For a few months now, the Northern German biogas specialist MT-Energie has been represented by its own subsidiary in England. The preliminary conclusions are proving to to be rather positive: The response to biogas technology “Made in Germany” is very good, and the first two plants are already in the process of being built.

Both new biogas plants have a capacity of 1 MW each and will be put into operation in spring 2010. “Against this background, we are of course very pleased with our market development in England“, explains Dr. Holger Schmitz, Managing Director of MT-Energie, who is responsible for the international expansion of the company.

MT-Energie’s first biogas plant in England is currently being built north of Oxford and consists of two digesters, one post-digester and one open residue storage tank. The site owner Ian Bond decided in favour of MT-Energie: “Of course, I contacted several biogas plant providers. But MT-Energie has convinced me particularly with its very high efficiency and the reliability of the technique.” In view of the attractive feed-in tariff of 18 Pence per kWh he can recommend the construction of a biogas plant as financially sound investment.

The location is perfect: The plant is located in a disused quarry and cannot be seen from a distance – an important aspect for the scenic region of Gloucestershire. Initially, mainly agricultural substrates such as whole plant silage and grass silage are used. Later co-ferments will also be used.

The second biogas plant is currently being built near the seaside resort of Bognor Regis in Southern England. This plant also has a capacity of 1 MW and consists of two digesters and one post-digester. The digestates are collected in a connected lagoon. This plant is supposed to be operated mostly with residues from sweet corn production. Further input materials are residues from the vegetable production as well as maize silage.