First commercial food waste anaerobic digestion plant in north east opens

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Emerald Biogas has opened its £8 million anaerobic digestion (AD) facility in County Durham.

It is the first commercial food waste AD plant in the north east and will process 50,000 tonnes of food waste from businesses including Vale of Mowbray, Greencore and SK Chilled Foods.

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The 1.56MW plant was opened by broadcast Janet Street-Porter. She 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.

“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.”

Emerald Biogas director Adam Warren added: “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.

“Food waste is a major concern to the north east, where 800,000 tonnes is generated every year and as part of today’s celebratory launch, I am delighted  that we as a company are playing a valuable role and providing a long term regional solution to this national problem.”