Sandhill Anaerobic Digestion Biogas Plant

EDL owns and operates the Sandhill Anaerobic Digestion (AD) Biogas Plant in East Yorkshire, trading under the name GWE Biogas. The Plant is one of the UK’s largest and most advanced AD operators.

At a glance

  • Project name:

    Sandhill Anaerobic Digestion Biogas Plant

  • Owner, operator:

    EDL

  • Start of operation:

    2011

  • Location:

    Driffield East Yorkshire, UK

  • Biomethane to grid:

    700 m3 per hour

  • Combined heat & power:

    4.5 MW

  • CO2:

    8ktpa

  • Feedstock:

    Packaging, food waste, other usual landfill items, non-animal by-products (ABPs), energy crops, manure, food-processing residues, kerbside collection

About the AD Biogas Plant

Situated near Driffield in East Yorkshire, the Plant takes in food waste from across the UK and converts it into to renewable energy in the form of biogas and electricity. Over the course of a year, we create enough electricity to power 4,000 homes, making our plant an important part of the UK’s renewable energy mix.

The processes also produce a renewable, nutrient-rich biofertiliser, which is more cost effective and sustainable than traditional synthetic fertilisers and often results in higher yields. Our digestate fertiliser is fully compliant with PAS 110 and the Anaerobic Digestion Quality Protocol, ensuring it corresponds with the highest industry standards.

Although Sandhill AD Biogas Plant primarily specialises in food waste disposal and destruction, the Plant offers a sustainable treatment for various types of food waste, including local authority and packaged as well as agricultural feedstocks.

How it works
How it works

Collection: Organic material is delivered to the AD facility.

Digestion: Under controlled conditions, microorganisms break down the material, producing biogas (mainly methane and CO2).

Energy generation: The biogas is captured and used to generate clean, renewable electricity and heat, and is further upgraded to renewable natural gas (RNG).

By-products: Remaining material is processed into fertiliser for agriculture, while captured CO2 can be used in food-grade products or stored safely.

  • Reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Diverts waste from landfill.
  • Supports the circular economy by turning waste into valuable products.
  • Helps achieve national and global net zero targets.

 

 

EDL and AD

The acquisition of GWE Biogas is EDL’s first step into anaerobic digestion. It complements our existing landfill gas, wind, solar, hybrid and energy storage capabilities. Together, these technologies strengthen our vision to be the leading global producer of sustainable distributed energy.