The facility – which will sit alongside the existing Low Farm AD facility and new woodland planting – will take agricultural feedstocks and wastes from local farms and turn it into renewable gas via AD.
As well as creating green gas, reducing reliance on imported natural gas, the site will work in partnership with local farmers to give them a regular source of income whilst reducing their carbon footprint. It also supports day to day farming activities by providing digestate, a byproduct of the AD process and a natural fertilizer that replaces artificial and expensive alternatives.
Stuart Rennie, Managing Director of Renewable Gases UK at Engie, said: “Farm waste in the local area is currently largely spread to land which releases carbon into the atmosphere. Our plans would instead see it used to generate a local supply of green gas which is all part of our national mission to make farming more sustainable and support the UK’s decarbonisation journey.
“Over the last few months we’ve been out talking to the community, and we’ve had lots of positive feedback. We’ve worked hard to develop a really robust planning application which is supported by various technical assessments that show how the facility will be operated without impacting on the local area.
“The facility will create local jobs and support projects in the community through a dedicated Community Benefit Fund and we’ve already had some really useful suggestions of local causes we could support.”
The proposal is being brought forward in response to the UK’s legally binding target to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Part of the challenge will be reducing the carbon footprint of both the UK’s energy consumption and agricultural sector, something North Yorkshire Council is addressing with its adopted Climate Change Strategy.
ENGIE has a lengthy track record in building and operating renewable energy facilities and becoming part of the surrounding communities. Once completed, the facility will:
Provide renewable gas to the wider community, enough to supply 5200 homes.
Help bolster energy security and reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels.
Reduce the amount of greenhouse gases being released from agriculture.
Provide a sustainable and consistent income for local farmers.
Produce a natural sustainable organic fertilizer to enhance soils on local agricultural land.
Create local jobs.
Establish a Community Benefit Fund to support local causes.
Engage the community, with educational visits for local schools and community groups.
Help deliver clean power by 2030, a key government target.
It is expected that North Yorkshire Council will make a decision on the plans early in the new year. If approved, work is anticipated to start by summer 2025.
