Low-carbon energy supplier ENGIE has unveiled plans to establish a cutting-edge agricultural anaerobic digestion (AD) facility near Sherburn-in-Elmet, North Yorkshire. The initiative aims to revolutionize local farming practices by transforming agricultural feedstocks and farm waste into renewable gas and sustainable fertiliser, marking a significant stride in the UK’s journey towards net-zero emissions.
The proposed facility will utilize organic waste sourced from nearby farms to generate green gas, providing a clean energy alternative while producing digestate, a nutrient-rich byproduct of the AD process. Digestate serves as a natural fertiliser, offering a cost-effective and eco-friendly substitute for synthetic alternatives.
Stuart Rennie, Managing Director of Renewable Gases UK at ENGIE, highlighted the dual environmental and economic benefits of the project. “Currently, much of the farm waste in the area is spread directly onto land, a practice that releases carbon into the atmosphere. Our facility will convert this waste into a renewable gas supply, contributing to the sustainability of local farming and advancing the UK’s decarbonisation efforts,” Rennie explained.
In addition to environmental advantages, the project is set to deliver economic benefits to the local community. ENGIE plans to create new jobs and establish a Community Benefit Fund to support local initiatives. This aligns with the company’s broader commitment to fostering community engagement and resilience.
The proposal comes as part of the UK’s legally mandated goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Addressing emissions from the energy and agricultural sectors is a critical component of this target. North Yorkshire Council, which has adopted an ambitious Climate Change Strategy, is expected to review the application in early 2024, with construction potentially beginning by summer 2025 if approved.
Once operational, the facility will supply enough renewable gas to meet the annual energy needs of 5,200 homes. It will also provide a sustainable income stream for local farmers and enhance soil health with its organic fertiliser, contributing to a more resilient agricultural ecosystem.
