Anaerobic digestion plant operator Biogen acquired by Ancala Bioenergy

Ancala Bioenergy has acquired Biogen, an operator of anaerobic digestion plants in the UK, from joint owners Bedfordia Group and Kier Group. The price for the acquisition has not been disclosed.

As one of the UK’s leading owner/operators of anaerobic digestion plants, Biogen will provide independent infrastructure investment management company Ancala with a platform from which to expand into the bioenergy sector.

Biogen’s portfolio contains seven anaerobic digestion plants in England and Wales, which recycle a combined quarter of a million tonnes of food waste each year. The company aims to provide cost effective and low carbon food waste management solutions, working with supermarkets, the hospitality industry, food manufacturers and local authorities.

Anaerobic digestion converts food waste into renewable energy and nutrient rich biofertiliser. With an installed generation capacity of 13 MW, Biogen’s plants produce enough green energy to power 25,000 homes. As part of the UK’s commitment to producing more renewable energy and reducing waste sent to landfill, the plants receive a number of incentives, such as the Renewables Obligation Certificate, Feed-in-Tariffs and Renewable Heat Incentive subsidies.

Adam Feneley, managing director at Biogen, said in a press release: “­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 of the Bedfordia Group, said: “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.”