THE setting up of a renewable energy plant in Herefordshire came a step closer to reality last week when more farmers signed notes of intent to grow green crops.

Seventy farmers turned up for an energy-crop demonstration at Ox House, Shobdon, last Thursday and many expressed keen interest in growing energy grasses to produce the dry matter needed to convert into heat and power.

So far, farmers have expressed their interests in growing well in excess of 1,000 hectares, with the target at 3,500.

There is a commitment for 12 major power statons to be distributed across the United Kingdom, all of which will take in renewable energy sources, either through energy grasses or through coppice willow and poplar.

On a local basis, a commitment to build a power station in Herefordshire is under way and the major utility driving that forward has a requirement for 70,000 oven-dried tonnes per annum, equating to more than 2,500 hectares.

Warrington-based United Utilities, which describes itself as one of the country's leadingd developers of green energy, is in talks withthe Department of Trade and Industry over the siting of the new plant. The proposed location is not yet known.

Auctioneer and valuer John Amos of Ludlow is at the centre of the bid to grow miscanthus and other energy grasses and the setting up of the proposed 20 megawatt power station. He is confident that the target of 3,500 hectares wil be reached.

He organised the miscanthus planting demonstrationat Ox House, Shobdon, last Thursday and afterwards he said there was a lot more interest now being shown. He is planning more energy-crop demonstrations.

Much of the energy programme is centred around miscanthus, a perennial grass, commonly known as elephant grass, which is the highest yielding and longest producing grop.

While concentrating on energy, miscanthus can also be sold for animal bedding, chipboard and other fibre-board production, thatching and opportunities for compounds, such as plant pots and containers.