A County Durham anaerobic digestion (AD) plant is set to expand to increase the amount of food waste it handles to transform into energy.
Warrens Emerald Biogas currently has the capacity to power more than 21,000 local homes a year by processing up to 115,000 tonnes of food waste. Over the festive period, however, as millions of mince pies, brussels sprouts, uneaten turkeys and Christmas puddings ended up on the scrap heap around the UK, the Newton Aycliffe firm collected a substantial portion of food waste and turned it into sustainable biomethane gas and electricity.
The site, part of Bio Capital Group, generates around 20 GWh of green electricity and 79 GWh of biomethane gas annually, which it feeds directly into the local grids to provide heat and power to regional homes and businesses. It also fuels its collection vehicle fleet with its biomethane.
Read more: Amended Dawson & Sanderson accounts reveal much larger losses
The plant’s feedstock, taken mainly as food waste from households and commercial sources such as supermarkets, bakeries, and restaurants, is fed into giant anaerobic digestion AD silos, where it is broken down in an oxygen-free atmosphere to produce a high performing, low-carbon biogas. A fertiliser by-product of the process is also being used by local farmers to improve soil health and significantly increase yields.
Later this year, the plant is being expanded to handle an estimated 150,000 tonnes, increasing its renewable generation by 40%. Group CEO, Peter Sharpe, said the expansion marks an important step because of the importance biomethane plays in the UK’s future energy mix.
Mr Sharpe said: “Biogas is an important part of the energy mix in the UK as we move away from fossil fuels. Biogas embodies the circular economic model, providing a secure, local, low-carbon alternative to natural gas, reducing waste and emissions, and providing a high-quality, organic alternative to chemical fertilisers. By using food waste generated in the local area, we are helping deliver greater energy independence, security and reducing need for gas imports – particularly critical in an environment of high energy prices and rising cost of living.”
READ NEXT
