New digestion plant that could power homes planned

Villagers are being asked for their thoughts on a biodegradable energy facility that turns agricultural waste into electricity and could supply more than 5,000 homes.

Plans for the anaerobic digestion plant in Sherburn in Elmet are to be submitted to North Yorkshire Council by French power company Engie Group.

It claimed the facility would support the community through partnerships with local farmers and provide energy houses nearby.

Engie's head of business development UK for renewable gases, Rob McKeon, said: “This proposed facility will sit alongside the existing agricultural AD site, which generates renewable electricity for use in the wider community.”

Engie said the development of the site had been brought forward in response to the government’s target to become "net zero" by 2050.

It said the project would support sustainability goals by reducing carbon emissions in the agricultural sector.

The anaerobic digestion facility will take biodegradable materials from local farms and turn it into low carbon energy via a process called anaerobic digestion (AD).

Mr McKeon said: “Anaerobic digestion is a tried and tested method for generating renewable energy from organic and naturally biodegradable materials.

“We have a strong track record of operating AD plants across the UK and Europe and for being a responsible business in the local communities where we operate.

“As well as creating new jobs and partnerships with local traders and farmers we will also be supporting local causes with a community benefit fund.”

The company has encouraged residents to attend a consultation event at the Lady Popplewell Centre in Sherburn in Elmet on 17 October.

Engie is a multinational power company based in France that supplies electricity to 27 countries in Europe and 48 countries worldwide.

In the UK its renewable power assets include solar, onshore and offshore wind and biomethane.

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