Food waste management company Biogen has completed the acquisition of Tamar Energy, one of the largest anaerobic digestion (AD) facility owners and operators in the UK, further expanding its network of food waste recycling facilities.
Announced last week (7 February), the acquisition brings Biogen’s network of AD plants across the UK up to 13, plus six composting sites, after only recently expanding its network to eight plants following the purchase of its first Scottish site in January, acquiring the 1.5MW Millerhill facility in Edinburgh from Kelda Water Services.
The acquisition was facilitated by Ancala Partners LLP, the company that manages Ancala Bioenergy, the ‘infrastructure investment vehicle’ that acquired Biogen in April last year.
The new expanded group will now be capable of recycling over half a million tonnes of food waste from supermarkets, the hospitality industry, food manufacturers and local authorities across England, Scotland and Wales each year across its network of facilities, as well as provide 25MW of green electricity generation capacity.
“Acquiring Tamar Energy represents an opportunity for us to grow our platform and create one of the largest AD operators in the UK,” said Spence Clunie, Managing Partner at Ancala Partners LLP, an infrastructure investment firm that has a range of renewable energy and water companies in its portfolio. “The combination enables us to improve our service to all stakeholders, including customers and local communities.”
Tamar operates five AD plants in the UK as well as six in-vessel composting (IVC) and open windrow sites, mainly in the south east of England.
Adam Feneley, Managing Director of Biogen, added: “The acquisition of Tamar Energy represents a significant opportunity to create a best-in-class anaerobic digestion business. With the support of Ancala, I look forward to a future of continued growth and investment in the Biogen platform. I firmly believe that this acquisition will provide all customers and stakeholders with an enhanced service.”
In terms of day-to-day operations at the new combined group, it will be business as usual, with best practice being shared across the business. However, Dean Hislop, Tamar Energy Chief Executive, will not be continuing in any capacity.
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