Our background
Our Sustainable Energy Generation (SEG) AD plant provides renewable energy to homes in South Somerset. We promote a circular economy model that supports local agriculture, working closely with a single farmer who supplies all the feedstock needed to run our plant. The site is also an innovation hub at the forefront of AD research.
SEG is located in South Petherton, on the site of local farm Frogmary Green. We process agricultural feedstocks supplied by nearby farmers, primarily chicken manure and sustainably grown crops. The feedstock also includes food by-products, such as whey from dairy production and rejected potatoes from supermarket bagging plants.
Using high-quality AD technology, the feedstock is broken down to produce biogas and digestate:
- The biogas is used to either generate and export renewable electricity to the National Grid, or upgraded and injected directly into the UK’s gas network. This green electricity and gas directly supplies local homes and businesses surrounding our SEG plant.
- The digestate is high in nutrients and a good replacement for artificial fertilisers. It is used on all of the land that grows feedstock crops for our AD plants, reducing costs for farmers as well as decreasing their carbon footprint.
How we are helping power Somerset’s homes
and businesses with renewable energy
We convert waste to green energy as efficiently as possible, with the help of two 500 kW CHP engines and advanced technology provided by Biogest Energie.
This technology enables us to generate 600 m3 of biogas per hour – enough to power 3,600 homes with renewable gas and 2,400 homes with renewable electricity each year.
Homes powered by our renewable gas
Biogas production per hour (m3)
Homes powered by our renewable electricity
Latest innovations
We are currently working on several exciting projects at SEG, in partnership with universities and local businesses:
- Installing cutting-edge carbon capture technology, which means that the biogas from our SEG plant will be carbon negative. Also, the green carbon dioxide (CO2) that is generated will supply South West industries.
- Exploring AD’s potential to generate green hydrogen, which can be used for transport or, in future, blended into the power networks.
- Researching methods to optimise feedstock, by breaking down the cellular structure of organic feedstock to free up additional energy.
Our local community
We are very fortunate to share a site with Frogmary Green Farm, which actively engages the local community. As well as a café, shop, and wedding venue, the facilities also include the SHED educational centre. Here, young people from surrounding schools and holiday clubs learn about agriculture, renewable energy, and climate change.
SEG continues to host regular visits from the SHED, teaching the next generation about the benefits of AD.
Our sustainability credentials
SEG is one of three Ixora AD plants that has been awarded certification to International Sustainability & Carbon Certification (ISCC) standards following an extensive audit of our supply chains. Only nine other biogas companies in the UK have been certified so far. The certification highlights how we are exemplary in our integration with local farm businesses, which creates a circular economy.
The Circular Economy
Anaerobic digestion works best when it incorporates and supports the local community, economy, and businesses. We call this interaction our circular economy. This enables us to provide sustainable solutions that support local businesses and power our communities.
For Farmers
We have a strong relationship with Frogmary Green farmers, who supply farm waste and crops as feedstock materials for the AD process.
Plus, our high-quality digestate fertiliser replaces artificial fertilisers derived from fossil fuels. This helps Frogmary Green to reduce their carbon footprint and protects them from the dramatic price increases of artificial fertilisers.
For Businesses
We convert waste from food manufacturers into renewable energy, so they don’t have to use environmentally damaging disposal.
This site provides jobs onsite and within South Somerset’s wider community (including feedstock production management, fertiliser management, and maintenance services).
For Community
We supply renewable gas and electricity directly to local homes across Somerset. Also, in partnership with Frogmary Green farm, we work to educate people about climate change, renewable energy, and the role of sustainable agriculture.
Protecting the environment
Preserving biodiversity is central to our values and we collaborate with farmers to promote best practice land management. For example, working in partnership with Frogmary Green Farm, we have planted wildflower margins alongside our crops.
These wildflower margins provide a habitat for insects and wildlife, as well as helping to prevent phosphates from entering the nearby Somerset waterways.