Work restarted on our advanced biofuel plant in Swindon

Work has restarted on an advanced biofuel plant in Swindon, Wiltshire following a 14-month suspension. The facility will convert 8,000 tonnes per year of household waste into 2.2 million cubic metres of natural gas, enough to heat 1,800 homes or fuel 75 HGVs. It will be the first plant in the world to convert waste into grid quality natural gas.

Having acquired the plant from administration, Advanced Biofuel Solutions Ltd (“ABSL”), with support from the Department for Transport and Cadent, has committed £10m to complete the construction of the plant and will bring it into service during the second half of 2020. Approximately 100 people will work on the project during construction and 20 highly skilled engineers will be employed to operate the plant.

Waste that is collected from local homes is shredded and the recyclable material, such as metal, is removed. Instead of going to landfill or being incinerated, this prepared waste will be brought to the plant where ABSL’s ground -breaking technology will convert it into natural gas and carbon dioxide. The natural gas is injected into the grid and the carbon dioxide is liquified and used by industry.

ABSL believes that the plant will act as a template for larger scale plants in the UK and around the world. The technology will play a transformative role in decarbonising heat and transport and help reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill.

Lorna Millington, Future Networks Manager, at Cadent said, “We are pleased to help complete this project and bring another source of low carbon energy onto the gas grid for our customers.  The plant will demonstrate that gas emissions can be reduced and how renewable gas enables the UK meet its net zero emissions target.”

Nathan Burkey, Executive Chairman of ABSL, said “As the crescendo of words on climate change continues to build, I am very proud of the action ABSL, our investors, our management team and our suppliers will now take in rescuing this plant.  This is an extraordinary opportunity for the UK to lead the world in the production of advanced biofuels. This plant will demonstrate that ABSL’s technology is the most efficient and reliable route to produce low carbon fuels and will serve as a blueprint for how waste should be a productive asset and not an environmental liability.”

Andy Cornell, Chief Executive Officer of ABSL said “The project team is delighted to resume work; remobilisation is well under way with the plant expected to be complete by the end of Q1 2020. ABSL’s expertise will ensure that the project is delivered on time and on budget.”

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