MISCANTHUS INTEREST MOUNTS

There is mounting interest in miscanthus as a novel renewable energy crop, according to Bical director Graham Kerslake (centre), seen here with his Devon-based team.

That is reflected in the firm’s recent success in winning the Best Business Innovation class in the South West Green Energy Awards sponsored by renewable electricity supplier ecotricity.

Bical is not just about developing miscanthus, which now covers 12,500ha (31,000 acres), he adds. “It is also about adding value, empowering local farmers and businesses, and integrating the impact of energy from biomass into the local community.”