The National Trust (www.nationaltrust.org.uk) has announced that it is investing £30 million in renewable energy, including a 230kW hydro project designed to heat and power some of its historic places; this is on top of the five renewable energy projects launched in 2013 at National Trust properties as part of a £3.5 million pilot launched with Good Energy.

The investment is part of the National Trust’s goal to cut its energy usage by 20% and source 50% of its energy from renewable sources by 2020. The renewable energy programme could also help it save up to £4 million on its energy costs each year, allowing more money to be spent on conservation work.

With the help of Chippenham-based Good Energy, the National Trust is investing in more than 40 projects, which include: a 250kW hydro scheme at Hayeswater in Cumbria; two biomass boilers at Upton House in Warwickshire; and a 200kW lake source heating project at Blickling Estate in Norfolk.

National Trust rural enterprises director Patrick Begg said: “Many of the properties in our care are energy-intensive and in remote areas without access to mains gas. Installing renewable technology in these places is a huge challenge.

“For instance, we found that connecting hydros to the grid is more complicated than we expected. We have learnt a great deal, and we will continue to do so.”