Yesterday, Thursday 1st October, the latest Biogen AD plant at Bryn Pica in South Wales was officially opened by Biogen CEO Julian O’Neill and Carl Sargeant, Welsh Minister for Natural Resources.

The new AD plant - which can process up to 22,500 tonnes of waste - will be a hub of food recycling in South Wales for the next 15 years thanks to the partnership deal established between Biogen and three of the region’s councils – Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough, Newport and Methyr Tydfil County Borough.

The facility was completed in September after 16 months of construction following Biogen’s confirmed status as “preferred bidder” for the project in December 2012. The AD plant is Biogen’s sixth to be completed and the third plant in Wales – the highest recycling nation within the UK with a total of 56% of waste recycled.

Prior to Friday’s opening, food waste recycling was only a focus for two out of the three counties. Biogen’s Bryn Pica plant has both brought another county into the fold by promoting the financial and ecological benefits of anaerobic digestion, and will save the three localities an estimated £2 million by the partnership end date in 2030.

Natural Resources Minister Carl Sargeant commented: “This project is a great example of the effective use of collaboration and joint working between local authorities, the private sector and the Welsh Government. These projects also bring with them economic benefits for the local area. Many jobs were created during construction of this site and four full time posts have been created to operate the plant.”

Julian O’Neill commented: “The Bryn Pica AD plant is a fantastic investment for the area, both as a food waste treatment facility and as an educational resource for the community. We are delighted to announce that the plant is now fully operational and generating electricity.”