Monsal will supply the Anaerobic Digestion (AD) technology platform for a significant on-site Farm AD project in the UK.

The pioneering GBP 2.5 million farm-based power plant in rural Lancashire is being developed by leading green energy specialist Farmgen. The project is the first phase in Farmgens GBP 30 million investment to create the biggest Anaerobic Digestion ‘energy farming’ expansion programme in the country.

The plant, which will supply enough electricity to power more than 1,000 homes, is now under construction and is set to become operational next year.

The industry’s latest technology and know-how will be supplied to the Carr Farm project by leading UK process and technology business Monsal. The project will be delivered by a consortium which includes a number of leading members of the Anaerobic Digestion and Biogas Association (ADBA).

Based in the East Midlands, Monsal has unrivalled experience in the sector and has been involved in more than 200 AD projects over the past 14 years. Monsal also has the largest team of ‘biogas-to-energy’ technology specialists in the country.

Other members of the consortium include Kirk Environmental, a specialist company manufacturing AD tanks and Edina, one of the country’s leading renewable power generation specialists, which will supply the plant’s generation equipment. Both are based in the North West of England.

The new AD plant will also use crops from nearby fields grown by Green Energy Farmers Ltd, to create the ‘biogas’. The overall consortium also includes water-treatment experts Eimco Water Technologies Ltd, based in Edington, Wiltshire who will provide a full EPC Wrap.

Aidan Cumiskey, Managing Director of Monsal said: “The farm sector has up until now relied on an imported AD technology platform. There was a clear need to have a well resourced UK based supply chain in place to service this specific market.  Monsal have worked closely with Farmgen to set up a supply chain to meet demand right across the farm based biogas to energy sector”.

“ This initiative taken by leading members of ADBA to formulate this consortium demonstrates our commitment to creating a valuable resource for the farming community –a  technology platform, operational capability and services support all delivered from UK based suppliers”.

“We have developed this in response to market feedback which indicated that having a wholly UK based supply chain and support structure was a key requirement to securing funding for farm based projects. The technology will be delivered under a robust EPC Wrap structure which provides the required bonding and warrant arrangements sought after by financiers. This coupled with our proven AD technology platform will provide significant capability to meet the market demands”.

Ed Cattigan, chief operating officer of Farmgen, said: “We are delighted to have brought together such a strong team of British experts for the Carr Farm project.

“The expertise now involved is second to none and is another sign of our commitment to the industry and our belief in its strong future in the UK, backed by British technology, skills manufacturing and engineering expertise.

“These firms are leading the way in AD with cutting-edge technology and each brings their knowledge, skills and enthusiasm for the sector to this project.

“We are also pleased at the way the consortium came together through the Anaerobic Digestion and Biogas Association, which is a strong voice for the industry in the UK.”

ENDS

Notes to editors

Technology: The project will use the proven technology of anaerobic digestion to break down organic matter to create biogas, which is very similar to methane gas. This provides the fuel for the generators. The Monsal technology is becoming more widely recognised as the technology of choice by developers, utilities, county councils, food producers, waste processors and recycling companies in the UK for this application. The very high organics recovery, renewable energy and thermal efficiency of the Monsal process is achieved by high efficiency pre-separation equipment and state-of-the art Anaerobic Digestion plant and technology.

Monsal. The UK’s leading Advanced Digestion and integrated biogas to energy business. Monsal are a subsidiary of Monsal Holdings Ltd owned by private investors and the Matrix Group.

Farmgen. Farmgen has been set up specifically to provide a turn-key service – including technical, operational and financial assistance – to landowners and farmers in the development and operation of on-farm AD plants

Eimco Water Technologies (EWT). EWT are a leading provider of environmental solutions.  By combining its own in-house technologies with other world class technology we take pride in providing our clients the most economical, efficient and environmentally friendly solution.