At the start of the official state visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to the UK, the Chinese investment group, SinoFortone Group confirmed that it is investing £2 billion (US$3.09 billion) for the construction of two food production and energy stations at Holyhead and Port Talbot in Wales.

 

The projects, which will be developed by Orthios Eco Park, will use the heat produced by the biomass power stations to grow crops and food products, beginning with king prawns and vegetables.

 

"We have spent five years researching and developing this model and the investment from China will help us roll it out across the planet," said Sean McCormick, chief executive of Orthios."China's focus on green energy and its ability to take a long-term view [was instrumental in securing the deal]."

 

The facility at Holyhead is expected to be operational by 2017, while the site at Port Talbot, where Orthios and SinoFortone Group are working with Association British Ports on the processing project, is expected to be fully operational within three years.

 

Commenting on the project, SinoFortone Group chief executive, Dr. Peter Zhang said, “"We see this as a ground changing model that many countries will benefit from and are delighted to be teamed with the Orthios team." Adding, "With us and the Chinese state as their backers, we are confident we can maximize efficiencies and provide a production facility to deliver this solution around the world."