John Blackburne, right, has installed a wind turbine on his farm at North Pickenham. The venture was supported by Stuart Baxter, left, at NatWest

Farmer John Blackburne is hoping to switch on to the benefits of wind energy after installing a wind turbine on his North Pickenham farm.

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Mr Blackburne is diversifying from his traditional pig farming business after securing funding from banking partner NatWest.

The move to producing energy through the installation of the turbine on the 13 acres at Daleacres farm will provide both cost savings and create additional revenue generation to Mr Blackburne.

The energy produced will supply power to run the farm, and will also be sold to utility providers. Mr Blackburne will also stay true to his roots by continuing to rear pigs.

More businesses are looking at ways to become efficient and sustainable particularly in the midst of rising energy costs.

Renewable energy technologies are becoming increasingly attractive as economic uncertainty prompts businesses to become more efficient and sustainable.

And wind turbines and solar panels are seen as inexpensive to run once installed and offer long-term benefits to running costs and the environment.

The Energy Saving Trust also estimates that 40pc of all wind energy in Europe blows over the UK.

Mr Blackburne said: “While we will never turn our backs on the tradition of pig farming here at Daleacres, we had to explore how we can generate more revenue.

“The wind turbine option will not only bring in money, it will also help save it. It also establishes a new legacy at the farm, renewing energy to help benefit both the farm and the local community.”

Stuart Baxter, agriculture manager, business banking at NatWest said: “John is not the first and he will certainly not be the last farmer to look towards renewable energy as the future of their operations.

“The bank has recognised this through the launch earlier this year of a £50m renewable energy fund to support such projects.”