A Cornwall-based cyder company is to receive almost £600,000 to fund a new solar farm.
Cornish Scrumpy Company will be given £588,000 from the Shared Prosperity Fund to create a 850kw solar farm to power business operations as part of ambitions to migrate to 100% renewable energy over the next five years.
The family-run business near Newquay, which trades as Healeys Cyder, generates 18% of its energy from an onsite wind turbine already. The addition of the new solar farm will increase its renewable capacity to 75%. The new solar fam will be built on five acres of unused land.
The Shared Prosperity Fund grant, which is subject to the solar farm project obtaining planning permission, will support investment into renewable energy and allow the Cornish Scrumpy Company to take advantage of new market opportunities, increase competitiveness, recruit two additional employees and safeguard 10 roles over the next three years.
Read more: Bristol's Wiper and True brewery announces plans for growth including the opening of two new sites
Joe Healey, managing director, trading at Cornish Scrumpy Company said: "As a second generation, proudly independent Cornish family, it is our ambition to celebrate 100 years of business. Sustainability is therefore at the heart of everything we do. Having recently completed a large expansion of our processing facility here on the farm, this solar project, part funded by SPF, will reduce our onsite CO2 emissions by around 170 tonnes a year.
"Together with our existing turbine, we should be able to generate around 75% of the energy we need to operate. Combining this with the 1500 trees we planted in January 2023, and our new rainwater harvesting system on our roof and apple bays (when not being used for pressing!), 2023 will be a transformational year in our journey towards achieving our long-term sustainability goals."
By migrating to renewable energy the company hopes to mitigate against increases in production costs due to rising energy bills. The company is best know for its 'Rattler' Cornish Cyder, but also produces a range of cyder, brandy, whisky, gin, country fruit wines, apple juice, and sparkling wine.
This project has received £588,000 from the government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund as part of the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Good Growth’s Strategic Enterprise and Research and Development Infrastructure programme. The aim of this programme is to allow local businesses to grow and fulfil their potential while increasing their productivity and competitiveness.
Louis Gardner, Cornwall Council cabinet portfolio holder for economy, said: "Investments in green energy technology and new infrastructure are central to our Good Growth ambitions. We want to see businesses in Cornwall and Isles of Scilly using the Shared Prosperity Fund to increase their productivity and unlock more jobs and opportunities for residents."
Cllr Gardner told BusinessLive: "I am delighted that we have been able to support a well known Cornish business such as this with their hugely ambitious plans to decarbonise their business. At Cornwall Council we are dedicated to supporting efforts throughout the Duchy to reduce our carbon footprint and we know that this can help to drive growth for businesses which is why we have put projects such as these at the top of the Good Growth agenda."
Read next:
Loungers reports 'record' revenue with plans to open 35 stores in the next year
North Cornwall hospitality venue goes up for sale with offers of over £3.3m
Bristol city centre car park set to be redeveloped for flats
Fashion chain Superdry extends its loan facilities in 'challenging' market conditions
Like this story? Why not sign up to get the latest South West business news straight to your inbox.
