.
