Brampton and Beyond Energy (BABE) is planning to build and operate a 500-kW AD plant
In 2014 a detailed feasibility study was carried out on BABE’s behalf by Rural Cumbria Connects, a Cumbrian-based partnership of experts engaged to manage this project. The study included a public consultation exercise in which 93% of the 246 people who responded supported BABE’s long term aspirations to make Brampton less dependent on electricity derived from fossil fuels. The study identified solar and anaerobic digestion as the two technologies with the greatest potential in the local area. It was decided that AD would be the option that would provide the greater community benefits.
Why BABE chose anaerobic digestion
Anaerobic digestion is a series of biological processes in which microorganisms break down biodegradable material, which is the feedstock for the plant. One of the end-products is biogas, which is combusted to generate electricity and heat. The other end-product is a solid/liquid residue, the digestate, which has fertiliser value and can be returned to the land. There are numerous biodegradable feedstocks that can be used; but at the airport site we plan to use livestock manure and grass silage.
BABE chose anaerobic digestion because: there is a plentiful local supply of feedstock material; it has potential to spawn micro-enterprises exploiting the by-products of heat and natural fertiliser; and, unlike other renewable energy technologies, AD provides continuous power.
How it will be financed
We aim to seek planning permission in 2018, once all of the necessary surveys etc. have been completed. The total cost to build the AD will be a minimum of £2.5M. Our aim is for 10% of the capital to be raised through a Community Share Issue. We want to attract a large number of local shareholders, and for them to see their investment making a difference in their local community. The strength of the business case being developed will be critical in determining the success of the Community Share Issue.
The balance of 90% of the cost of building the AD could be borrowed from commercial sources, such as banks; but we may also use other fund-raising organisations and institutions specialising in community-led renewable energy to help achieve this challenging target.
Community benefits
BABE is a 'not-for-profit' community benefit society. Once the plant is up and running, income will be used to: pay interest on loans; build a replacement fund for further investment in renewable energy; pay a dividend to shareholders; and fund community projects. Decisions about the distribution of funds for community projects will be made by an awards panel representing the BABE Board and representatives of shareholders and community organisations.
How to get involved
If you would like to follow the progress of the project, you are invited to join the free mailing list to receive regular updates by email. Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
At the time of the Community Share Issue you will be able to buy £1 shares in the society. The share prospectus will set out the minimum investment, which is yet to be decided. Those who buy shares will become voting members of BABE.
Feedback is important and forms part of BABE’s continuous community engagement. All replies will be confidential.
We plan to hold 3 drop-in sessions after the share prospectus has been distributed at the launch of the Community Share Issue. But if in the meantime you have any questions, please email them to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
