18th January 2006

Visit to Eccleshall grass-fired power station, 30 miles south of Ashton Hayes. Hosts BiCal

Parish Councillors Garry Charnock and Hugo Deynem and two Ashton Hayes residents went on a fact-finding visit to examine the potential of Miscanthus (elephant grass) in providing an renewable energy resource with carbon capture advantages. The hosts, BiCal and representatives from the local community explained the rationale, economics and practicalities of growing and harvesting energy crops. BiCal is Europe's biggest producer of energy crops and currently has 1700ha under cultivation. The 2.6MW power station near Eccleshall is expected to come on stream in 2007 and is able to receive crops from any Ashton Hayes farmers who may be considering growing the crops. BiCal is sending a representative to the project launch on 26th January to answer any questions people may have. We appreciate the time they took to explain the economics of energy crops to us.

Hugo Deynem examining a fully grown miscanthus crop near Eccleshall.