Biogen has expanded its operations into Scotland through the addition of a 1.5MW anaerobic digestion facility located in Millerhill, Edinburgh. The acquisition has been completed by Ancala Partners LLP (‘Ancala’), the independent mid-market infrastructure investment manager, from Kelda Water Services for an undisclosed sum.

The facility will be integrated into Biogen's existing network of food waste recycling sites, strengthening the company's position as a leading owner and operator of anaerobic digestion plants in the UK.

The facility is an important long-term component of the Zero Waste Plan being delivered by The City of Edinburgh Council and Midlothian Council to meet the Scottish Government target of no more than 5 per cent of waste being sent to landfill by 2025.

Discarded food collected by the two partner councils plus additional waste from local businesses and industries are recycled at the facility. Methane gas is then produced and converted through a CHP engine into electricity. The process generates enough electricity to power approximately 3,300 homes. In addition to producing renewable green electricity, the facility converts food waste into a nutrient-rich biofertiliser that is PAS110-certified.

Spence Clunie, Managing Partner, Ancala Partners LLP, commented:

“The Millerhill facility is an excellent asset serving an important market. By being integrated into our Biogen platform it will benefit from the resources and expertise of the Biogen team. This acquisition is another example of our ability to secure add-on investments to our platforms and promote businesses that benefit local communities.”

Adam Feneley, Managing Director, Biogen, commented:

“The Millerhill facility is an ideal addition to the Biogen portfolio and marks the first step of growth for the business since we became a part of Ancala last year. We look forward to working with the Edinburgh & Midlothian councils to facilitate their recycling targets, benefiting both the local community and wider Scottish environment.”

In May last year, Biogen was listed in the London Stock Exchange’s 1,000 Companies to inspire Britain Report, which identifies the fastest-growing and most dynamic SMEs across the UK.

Scotland's Zero Waste Plan sets out the Scottish Government's vision for a zero-waste society. This vision describes a Scotland in which all waste is seen as a resource and the amounts put into landfills are minimised. Ancala and Biogen both actively support this vision.