Factory power cut may add to CO2 shortage

BRITAIN’S dwindling supplies of carbon dioxide have been dealt another blow after one of the few factories capable of producing the gas, which is crucial in the production of meat and beer, was knocked out by a power cut.

CF Fertilisers’ ammonia plant in Ince, Cheshire, briefly lost power on Monday and was still offline as of yesterday afternoon. The facility is one of just five in the UK that is capable of producing food grade CO2.

Three of the others were closed for maintenance earlier in the summer. Two of those, including CF’S other site in Billingham, Teesside, have reopened in recent days.

However, experts have warned that it could take several days before the gas reaches the food supply chain, sparking fears that shops could run short of some food and drinks. On Monday, Nick Allen, the chief executive of the British Meat Processors Association, warned of a likely bidding war as manufacturers vie to get their hands on supplies.

CF Fertiliser did not return calls for comment but a spokesman for the Chemical Industries Association said: “At 1.30pm yesterday, power to the Ince site failed. All plants were shut down safely. Power has been restored and production will be restarted.”