Bioenergy firm Acorn opens AD plant in Britain, producing biomethane and carbon dioxide

In a significant development for the UK's renewable energy sector, Acorn Bioenergy, a leading player in biogas production, is set to construct additional plants beyond its flagship site at Three Maids Hill. This expansion is part of a larger plan by the company, which includes the establishment of a dedicated gas injection hub in the UK.

The company's latest project is an anaerobic digestion site in Winchester, southern England. This facility, once operational, is expected to produce more than 120 GWh of biomethane per year. The site is designed to process 83,600 tonnes of agricultural residues, local agri-waste, and break crops annually.

The Three Maids Hill site, already a 'flagship' project, has been instrumental in producing high-purity green carbon dioxide for industrial uses and biomethane for reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels. The bio-fertiliser digestate generated at this site is returned to local farms, improving soil health and reducing reliance on imported and carbon-intensive alternatives.

The launch of the Three Maids Hill site was attended by representatives from the government's Department for Energy Security and Net Zero and other stakeholders. The site's importance is underscored by its role in the UK's transition towards a net-zero carbon economy.

It is not clear if the two additional UK plants by Acorn Bioenergy are anaerobic digestion sites like Three Maids Hill. The location of the dedicated gas injection hub is also not specified in the given context.

The company involved in planning these expansions is Axpo, a Swiss energy company with a strong presence in biogas projects across Europe. They have plans for further development in the UK, although the specifics of the UK projects by Acorn Bioenergy are not yet clear.

This expansion by Acorn Bioenergy is a promising step towards a more sustainable and self-reliant energy future for the UK. As the country continues to grapple with energy security and climate change, initiatives like these are crucial in driving the transition towards a greener, more resilient energy system.