Private sector funding secures future of Deeside anaerobic digestion plant

An anaerobic digestion plant in Deeside will move forward without requiring £6.4 million of Growth Deal funding after securing private sector investment. This marks a milestone for green energy projects in North Wales.

Ambition North Wales and The Circular Economy (TCE), partners on the project, announced the breakthrough after working closely to attract additional funding.

The remaining investment needed was secured through the Abrdn Sustainability Infrastructure Fund.

The plant, located in Deeside Industrial Estate, will process local food waste to generate green electricity and biogas for commercial use.

It is also set to create high-value jobs, reduce CO2 emissions, and supply low-carbon energy to industries such as the Toyota Manufacturing Facility, helping it meet decarbonisation targets.

The processed digestate will be used to produce fertiliser, while captured CO2 will be repurposed for industrial use, making the site carbon-negative.

Mac Andrade, CEO of The Circular Economy Developments Ltd, emphasised the significance of the project:

“We are excited to solidify our commitment to Deeside as the location for TCE’s headquarters. This decision reinforces our dedication to supporting local growth, creating sustainable job opportunities, and contributing positively to the region’s economic landscape. Our collaboration with Ambition North Wales has been instrumental in advancing the project’s objectives.”

Alwen Williams, Portfolio Director at Ambition North Wales, praised the partnership, saying:

“We are delighted that the success of this collaborative groundwork is now being reflected in securing this additional private sector funding. The fact that this means the project will no longer require our Growth Deal funding is positive news, as consequently we can now direct our investment elsewhere in the region to support economic development and growth.”

The North Wales Economic Ambition Board formally accepted the project’s withdrawal from the Growth Deal on 8 November.

Ms Williams added that this collaboration serves as a model for future public-private partnerships, demonstrating how public sector involvement can de-risk projects and attract private investment.

Though no longer part of the Growth Deal, Ambition North Wales will continue to support TCE to help ensure the success of the Deeside Anaerobic Digestion Plant, which is poised to deliver economic and environmental benefits for the region.