30m Contract Boosts AD Revolution

25 February 2011

Specialist anaerobic digestion contractor, Kirk Environmental, has secured a £30m framework agreement with Farmgen, leading specialist in "energy-farming". Last year Farmgen announced plans for a major investment programme to create the biggest AD 'energy farming' expansion programme in the country.

The company's first site at Carr Farm, Warton, Lancashire, is nearing completion; construction has started at its second plant at Dryholme Farm, Silloth, in Cumbria; and a series of proposed plants are either in planning or about to be submitted for planning consent.

Now Kirk Environmental, which has already constructed all the tanks at Carr Farm, has been appointed construction partner to provide a full, turn-key build out programme for all of Farmgen's new plants starting with their second plant at Dryholme.

Ed Cattigan, chief operating officer of Farmgen, said: "We are delighted to have agreed this landmark contract with Kirk Environmental.

"It marks a substantial investment in Britain's rural economy, as we will be building AD plants on farms across the country, with the initial phase focusing particularly on Lancashire and Cumbria.

"Kirk Environmental have a strong track record in the sector and have already proven their expertise and capability in the first two plants currently under construction.

"We look forward to working with them on the new generation of plants, which is helping to transform the fortunes of hard-pressed farmers throughout the UK."

Gary Little, chief executive officer at Kirk Environmental Ltd, added: "This represents one of the largest contracts in the company's 100-year history.

"We are very pleased to be partnering with Farmgen and helping to create an 'energy revolution' for Britain's farmers. It will give farmers a stronger and more sustainable future," he added.

Helen Amos