A MAJOR renewable energy event begins in Glasgow today, with a strong emphasis on 'distributed' generation - particularly the growing army of Scottish farmers each putting their own modest contribution into the country's power grid.

All Energy, being staged at the SECC today and Thursday, will see NFU Scotland's Renewable Development Initiative play an important part in proceedings, with farmers who have already embraced renewable technology participating in an open discussion session about their energy schemes and inviting questions from anyone thinking of following their lead.

The union's three-year RDI project is designed to provide sound, independent advice to farmers and land managers across Scotland on making that move. Through a programme of on-farm events, the initiative has already shown hundreds of Scottish farmers energy projects - small-scale wind, solar, biomass, gasification, hydro, biodiesel, heat pumps and anaerobic digestion - that are contributing to farm businesses or are at the planning stage.

The five farmers participating in today's All Energy seminar have all hosted RDI events: Robert Ramsay of Kinblethmont, Angus; Rupert Shaw of Gledpark Farm, Dumfries & Galloway; Jim Shanks of Standhill Farm, in the Scottish Borders; Andrew Stewart of Marshill Farm, Lanark and Hamish Watson of Balring Farm, Aberdeenshire.

Speaking ahead of All Energy, RDI co-ordinator Thomas McMillan, of land agents Smiths Gore, said: "Farm-based renewables will be central to Scotland achieving its ground-breaking energy targets. The Renewable Development Initiative continues to drive forward understanding around the planning, financing, building and operation of installations in the Scottish countryside.

"Since November 2013, 17 RDI events have been held on Scottish farms up and down the country, introducing several hundred farmers to renewable technologies through existing or planned projects with more events organised for May and June. The RDI has already demonstrated that the expanding range of renewable technology is offering Scottish farmers the chance to generate significant energy savings on farm and add a potential new income stream to the business.

"It has been hugely encouraging to see so many farmers, through the RDI, be prepared to open their gates to their fellow producers to allow others to see just what is involved in taking a project from planning, finance and consultation all the way through to completion and operation. This willingness to share experience in farm-based renewables - both good and bad - will see those same farmers take centre stage at All Energy this week."

Aside from All Energy's formal presentations, the event is a massive trade fair, packing out the SECC with all the latest renewable energy machines, plus exhibits of the technologies yet to come.

- The Scottish Farmer's annual Agricultural Supplier Awards are now open for nominations. To find out more and submit nominations, go to www.agriculturalsupplierawards.co.uk