A £30 MILLION ‘green gas plant’, on the edge of Haddington, is nearing completion – more than six years after it was first approved.
The anaerobic digestion (AD) facility at Bangley Quarry, to the north of the town, is said to be one of the largest infrastructure projects under construction in Scotland.
The biogas plant has entered its final build phase as it prepares to deliver renewable gas, biofertiliser and liquefied bio-CO2 to local residents, farmers and industry.
On track for completion this autumn, the facility will generate 1,100m3 per hour of renewable biomethane – more than enough green gas to supply Haddington’s 10,000 population.
In addition, it will produce 70,000 tonnes each year of a biofertiliser known as digestate, providing local farmers with a sustainable alternative to fossil-fuel derived synthetic fertilisers.
Bangley Quarry Biogas will also become Scotland’s largest producer of liquefied bio-carbon dioxide (CO2), which is essential for use in food and drink production, horticulture and industry.
As site owners GFD and SWEN Capital Partners gear up for the ‘go live’ phase of the project, they are now looking to recruit key personnel to help operate and manage the facility, situated in a disused quarry.
“Bangley Quarry Biogas plant is at the forefront of Scotland’s circular economy and is set to become the showpiece for renewable gas in the country,” said co-owner and founder Marc McElhinney.
“We are keen to bring local people on board – as well as a full-time site manager, we are also seeking operational staff, plus a business development manager and a feedstock manager. I’d encourage interested parties to get in touch asap via our website (bangleyquarrybiogas.co.uk)”
Crops and farm waste will make up a majority of the feedstock material being converted into renewable gas, while the biofertiliser generated as part of the process will be supplied to nearby farms to aid in the sustainable production of food and break crops.
The initial proposals were approved in February 2018 by East Lothian Council but they split the local authority’s planning committee.
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After lengthy discussions, chairman Norman Hampshire had the casting vote with the matter tied at 6-6.
Mr Hampshire agreed with planning officials’ recommendation and voted to approve the scheme.
Some members of the public had raised concerns about the project.
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