London-based Renovare Fuels has announced a £9 million (€10.4 million) biogas-to-biofuel plant at a waste site in County Derry, Northern Ireland.
The Craigmore operation will convert biogas from landfill into biofuel, with Renovare stating it will be a first for Europe, supplying multinational petrochemical and airline companies.
Set to open this year, it is expected to see close to two million litres of advanced renewable biofuels produced each year.
The firm has partnered with Larne’s B9 Energy and Wigan consultancy firm, Powerhouse Management, for the Craigmore project.
The plant utilises patented technology developed in collaboration with NASA, added Renovare. It has been developed in the US in collaboration with sister company T2C Energy, NASA, and the US Department of Energy.
The company said the biofuel will act as a ‘drop in’ replacement for diesel and aviation fuel, with no requirement for engine modifications, potentially cutting greenhouse gas emissions by up to 97%.
“Renovare Fuels are delighted to be commencing operations in Northern Ireland,” said Renovare Fuels’ chairman, Matthew Stone.
“This crucial investment will ensure we play a leading role in creating a sustainable future for the transport sector.
“As we work to meet our global climate goals, we have an exciting opportunity to scale up the UK’s production of renewable fuels, producing more than 1.8 million litres per year in Northern Ireland to support the industries that face the largest barriers to the net zero transition.”
Ian Harvey, founder of B9 Energy Control Limited, added: “We’re proud to be supporting Renovare Fuels’ landmark investment today, which paves the way for Northern Ireland to play an important role in supporting businesses transition to net-zero.
“The new operations in County Derry present an opportune moment to kickstart a sustainable fuels drive across the UK. We look forward to continuing to support this development in the new year.”
Biogas-to-biofuel plant “developed in collaboration with NASA” announced for NI
