Materials

SUEZ to submit application for an anaerobic digestion facility in Lancashire

SUEZ recycling and recovery UK (SUEZ) has today (5 September) announced its intention to submit a planning application for an anaerobic digestion (AD) facility in Darwen, Lancashire.

anaerobic digestion

The plans differ from those first set out by SUEZ in 2019, when, following public consultation, the waste management firm aimed to replace its current resource recovery park with an energy recovery centre. The new facility now forms part of wider plans for a network of plants turning food waste into green energy.

The facility promises to create jobs in the area and reduce Lancashire’s reliance on landfill, as well as anticipating future government policy on segregated food waste collections, as outlined in the Environment Bill.

If approved, SUEZ hopes the new AD plant would form part of a network of facilities across the country to turn food waste into renewable energy and compost-like soil-improver.

As it submits its application, SUEZ has launched a public consultation with members of Darwen’s local community to run until 25 September.

John Wilkinson, Regional Director SUEZ recycling and recovery UK said: “SUEZ recycling and recovery UK are proud to operate in Blackburn with Darwen and are keen to invest in the development of our existing resource recovery park on Lower Eccleshill Road in Darwen, not only to protect existing jobs but to also create new jobs.

“As government policy on waste and resources evolves, we have to anticipate the likely need for waste management facilities. Whilst we have planning permission for an energy recovery centre on the site we are also working on plans for an anaerobic digestion facility to process food waste.

“We are working and will continue to work closely with Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council to reduce food waste in the area as much as possible and want to ensure that any food that is wasted is put to good use.

“If planning permission was to be granted for an anaerobic digester we would then be well placed to move forward quickly when government policy and market conditions are clearer to build the most appropriate facility to meet Blackburn with Darwen’s future needs.”