Today, Daniel Zeichner MP, Minister of State for Food Security and Rural Affairs, visited Thetford Power Station, Europe’s largest poultry litter fuelled power station which has been generating green energy for over 20 years.
The power stations output reduces CO2 emissions by some 85,000 tonnes each year by displacing the equivalent amount of generation from gas fired plants.
Zeichner was joined on the tour by local constituency MP Terry Jermy.
Terry Jermy, Member of Parliament for South West Norfolk, said, “It was very important to have the Minister here to see a truly world leading sustainable business and indeed sustainable model for proving energy. The government’s Clean Power 2030 Action Plan understands that sustainable biomass plants, such as Thetford, are key to help deliver those environmental goals and targets decarbonising many sectors of the economy.
“I visited Thetford Power Station during the general election campaign last year and promised to support them should I be elected. The site supports over 100 jobs locally as well as being an indispensable to the farming community by providing a sustainable method for disposing of chicken waste.”
Daniel Zeichner, Minister of State for Food Security and Rural Affairs, said, “Since being elected Terry has worked tirelessly to promote South West Norfolk – particularly with regards to the environment and farming. He recognises the opportunities for his constituency from Labour’s growth plan which includes exciting clean energy proposals.
“I am grateful to Melton for giving me a tour of the site, I recognise this is an important facility for the local farming community that turns a waste product into electricity. I was particularly pleased to meet a number of apprentices on the visit – it’s great to see the investment in jobs and skills.”
Eddie Wilkinson, CEO of Melton, said, “It was a pleasure to welcome Daniel Zeichner MP, Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs and Terry Jermy, MP for South West Norfolk to Melton Renewable Energy UK’s Thetford power station today.
“Thetford Power Station is a crucial contributor to the local economy supporting highly skilled jobs, local supply chains and the UK’s natural environments by processing hard-to-manage wastes and residues including 370,000 tonnes of poultry litter supplied by poultry industry.”
