Banham Poultry Receives U.K. Approval for Renewable Project

Renewable Energy Today, Feb 17, 2004

Norfolk, England-based Banham Poultry, Ltd. recently announced that its newly launched energy division Banham Power, Ltd. will help advance the parent company's plan to establish a renewable power plant near Attleborough, Norfolk, which has won approval from the U.K. Environment Agency under the Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (IPPC) regulations.

According to Banham Poultry, the 10-million-pound (about $18.8-million) project involves the heating of dried poultry byproducts under contained, oxygen-free conditions to release a combustible gas that can be used to generate electricity.

Banham Poultry noted that the plant will be capable of handling up to 1,200 tons of material per week, producing 5.5 megawatts of renewable power.

"The spiraling costs of byproduct disposal have dogged the entire livestock sector since [mad cow disease]," said Banham Poultry director Robin Goram. "By transforming animal byproducts into clean, renewable energy, we believe this project is of strategic significance -- not only for reducing waste and boosting renewable energy supplies, but also for the future competitiveness of our food and farming industries."

To proceed, Banham Poultry noted that the project must secure local planning consent from the Norfolk County Council.

Contact: Banham, website http://www.banhampower.com.