MT-Energie, one of the leading providers of biogas and gas upgrading plants, recently shortlisted for two UK AD and Biogas Industry awards, has recently completed biological and mechanical commissioning of a second AD project for Barfoot Energy Projects Ltd, part of UK fresh vegetable farming and processing Barfoots Group, confirming a continuing strong partnership and a common interest in transforming food waste into energy.
Following the success of their first facility on the south coast of England, already awarded the best AD project within the British Anaerobic Digestion & Biogas Association (ADBA) national competition. In 2013 Barfoot Energy contracted MT-Energie UK to supply the second of a series of AD projects.
After commissioning in early 2014 the facility at Herriard is now producing 1.2MWel. The renewable energy generated is injected into the grid and promptly available for use in households and businesses.
Formerly unused commercial waste is now utilized as fermentation feedstock in an efficient and profitable recycling system. The new plant processes separated organic residues based on shop returns, expired or wrong labelled food, which is de-packaged, processed and pasteurized on site. As an additional measure of efficiency, the packaging is washed to ensure minimal loss of organics. The packaging materials are therefore easier to recycle, while the wash water is completely reused in the AD process.
“This has been a challenging project with many lessons learnt, but continues the development of our experience in this sector - reflects Julian Marks, Barfoots Managing Director, ”It has been essential for us to count on an experienced and high profile technology partner, such as MT-Energie UK”.
At the forefront of innovation, with Barfoot Energy Barfoots of Botley has created an additional branch to their core business of vegetable growing, packaging and distribution, making a firm step towards the zero waste to landfill targets and reducing at the same time the carbon footprint of the group as a whole.
