Renewable power stations 'at risk' over funding

Richard Bloomfield, manager at Thetford Power Station, is concerned about how shutting power stations would effect the environment

Small scale renewable power stations and the jobs they provide in the East are "at risk", according to an energy boss who is calling on the government to pledge further support before it is too late.

Melton Renewable Energy generates power by burning agricultural waste, such as poultry and straw, at its three plants in Thetford in Norfolk, Ely in Cambridgeshire - and Eye in Suffolk.

The company, like many others across the country, has long received financial support from the government as part of its Renewables Obligation scheme.

But there are currently no concrete plans to renew the contract when it runs out in April 2027.

Melton Renewable Energy chief executive Eddie Wilkinson said: "Without this support these stations are potentially not economically viable, so there is a lot at stake, and 150 jobs across the business are probably at risk."

The government's Renewables Obligation scheme, which supports power plants, is ending in April 2027

Mr Wilkinson added: "[The end of the Renewables Obligation] is coming fast down the tracks now and the clock is ticking fast – so we need a positive decision and long-term certainty.

"We are dealing with other people's waste products, we are not chopping down trees – it is homegrown domestic power and in an uncertain world I think that has value."

'Long term future'

According to the Department of Energy Security, the impact the end of the subsidy will have on "security of supply, clean power and the environment" is being assessed.

But "no decisions" have yet been made on whether the government will continue to support small scale biomass generators beyond 2027.

Richard Bloomfield is the manager at Thetford Power Station, which generates enough energy for about 100,000 homes a year by burning 1,600 tonnes of litter a day.

Mr Bloomfield, one of about 40 people employed at the site, is worried about the extent to which such plants no longer existing may effect the environment.

Melton Renewable Energy chief executive Eddie Wilkinson is concerned about the future of biomass power plants in the region

"We are an important part of the infrastructure in the area and we need to ensure we have a long-term future," he told the BBC.

"If we weren't able to take the litter there would be 450,000 tonnes set aside on the fields, which would seep into the watercourse, killing rivers and causing heavy pollution.

"I am concerned."

Thetford Power Station produces enough energy to power 100,000 homes each year

MP Terry Jermy told the BBC he had been having "encouraging" conversations with the government over the support it can provide to power stations in the region

But the Labour MP for South West Norfolk, Terry Jermy, believes the government appreciates the importance of biomass stations like those in East Anglia.

"We've got to be looking at all forms of power and I think biomass is actually part of that, so stations like this one here in Thetford are absolutely crucial," he said.

"We've had some encouraging conversations with the government but there is a lot to sort out, but I think we are making a really strong case.

"From an economic, environmental and electricity point of view, these sites are really important."