Ancala-backed renewable energy specialist Biogen acquires five new plants

Biogen produces renewable energy and nutrient-rich fertiliser from recycling organic waste, most of which would otherwise be sent to landfill. It works with supermarkets, the hospitality industry, food manufacturers, farmers and local authorities to source and recycle organic waste. Biogen’s existing network of 14 plants has a total capacity of 26.8 MWe and processes more than a tenth of the UK’s food waste.

Following the acquisition, Biogen’s nationwide footprint will comprise 19 green energy anaerobic digestion plants and three organic composting sites. This takes Biogen’s electrical equivalent capacity to circa 36 MWe and enables Biogen to generate over 300,000 MWh green energy per year. This is enough energy to supply more than 100,000 average households with renewable electricity per year.

The acquisition was funded by infrastructure investor Ancala’s new Growth Fund.

Ancala invested in Biogen in 2017. The business has since completed four acquisitions, optimised performance at its existing plants, and more than doubled its revenue to almost £50m in its most recent financial year. Ancala continues to support Biogen’s growth plans to acquire additional operational green energy plants and invest in technologies that enable the business to inject green gas directly into the UK gas grid, supporting the decarbonisation of the national gas network.

Ruby Jones, CEO, Biogen, comments:

“This acquisition is an attractive addition to the Biogen portfolio. The plants provide Biogen with further exposure to renewable gas to grid technology, increasing our role as a producer of renewable energy in the UK and further supporting the nation’s 2050 net zero target. We look forward to working with the new plants and their respective local partners.

“The Ancala team’s expertise has been crucial to delivering this transaction, along with our broader expansion plans.”

Ankur Ajmera, Partner, Ancala, adds:

“This transaction further builds on Biogen’s position as a leading operator in the UK’s anaerobic digestion sector. We are working closely with Biogen’s management team to deploy green gas to grid capacity across its network and are actively seeking new acquisition opportunities to further expand Biogen’s footprint.”

Ancala has helped its portfolio companies complete 13 bolt-on acquisitions. The infrastructure investor recently announced the close of a £551m Growth Fund to support the expansion plans of its existing portfolio businesses Biogen, Leep Utilities and Portsmouth Water specifically. These companies are resolving some of the UK’s most pressing challenges, including accelerating the energy transition and ensuring the UK has a clean, secure and resilient water supply.