The Government’s Energy White Paper (Our energy future – creating a low carbon economy) envisages a substantial and increasing contribution from smaller, local power plants fuelled by renewable resources such as biomass. In December 2003, the Government’s objective for generation of electricity from renewable sources was extended beyond 2010 to a new target of 15% by 2016.

Norfolk is already becoming established as a pioneering centre for waste reduction, and is the focal point for many exciting new ventures in alternative energy. The proposed Banham plant offers an efficient and sustainable means of recycling animal by-products, and will put the East of England firmly on the map as a leader in renewable energy.

The new plant will be capable of generating enough renewable electricity to supply households across the entire Attleborough area. As such it will play an important role in safeguarding local electricity supplies.

The risk of power failure is increasingly real. Experts warn that UK households could be facing power cuts and escalating electricity bills if urgent action is not taken to expand existing grid capacity. Faced with increasing demand for both business and residential use, East Anglia is among the regions most likely to be worst affected.