Eco2 – committed to the future of renewable energy

Sleaford REP, an artist's impression

Eco2 Press Release 28/04/12

With construction of the 38 MW straw-powered biomass combined heat and power plant scheduled to start in a fortnight, the Sleaford plant has been included in the PMs statement to a roundtable meeting of international Energy Ministers yesterday, as part of the Clean Energy Ministerial in Central London.

Speaking to Energy Ministers from 23 leading economies, the Prime Minister welcomed investment of £350million on energy projects that will create 800 jobs, including the Eco2 project which will create 10% of these.

Included in the list of projects detailed in his report as evidence of green investment growth, Downing Street quoted the 250 construction jobs created by the Sleaford project and its projected permanent employment of up to 80 people when it becomes operational in 2014.

"There are huge challenges facing governments across the world today, and one of the most important of all is how we meet our growing energy demands in a way that protects our planet for our children and grandchildren.

"With global demand forecast to increase by more than 40 per cent in the next two decades, we urgently need a more diverse, cleaner mix of energy sources that will give us energy security without causing irreparable damage to the planet.

"Renewables are now the fastest growing energy source on the planet. And I am proud that Britain has played a leading role at the forefront of this green energy revolution.

"Britain has gone from virtually no capacity for renewables, to seeing them provide almost 10 per cent of our total electricity needs last year. And we’ve added more capacity for renewables in the last two years than at any time in the last decade.

"Our commitment and investment in renewable energy has helped to make renewable energy possible. Now we have a different challenge. We need to make it financially sustainable."

David Williams, Chief Executive of Eco2 said:  "In gaining government approval at the highest level, our Sleaford plant is now centre stage as an exemplar of the green economic progress in the UK and part of the vision for sustainable energy.  We are looking forward to construction starting and making a significant contribution to the local economy of Lincolnshire."

Eco2 Ltd announced the sale of its Sleaford plant to specialist investment fund BNP Paribas Clean Energy Fund in a landmark £170m deal in December last year. Eco2 obtained planning permission for the project in 2008, and following the sale, it will manage its construction and subsequent operation.