On July 1, 2016 UK specialist bioenergy infrastructure fund manager Iona Capital Ltd (Iona) and anaerobic digestion (AD) plant developers JFS & Associates Ltd officially opened Leeming Biogas, a GBP18 million (≈ EUR 20.3 million) biomethane-to-grid project in North Yorkshire. The event was officiated by Lord Kerslake, the former Head of the Home Civil Service and Chief Executive of Sheffield City Council.
With a capacity to convert around 80 000 tonnes per annum of food waste into biomethane for grid injection, the plant Leeming Biogas facility is one of the largest of its kind in the country.
This could not have been achieved without the support of some of the largest UK local authority pension funds, who remain committed to investing in environmental infrastructure projects that help our environment and create jobs. The plant has helped local businesses cut costs and boost their environmental credentials by partnering with us, and we look forward to exploring further opportunities to increase sustainable energy production in North Yorkshire, said Mike Dunn of Iona Capital.
The GBP18 million (≈ EUR 20.3 million) investment will see food waste from local businesses including R&R Ice Cream converted into green energy rather than being sent to landfill. It will create 12 direct jobs and a further 14 indirect jobs.
The plant will contribute towards the Government’s targets for reducing landfill and generating sustainable energy by 2020. It will generate enough gas and electricity to supply the equivalent energy requirements of nearly 4 000 homes a year. The nutrient-rich digestate is a biofertiliser that can be used on farms.
The development of this Anaerobic Digestion plant is the biggest project JFS & Associates has undertaken. Without the strong relationship that JFS and Iona Capital have forged over the last four years, this flagship project would not have been possible in North Yorkshire. The project is a real example of how renewable technology, local resources and businesses can collaborate with City investors to develop a sustainable and environmentally friendly commercial enterprise, said Matt Flint of JFS & Associates.
