ENGIE UK’s anaerobic digestion (AD) plants power thousands of local homes and businesses with green gas and electricity. We are also committed to finding new ways that AD technology can be used to help the UK reach Net Zero. Our AD sites are innovation hubs, where we encourage collaboration between universities, local authorities, and private industries to develop cutting-edge projects.

Artificial intelligence

 We are partnering with the University of Surrey to pilot an exciting project that will research how artificial intelligence (AI) can be used to optimise the AD process. Data gathered from sensors and microbe samples will be used to create a virtual ‘digital twin’ of the digester. The AI can then learn about the impact of different feedstocks and predict reactions at various stages of the AD process.

This knowledge could improve biogas yields by up to 20% from the same inputs.

Green biohydrogen

 The AD process generates green biohydrogen, which is a sustainable alternative to hydrogen produced from fossil fuels. We are exploring ways to harness this hydrogen for use in transport and for blending it into the power networks.

Many producers of biohydrogen energy lack a grid connection, so hydrogen can be combined with the existing biogas from AD at the point of export to the grid. 15% of the gas can be composed of biohydrogen, which would enable the AD plants to supply 15% more homes with renewable energy.

District heating and sustainable planning

 Excess heat is produced by the AD process, so why not use this heat to keep our homes warm? New regulations stipulate that housing developments must be designed with sustainability in mind. Our AD plants could supply district heating schemes for new housing developments, which would be a major win for sustainability in the region.

Carbon capture technology

 We are embarking on a project to install carbon capture technology at our Sustainable Energy Generation (SEG) plant. Carbon dioxide (CO2) from the AD process will be captured, liquefied, and cleaned by the specialist equipment, to produce food-grade CO2.

This means that the gas we generate for local homes will be carbon negative. Also, the green CO2 product can be supplied to South West industries, such as local cider makers.

You can read more details about the carbon capture project here.

 Digestate dewatering

 We are trialling dewatering machinery that will take the organic fertiliser produced by AD and concentrate it into high-quality fertiliser pellets for horticulture. When this process has been refined, it will be transformative for the entire AD industry.

95% of liquid fertiliser is water. Removing this water drastically reduces the vehicles, journeys, and fuel required for transporting fertiliser, helping to decarbonise the agriculture sector.

Feedstock optimisation

Currently, we are researching methods to break down the cellular structure of organic feedstock to free up additional energy. By optimising feedstock in this way, before it even enters the digester, a higher green energy output can be generated from the same amount of feedstock.

We always welcome new ideas and opportunities, so if you are interested in partnering with us on a project, please do get in touch.