Biogas plant for Bernard Matthews

Turkey producer Bernard Matthews is looking to become more self-sufficient with the installation of a biogas plant at its factory in Suffolk, UK.

The £4 million (€4.7 million) AD plant will produce heat and power for the factory's onsite operations from 28,000 tonnes of poultry effluent, blood fluids and fat.

It is hoped the new facility will supply 13% of the factory's electricity and 10% of its heat requirements, as well as slashing the number of lorry journeys by 1,200.

The turkey giant must now submit a planning application to Waveney District Council. If the proposal in approved, Bernard Matthews will break ground on the biogas plant next year, with operations due to start in April 2013.