£8 Million Food Waste to Energy Plant Officially Opens

The north east’s first commercial food waste anaerobic digestion (AD) plant, which will generate enough energy to power 2,000 homes every year, has officially opened today (24 Jan) in County Durham.

Operated by Emerald Biogas (UK), the £8m state-of-the-art AD facility based at Newton Aycliffe Industrial Estate, will serve the north east’s need to recycle food waste and create renewable energy, processing 50,000 tonnes of leftover food from businesses across the region, including Vale of Mowbray, Greencore and SK Chilled Foods.

At a VIP launch event, hosted by renowned broadcaster and writer Janet Street-Porter, over 100 invited guests, from local authorities and national businesses, to schools and the mayors of Darlington and Great Aycliffe celebrated the launch of the biogas facility.

Addressing the impact of the food waste issue in her keynote speech, Janet said: “This facility will bring a range of benefits to the north east community, including reducing the need to send food waste to landfill, and the creation of green energy and fertiliser. In other regions across the country, local authorities already collect food waste from residential areas, which is food for thought indeed.”

“I am passionate about protecting our countryside and feel we should be doing even more to look after our local community, and as part of this strategy, supporting local businesses and jobs.”

Waste Minister Dan Rogerson said: “Dealing with waste properly not only benefits the environment but will also help create jobs and build a stronger economy. Our £2million grant has helped develop this plant which will treat food waste and recycle valuable nutrients back to the land.”

As part of the official proceedings, guests were treated to a two-course lunch, with food sourced from local suppliers. Then were able to see the AD process in action during a tour of the facility, where the leftovers from the event were processed, generating both energy and fertiliser.

Adam Warren, Director, Emerald Biogas, said: “The opening of the food waste plant builds on the success and experience of the team, which was created by the partnership of directors from regional businesses John Warren ABP and Agricore.

 “Through this investment we will contribute a continued source of renewable energy to local businesses, while also providing a sustainable solution for dealing with food waste which traditionally goes to landfill."