MEMBER’S PRESS RELEASE: Hertfordshire’s first food waste to green energy plant opens

A new £12 million plant which recycles food waste to create electricity for the national grid has opened for business on the A505 near Baldock in Hertfordshire.

The Bygrave Lodge anaerobic digestion (AD) plant (pictured) was designed, built and is being run by industry leaders Biogen and will process 45,000 tonnes of food waste each year from supermarkets, food processors, households and the hospitality industry to generate renewable electricity for up to 4,500 homes in Hertfordshire. 

The plant currently takes food waste from major names including Ocado and ASDA, local businesses Simmons Bakeries, KP Waste and The Grove Hotel and in addition to renewable energy also produces a nutrient-rich agricultural fertiliser for use on nearby farmland.

Simon Musther, Head of Commercial Operations for Biogen said:

The Bygrave plant was developed to serve Hertfordshire and the surrounding regions and although it’s only been up and running a short while, it is already making a positive contribution to local businesses using it.

Peter Williams, Bakery Director for Simmons Bakeries said:

We chose Biogen for our food, waste disposal because of its convenient location, good road access and the great reputation the company has for efficient service.  Using this method is going to help us cut costs which is essential for a family business like ours.