World-first low carbon greenhouses in East Anglia nearing completion
The £120 million project will put the region at the forefront of low-carbon farming.
According to Step Associates, which is managing the project, the two giant greenhouses have used more glass than The Shard, and are three times the size of the 02 in London combined.
They've been built next to Anglian Water's treatment facilities in Ingham, near Bury St Edmunds, and Kirby Bedon, near Norwich and will provide up to 360 permanent jobs.
The greenhouses will utilise heat from the sewage works, which will be used to provide the ideal growing temperature for growing 'millions' of tomatoes, as well as peppers and cucumbers.
Director at Step Associates, Mark Dykes, said: "The scheme is using the UK’s largest system of heat pumps, which will channel heat from warm water into the greenhouses to help speed growth. This use of natural energy will cut carbon emissions associated with growing the tomato crop by 75%."
The company behind the plans, Greencoat Capital, estimates the greenhouses will produce vegetables with a quarter of the carbon footprint of regular greenhouses.
Carbon emissions from on-site electrical plants will also be used for the plants to absorb, in the hope of aiding their growth.
It's expected the sites in Norfolk and Suffolk will begin growing this winter.