VORN Bioenergy has acquired the Hallertau biogas plant in Bavaria, continuing its European growth strategy through the purchase of existing facilities alongside new development projects.
The plant has a capacity of 95 GWh, equivalent to the thermal energy demand of around 6,700 households, with gas fed directly into the public grid. It is operated primarily using shredded hop vines and agricultural by-products from the region, in partnership with hop cooperative Hopfenverwertungsgenossenschaft eG (HVG), based in Wolnzach.
VORN will continue working with the local Högl Group for plant operations and hop vine logistics. Digestate produced at the site is used by regional farmers as organic fertiliser.
Jörg Lennertz, CEO of VORN Bioenergy, said the acquisition fitted the company's focus on strategic partnerships, drawing a parallel with its work in Spain developing plants that process pomace from olive oil production. "In both cases, we make a significant contribution to environmental protection, regional circular economy and local energy production," he said.
Dr Erich Lehmair, chairman of HVG, described the production of biogas from hop residues in the Hallertau region as "unique worldwide," adding that VORN's involvement combined hop farming, energy generation and sustainability "in an impressive way."
The purchase price was not disclosed. The transaction was supported by financial adviser Longspur Capital.
VORN Bioenergy acquires hop vine biogas plant in Bavaria
Marking the acquisition of the Hallertau biogas plant (from left to right): Tim Hünermann (Asset Manager, VORN Bioenergy), Franz Högl (Managing Director, Högl Kompost- und Recycling-GmbH), Jörg Lennertz (CEO, VORN Bioenergy), Dr Erich Lehmair (Chairman of the Board, HVG Hopfenverwertungsgenossenschaft e.G.), Gerald Marunde (Senior Manager Mergers & Acquisitions, VORN Bioenergy)
