Fully funded, developed
and managed energy asset
Significant carbon
savings over the long term
2 million kg of British tomatoes
grown sustainably each year
Low carbon energy solution supports the growth of British produce
British produce grower Jolly Tom – a joint venture between A Gomez and Villa Nursery founders and owners, Michael and Felice Gibilaro – has improved its sustainability and become more competitive with overseas producers thanks to a low carbon energy solution.
AMP Clean Energy has developed a fully funded, wide-ranging low carbon heat and power solution to support the growth of Jolly Tom tomatoes and speciality peppers sustainably over the next 20 years. The solution provides 100% of the Essex-based nursery’s energy needs to cultivate two million kilos of tomatoes each year under glass, supplied to major UK supermarkets. The bioenergy centre is based on circular economy principles. It uses waste wood, specifically saw dust, as the feed fuel. At the end of the heating process the waste bottom ash is used as fertiliser for the farming industry, rather than sent to landfill.
The Vision:
Jolly Tom wanted to reduce the environmental impact of its operations whilst remaining competitive with overseas producers who enjoy year-round heat. The produce grower was also looking for a stress-free solution over the long term.
The Solution:
AMP Clean Energy has fully funded and developed a significant on-site bioenergy installation. AMP also provides expert service and maintenance and 24/7 remote monitoring of the facility.
Under a 20-year energy supply agreement, Jolly Tom simply pays for the heat and electricity it uses.
To be competitive with other countries like Spain, which has free heat, we need lower cost, sustainable energy, to both increase business productivity and supply the UK market with UK produce. Working with AMP Clean Energy, which is a partner we trust, that is what we have achieved.
Key Facts:
System: 1.65 MW steam generating biomass CHP plant, 5MW biomass boilers and 3MW reserve gas peaking engine
Carbon savings: 4,000 tonnes of carbon per year
Heat and power: 100% of the site’s heat and 80% of the site’s electricity needs met
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