New anaerobic digestion plant opens in London

A state-of-the-art anaerobic digestion plant has opened in London.

The ReFood Dagenham plant will convert inedible food waste into renewable energy and sustainable biofertiliser.

The site is capable of processing more than 160,000 tonnes of food waste every year, generating 14 million m3 of biogas, which is enough to power 12,600 homes a year.

ReFood’s commercial director, Philip Simpson, said the new plant is part of a ‘strategic ambition to recycle more than one million tonnes of food waste by the end of 2017 – a milestone that we are on track to achieve’.

‘Since our first year of production in 2012, national operations have grown by more than 250%,’ said Mr Simpson.

‘ReFood Dagenham will play an important role in furthering this success, providing an environmentally-friendly waste management solution for customers in London and the surrounding areas.’

Zero-carbon

As well as displacing 73,600 tonnes of CO2, ReFood Dagenham will support Transport for London’sClean Air Action Plan through the generation of biomethane for gas-powered vehicles.

At a later date, state-of-the-art gas upgrading equipment may also be installed on site to supply high quality road fuel.

London’s deputy mayor for environment and energy, Shirley Rodrigues, officially opened the facility at a ceremony earlier this month.

‘We’re committed to helping drive up London’s recycling rates, as well as making London zero-carbon by 2050,’ said Ms Rodrigues.

‘This new facility, the first of its kind in London, is exactly the type of solution we need to help achieve this. Not only will it deal with London’s food waste, but it will also produce clean biogas to help cut the carbon emissions of the gas grid.”

ReFood Dagenham is the company’s third facility in the UK. It also has plants in Doncaster and Widnes.