Ancala buys portfolio of anaerobic digestion plants

Biogen owns and operates a portfolio of seven anaerobic digestion plants in England and Wales that provide cost-effective, low carbon, food waste management solutions. Working with supermarkets, the hospitality industry, food manufacturers and local authorities across the UK, the plants recycle around a quarter of a million tonnes of food waste each year.

The anaerobic digestion technology enables the plants to convert the food waste into renewable energy and nutrient-rich biofertilizer which is PAS 110-certified. With an installed generation capacity of approximately 13MW, Biogen’s anaerobic digestion plants produce enough green energy to power 25,000 homes. It is an important component in the UK’s commitment to generating renewable energy and reducing waste to landfill, and as such, Biogen’s plants benefit from a combination of index linked Renewables Obligation Certificate, Feed-in-Tariffs and Renewable Heat Incentive subsidies.

Spence Clunie, Managing Partner, Ancala Partners LLP, commented:

“Biogen is well known in the industry as one of the leading owners and operators of anaerobic digestion plants. The team has over ten years of experience in the sector and their operational excellence and commercial reach provide Ancala with an established platform from which to expand in the sector.”

Adam Feneley, Managing Director, Biogen, commented:

“­The acquisition is another exciting milestone in Biogen’s history which further enhances the company’s reputation as the number one food waste to renewable energy company in the UK. The investment is excellent news for Biogen and marks the next stage of growth for the business.”

John Ibbett, Chairman, Bedfordia Group, commented:

“I am immensely proud of all Biogen has accomplished in its 11 years, of the market-leading business we have built and of the team of people who have made it possible. Biogen has always led the way for others to follow in the AD industry and I have every confidence that the new shareholders will enable Biogen to continue in its success.”

The seven plants are located in Bedford, Rushden, Baldock and Atherstone in England and Aberdare, St Asaph and Caernarfon in Wales. Plants are strictly regulated by the Environment Agency and Animal Health and managed to the highest environmental and safety standards (ISO 9001, 14001; BS OHSAS 18001).

Ancala Bioenergy is an infrastructure investment vehicle managed by Ancala Partners LLP, the independent mid-market infrastructure investment manager.