Shadow Farming Minister Angela Smith MP today visited Sleaford REP to see for herself how an agricultural by-product (straw) is being used to power 65,000 homes and provide an extra income stream for local farmers.

Ms Smith was given a presentation on how the plant operates as well as the important community benefits Sleaford REP is providing through the district heating system and its well-being community fund. She also heard how the unique and productive relationship the Plant has with North Kesteven District Council which, as Cllr Richard Wright explained,was recently ‘Highly Commended’ at the MJ Awards in London.

Angela Smith MP said of her visit:

‘I was extremely impressed with how a by-product is being turned into both an income for local farmers and renewable energy. It is a win/win project especially with the added community benefits which collectively means that Sleaford REP is a beacon power plant for the UK.

As the Shadow Farming Minister I have been impressed how the agricultural sector is embracing renewable energy from generating electricity using straw, anaerobic digestion and solar power. The sector increasingly seems to me to be at the forefront of the small and medium scale renewable energy revolution which really started back in 2008 when the whole of Parliament passed the Climate Change Act under the previous Labour government.

I thank Glennmont and staff at Sleaford REP for a thoroughly enjoyable and informative visit.’

Peter Dickson, Partner of Glennmont Partners, the owners of Sleaford REP, commented:

‘We were delighted to welcome the Shadow Farming Minister to our flagship project in Sleaford.

Biomass fired power generation is the only baseload renewable energy technology and at a time of stress in the UK generation portfolio it provides much needed capacity.  Sleaford operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to produce secure sustainable power for the people of Lincolnshire.  In addition we produce heat for the local authority offices; for the William Alvey Primary School; and for local sports facilities.  The capital invested in the project provides long term secure income for a number of UK public sector pension schemes, among others.  We are understandably proud of what we have accomplished with this project.

Sleaford REP is nearing a full year in operation and is running well which the Shadow Minister was able to see for herself and we thank her for taking the time to visit the Plant.’

Pictured left to right:

Shadow Farming Minister Angela Smith MP; Darren Smith, Eco2 Plant Manager; Peter Dickson, Partner of Glennmont Partners.