£15.6 Million Anaerobic Digestion Plant Opens Near Christchurch

A pioneering £15.6 million anaerobic digestion facility is poised to transform food waste and organic materials into renewable energy and fertilizers near Christchurch. This ambitious endeavor is spearheaded by Eco Sustainable Solutions, a company with nearly 30 years of experience in the recycling sector, located in Parley.

This major project marks a milestone as the largest venture undertaken by the company to date. The anaerobic digester will serve as the second of its kind for the firm, dedicated to processing surplus food and vegetable peelings into green gas. This eco-friendly gas will be directly injected into the national gas grid, resulting in a significant 85% reduction in CO₂ emissions.

The facility is designed to handle over 50,000 tonnes of food waste annually. This operation is expected to generate approximately 60 GWh (Gigawatt hours) of biomethane each year, catering to the energy needs of about 5,300 medium-sized households. Moreover, the fleet of trucks responsible for transporting waste to and from the plant will undergo conversion from diesel to green gas, leveraging the output from the facility itself for a closed-loop solution.

Construction of the new Parley anaerobic digestion plant is being managed by Mildren Construction, a company based in Hurn. The plant is anticipated to be fully functional by January 2026, while also contributing to local employment by creating five new jobs.

The financial foundation of this facility is secured with a substantial investment, where £8.715 million is furnished by Lombard, the UK’s leading asset finance provider associated with the NatWest Group. This strategic financial backing underscores Lombard’s commitment to fostering sustainable development and supporting transformative projects that prioritize ecological health.

Echoing the company’s sustainable mission, a representative from Lombard expressed their enthusiasm in aiding Eco Sustainable Solutions to implement this forward-thinking anaerobic digestion plant. They highlighted the company’s dedication to sustainability and the importance of encouraging recycling within communities.

The successful development of this facility attests to the collaborative efforts between Eco Sustainable Solutions and Lombard. The smooth execution of the project benefited from strategic guidance and leverage of the right expertise at critical junctures, ensuring a seamless transaction and laying the groundwork for a promising future.