Norfolk’s new biomass power station is fuelling an increased demand for Miscanthus to be grown in the county.
East Norfolk Miscanthus growers, Bill and Tom Lewis, are opening their farm on 27th March so that other farmers can learn more about the processes involved with growing, cutting and baling the crop.
Bill has around 30 hectares of Miscanthus and believes that since Snetterton power station opened last year, there’s reason to consider it as a lucrative option with a sustainable future.
“The price for Miscanthus increases every year, as has our yield, and Snetterton power station has a long-term commitment to using the fuel,” he said.
“We’re arable and sheep farmers, and Miscanthus is a secure buffer for the farm, when cereal prices continue to be volatile, and with Brexit around the corner.”
The walk is co-hosted by Miscanthus specialist, Terravesta. “The company supply the rhizomes, support farmers through growing and harvesting the crop, and buy bales annually, to supply power stations, which they have long-term contracts with,” added Bill.
Terravesta has a 15-year contract to ramp up supply to 25,000 tonnes into Snetterton Power Plant, which is roughly 10 percent of the total supply into the plant.
“We also have a 14-year contract to supply Brigg Renewable Energy Power Plant in Lincolnshire," said Alex Robinson, Terravesta operations manager.
“We have huge ambitions, and we’re making continued investment into new markets for the crop, which include large scale power generation, and as a fuel for the wider commercial energy market.”
The Miscanthus harvest demonstration will take place at Abbey Farm, Kings Lynn.
