In a pioneering generation project, ScottishPower has installed a £1.1m Combined Heat and Power (CHP) unit that uses the carbon dioxide it produces to boost production at one of the UK's leading tomato-growing companies.

The gas-powered plant will provide all the energy needs of the vast greenhouse complex of Pearson & Sons in Alderley Edge, Cheshire. The surplus electricity is sold to the National Grid.

In an innovative twist, the carbon dioxide emissions from the 1.7 megawatt plant are recycled into the eight-acre spread of greenhouses to provide a naturally enriched atmosphere which improves both the yield and quality of the tomatoes.

ScottishPower project manager Malcolm Ball said: "CHP is a highly efficient and environmentally friendly way of generating on-site electricity combined with the production of heat energy."

By recycling the carbon dioxide during the day when conditions are best for growth, the CHP will reduce atmospheric emissions of carbon by around 3,000 tonnes a year.

In addition, heat from the generator is "stored" as hot water in giant tanks and the water is piped out at night to maintain optimum temperatures in the greenhouses whose 123,000 plants produce 1,500 tonnes of tomatoes a year. The entire crop goes to Tesco supermarkets.

Philip Pearson, the family company's production director, said: "We chose ScottishPower because of their dynamic approach and because their solution offered the best value for money. This plant has enabled us to make major improvements in the yield and quality of our crop."

Further Information:
Colin McSeveny                           0141-248-8200 (0850-884815)