PDM line up £40 million investment in anaerobic digestion

The PDM group have announced plans to invest a further £40 million in its network of ReFood anaerobic digestion (AD) plants in 2012.

PDM has recently completed the construction of the companies first AD plant at its headquarters in Doncaster. The two new plants located in Widnes and East London will double the capacity of the Doncaster plant, each with a capacity of 4MW and the ability to handle around 90,000 tonnes of food waste a year.

Philip Simpson, commercial director at PDM, said: "Food waste is recognised as an issue the UK needs to overcome, not only is it a complete waste of a resource by letting it rot in landfill, capacity at these sites is falling fast and AD offers the ideal solution."

"Our AD plant in Doncaster is performing well, and we’re keen to keep the momentum going in developing our ReFood network to provide regional solutions for food waste across the UK," he added.

An uncertain political and regulatory framework, as well as other hurdles, has meant that a UK AD industry has been a long time coming. A lot of talk about 'potential' but little real activity has been frustrating for the industry.

PDM's investment reflects a growing trend and we anticipate a big year ahead for AD following the introduction of new subsidies for AD and the publication of the AD Strategy Action Plan, which are breaking down the barriers to investment and creating a more stable platform for growth.

Through the Official AD Information Portal, www.biogas-info.co.uk, NNFCC have captured details of over 70 operational facilities and are tracking more than 100 plants with planning consent.

Subject to planning approval, the two new PDM facilities will take food waste from local retailers, restaurants, hotels and households and turn it into renewable energy for the national grid and a nutrient rich fertiliser for growing crops.

Each plant will also generate around 40 new jobs in sales, logistics and operations. PDM aims to commence construction of both sites by Autumn 2012, with both plants to be fully operational in 2013.