en.Wedoany.com Reported - A biomass power plant in Norfolk, UK, which runs on poultry manure, faces closure due to the expiration of a government support scheme, potentially resulting in the loss of over 100 jobs. The plant, known as Thetford Power Station, is operated by Melton Renewable Energy and is located on the edge of Thetford Forest. Since beginning operations in 1999, the facility has burned chicken manure (including droppings and feathers) to generate electricity, selling the resulting ash as fertilizer. Currently, it processes approximately 370,000 tonnes of poultry manure annually.

The future of the plant is uncertain because its support under the Renewable Obligation Certificates (ROC) scheme is set to expire in March 2027, with no clear replacement plan in place. Terry Jermy, the Member of Parliament for South West Norfolk, has been pushing for clarity on the plant's future for over a year, recently raising the issue in Parliament and calling for a direct meeting with government ministers. Jermy warned that the impact of the plant's closure would extend beyond job losses. He noted that without the facility to process poultry waste, over 500,000 tonnes of manure could end up being spread on land, potentially undermining environmental efforts to clean up rivers, lakes, and waterways in East England.

Environment Minister Mary Creagh confirmed she would meet with Jermy and stated that the government is developing a successor arrangement for the Green Gas Scheme. Eddie Wilkinson, CEO of Melton Renewable Energy, said the plant is a significant contributor to the local economy, supporting skilled jobs, the local supply chain, and sustainable waste management.

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