EMSc UK Ltd, the market leading manufacturer of the world’s most efficient voltage optimisation system, Powerstar, is working together with farmers across the Yorkshire and Humber region to help them benefit from grants of up to £25,000.

Farmers within the Yorkshire and Humber region can apply for the grants to invest in energy efficient equipment - including energy saving voltage optimisation units - which will assist in the reduction of electricity costs and their carbon footprint.

Voltage optimisation is a recognised technology that is particularly relevant in the UK, as power supplied by the National Grid exceeds the recommended operating voltages for much of the plant, machinery and equipment used. The Powerstar voltage optimisation system reduces energy use by controlling the incoming voltage so that it more accurately meets the specifications of equipment on site.

The second round of funding, which was launched on the 26th August, comes from the Rural Development Programme for England, and is jointly funded by Defra and the European Union. Farmers can apply through CO2Sense, the not-for-profit environmental consultancy that helps businesses, including farms, cut their carbon emissions and grow.

Dr Alex Mardapittas, managing director at EMSc UK Ltd, commented, “The funding provides a great investment opportunity for farmers. Voltage optimisation is a cost effective solution that allows users to quickly make tangible savings on energy consumption. With payback from Powerstar typically between 0.8 and 3 years it is also a commercially sound investment.”

In the first round of funding, launched in June 2011, thirteen farms received funding, and are now saving around £80,500 and over 300 tonnes of CO2 from the new equipment.