EDL Energy acquires GWE Biogas

EDL Energy has acquired GWE Biogas and its Sandhill Biogas Plant in East Yorkshire, one of the United Kingdom’s most advanced anaerobic digestion (AD) facilities.
Located near Driffield, the Sandhill Biogas Plant has been in operation since 2011, serving both local and national customers.
The facility produces up to 750 cubic metres of biomethane per hour, which is injected into pipelines operated by EDL Energy’s sister company, Northern Gas Networks.
It also houses a 4.5MW combined heat and power (CHP) plant that generates electricity and heat onsite, supporting local industry with surplus energy exported to the national grid.
In addition, the plant captures around 5,000 tonnes of high-purity, biogenic CO₂ each year using advanced technology.
By converting food waste, kerbside waste and agricultural feedstocks into renewable energy, Sandhill plays a vital role in the UK’s transition to a circular, low-carbon economy.
The process provides a sustainable alternative to landfill, recycling waste in line with the UK’s waste hierarchy and demonstrating the value of anaerobic digestion in the country’s renewable energy mix.
EDL Energy Chief Executive Officer James Harman described the acquisition as an exciting milestone for the company’s growing global portfolio.
“Anaerobic digestion is a natural complement to EDL Energy’s extensive landfill gas and renewable capabilities, with many parallels to our existing operations,” Mr Harman said.
“We are delighted to welcome the talented GWE Biogas team into our global business.”
GWE Biogas Co-Founders Mathew Girking and Tom Megginson added: “We’re very proud of the business we’ve built at Sandhill and the jobs that have been created over the past 17 years. This transition creates opportunities for innovation, collaboration and growth, and we’re excited about what joining EDL Energy will mean for our people, customers and communities.”
Each year, the Sandhill Biogas Plant produces enough renewable electricity to power approximately 8,000 homes and enough biomethane to supply another 6,000 households.
Alongside renewable energy, the plant produces a nutrient-rich biofertiliser (digestate) that is both cost-effective and sustainable, offering farmers an alternative to traditional synthetic fertilisers while improving soil health and crop yields.
EDL Energy, which has operated in the UK since 1991, said the acquisition marks a natural extension of its renewable energy portfolio.
The deal increases the company’s UK operational sites to ten, raising its total electrical generation capacity from 49MW to 53MW and adding its first renewable biomethane injection plant in the country.
GWE Biogas will now operate as part of the EDL Energy Group, continuing under its well-established name with its existing skilled team to ensure continuity for customers, partners, and the local community.