Nature Fresh in discussions to build greenhouse facilities in Maine

Acres of peppers could be growing in greenhouses adjacent to the Stored Solar biomass power plant in West Enfield next year if an agreement between the plant’s owners and one of the largest greenhouse pepper growers in North America comes to fruition.

The greenhouses would use electricity, as well as heat and carbon dioxide emitted from the plant, to grow the crop and provide Stored Solar with a new source of revenue that would make the generator profitable.

A letter of intent has been signed with the grower to erect up to 60 acres of greenhouses, according to William Harrington, Stored Solar’s director. Harrington also provided a few details about the company’s plans for a potential shrimp farm, possibly at a second biomass power plant in Jonesboro, and a biorefinery that would make diesel fuel, at a now-closed paper mill in East Millinocket.

Harrington made his comments during a presentation at a conference called The New Forest Economy – Biobased Power, Products and Fuels. Co-hosted by E2Tech and GrowSmart Maine, it brought together industry experts and policymakers to examine the challenges and opportunities in transforming a struggling industry essential to the well-being of rural Maine.

After his presentation, Harrington confirmed to the Portland Press Herald that the greenhouse company is Nature Fresh Farms of Leamington, Ontario. Chris Veillon, marketing director for Nature Fresh, confirmed to the Portland Press Herald on Friday that the company has been in discussions to build greenhouse facilities in Maine, but declined to provide details.

Read more at the Portland Press Herald