Energy & Recycling
Local councillors recently toured the new facility.
Published: February 7, 2025 | Updated: 7th February 2025
Acorn Bioenergy recently invited Winchester councillors to tour its Three Maids Hill anaerobic digestion (AD) site before it becomes fully operational this summer.
The facility, situated a few metres from the A34, is expected to create 50 engineering, rural and infrastructure jobs within the wider supply chain.
Once up and running, it will produce enough green gas to heat more than 9,380 homes – delivering the equivalent savings in greenhouse gas emissions of taking 16,500 cars off the road or planting 1.2 million trees.
The site utilises a natural process where organic materials such as agri-based waste and rotational feedstocks are broken down by microbes in an oxygen-free environment to produce biogas.
This gas is then upgraded to biomethane and either injected into the national gas network or used as a renewable fuel for heavy goods vehicles (HGVs).
It also generates green CO₂ for use in sustainable industries and creates nutrient-rich bio-fertiliser as a byproduct.
This natural fertiliser can be used on local farms to reduce reliance on carbon-intensive, imported alternatives.
The recent visit brought together representatives from Winchester City Council, Hampshire County Council and local parishes to discover more about the AD process and how it can support the UK’s food and energy security.
Representatives from Headbourne Worthy Parish Council and surrounding parishes attended the visit alongside Winchester City Councillors, including Cllr Kelsie Learney, cabinet member for climate emergency; Cllr Jackie Porter, cabinet member for place and local plan; and Cllr Caroline Horrill, leader of the Conservative group.
Cllr Porter said: “The Three Maids site in Winchester is well situated because it’s near a major road system, the Instavolt EV charging station and a solar energy site, meaning it has become a renewable energy hub for the city.
“I’m very pleased to know that green methane prevents us from taking fossil fuels out of the ground.
“This is methane that would’ve been created on farms anyway – however, we’re now channelling it into producing green energy for the city and community to benefit from.”
Since it uses feedstock from farms, the new plant will also help extend the growing season and harvest period of local farmers.
In return, farmers receive a steady income as well as a supply of digestate from the facility, improving soil health.
Alister Veitch, head of business development at Acorn Bioenergy, added: “The UK’s transition to clean power by 2030 and net zero by 2050 will require bold innovation, collaboration and pragmatic solutions, which is exactly what we’ve seen from stakeholders in Winchester.
“The Three Maids Hill facility will become a real flagship hub for us.
“Alongside our dozen sites in development, it’s a big step towards our ambition to supply 25 per cent of the UK’s biomethane as the country’s leading producer.
“Following the site’s approval in May 2023 – which received no objections from statutory consultees – we’re excited to complete on-site to begin producing our first biomethane later this year.
“The seamless process with Winchester has accelerated the city’s net zero ambitions while creating renewable career opportunities and real value for farmers and the environment.
“We look forward to continuing to collaborate with the council, stakeholders and local communities as the site becomes operational this year.”
