Energy and Climate Change Minister Baroness Verma officially opened the Sleaford Renewable Energy Plant today after touring the Plant and officially unveiling a Plaque to mark the occasion.

Sleaford Renewable Energy Plant (REP) entered commercial operation in September 2014. It  is a 38MW power plant, generating enough electricity to power 65,000 homes using sustainable fuel sources, saving 240 000 tonnes of CO2 per annum thus helping the UK achieve its renewable energy targets whilst bolstering the nation’s energy security. The plant’s proven technology is designed for the clean and efficient combustion of straw, the by-product of wheat production, secured mainly from farms within a 50-mile radius of Sleaford; with a majority from within a 30 mile radius. Ash produced by the plant will be recycled as crop fertiliser.

Peter Dickson, Partner and Technical Director at Glennmont Partners, who own the Plant, said:

"We are delighted to weclome Baroness Verma to Sleaford REP and officially open our Plant."  

"Sleaford REP represents a £165million pound investment – generating an additional £ 5.7million annually for the local economy.  It is a win/win project for local jobs, sustainably supporting the local agricultural sector, providing free heat to five local public buildings, whilst primarily generating renewable energy.  However, we are also proud of our community work through the well-being agreement with North Kesteven District Council (NKDC) that is delivering £285,000 of funding which includes grants for local community groups and projects, an education programme, as well as apprenticeships."

"The Plant is the first of its type on the UK (straw burn biomass CHP) and having the Minister here demonstrates the high regard the Government has for this beacon Plant."

The Minister was welcomed to Sleaford at the NKDC offices and was joined by local dignitaries including local MP Stephen Phillips QC, NKDC Leader Cllr Brighton, and Mayor of Sleaford Cllr Keith Dolby (who is also Vice-Chair of Sleaford REP Community Liaison Group).

After taking a tour of the Plant and unveiling a commemorative plaque on site to mark the occasion, Baroness Verma said:

“Sustainable biomass is a key part of our low carbon energy mix and has the potential to power around 8 million homes by 2020. Sleaford Renewable Energy plant is a great example of the benefits on offer including jobs and investment in local community projects."

"I wish the Sleaford Renewable Energy plant every success for the future.”

Sleaford REP was developed by Eco2 and are now subcontracted to run the Plant on behalf of owners Glennmont Partners - its Chairman, Peter Darwell said of the official opening:

“Today represents a great achievement for all parties involved. Eco2 started developing this project in 2006 and we are delighted to be here today to see it officially opened and successfully generating renewable energy.”

David Williams, Chief Executive of Eco2 added,

“The Sleaford plant was hailed as an exemplar of the green economic progress in the UK and part of the vision for sustainable energy by Prime Minister David Cameron.  It is fantastic that it is now making a significant contribution to the local economy of Lincolnshire as well as to national renewable energy targets."

**ENDS**

Notes to Editors

Sleaford REP (www.sleafordrep.co.uk)

- Jobs: it created up to 300 jobs during construction and now supports more than 50 local jobs including: 30 on-site operatives and an addition 20 through fuel source logistics.

In addition,

 - The £285,000 of well-being funding  includes apprenticeships, a sustainability education fund, and a £120,000 community fund and surplus heat generated by the Plant is harnessed and used for heating Sleaford’s public swimming pool, Sleaford Bowling Centre, Sleaford Town Football, William Alvey Primary School, and North Kesteven District Council’s office in the town.

Glennmont Partners (www.glennmont.com)

Glennmont Partners are a specialist investment fund that successfully secured Sleaford REP from renewables developer Eco2 in 2011. Now fully constructed, Glennmont subcontracts the management of the Sleaford REP to Eco2.  

Glennmont Partners is one of Europe’s largest fund managers focusing exclusively on investment in clean energy infrastructure. It raises long-term capital to invest in alternative power generation projects, such as wind farms, biomass power stations, solar parks and small-scale hydro power plants. Their carefully selected, risk managed investments deliver sustained performance and predictable returns over periods of 10 years or more.