EDL Energy acquires GWE Biogas, strengthening UK renewable portfolio
EDL Energy has acquired GWE Biogas and its Sandhill Biogas Plant in East Yorkshire, one of the United Kingdom’s most advanced anaerobic digestion (AD) operators.
Located near Driffield in East Yorkshire, the Sandhill Biogas Plant has been operating since 2011 and services local and national customers. The facility produces up to 750 cubic metres of biomethane per hour which is injected into pipelines operated by EDL Energy’s sister company, Northern Gas Networks. It also features a 4.5MW combined heat and power (CHP) plant, generating electricity and heat onsite. This energy supports local industry, with the excess supplied to the national electricity grid. In addition, the facility uses advanced technology to capture approximately 5,000 tonnes of high-purity, biogenic CO₂ each year.
Sandhill plays a vital role in the UK’s transition to a circular, low-carbon economy. By converting food waste, kerbside waste and agricultural feedstocks and wastes into renewable energy, the plant provides a sustainable alternative to landfill—effectively recycling waste in line with the UK’s waste hierarchy.
EDL Energy CEO, James Harman, said the acquisition of GWE Biogas was an exciting milestone for the global business.
“Anaerobic digestion is a natural complement to EDL Energy’s extensive landfill gas and renewable capabilities, with many parallels to our existing operations.
“We are delighted to welcome the talented GWE Biogas Team into our global business,” he said.
Co-Founders Mathew Girking and Tom Megginson, commented “We’re very proud of the business we have built at Sandhill and the jobs that have been created over the past 17 years. This transition creates opportunities for innovation, collaboration and growth and we’re excited about what joining EDL Energy will mean for our people, customers and communities.”
Each year, the Sandhill Biogas Plant produces enough renewable electricity to supply approximately 8,000 homes, and enough renewable biomethane to power another 6,000 households. By decarbonising the gas supply and generating green electricity that supports local industry and communities, Sandhill continues to demonstrate the value of anaerobic digestion in creating a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.
In addition to renewable energy, the Sandhill Biogas Plant produces a nutrient-rich biofertiliser (digestate) that is more cost-effective and sustainable than traditional synthetic fertiliser products and can improve crop yields.
EDL Energy has operated in the UK since 1991. This acquisition is a natural extension of the company’s current global renewable energy portfolio and further strengthens its UK operations to 10 sites, with electrical generation capacity increasing from 49MW to 53MW, and the addition of its first renewable biomethane injection plant in the UK.
GWE Biogas will be part of the EDL Energy group, but continue operating under its well-known name with its highly skilled team, ensuring continuity for customers, partners and communities.
Sandhill Biogas Plant
Anaerobic digestion