Doncaster Anaerobic Digestion: Approval for green energy plant

A �12m green energy plant that will generate enough electricity for 4,000 homes is to be built in a South Yorkshire town.

Food processing firm Prosper De Mulder is to build the facility at its head office on Ings Road, Doncaster. The firm said the plant would create 35 new jobs. It will use anaerobic digestion technology to break down waste food into compost and biogas, which can be burned to produce heat and electricity.

Prosper De Mulder said the plant would process up to 45,000 tonnes of food waste from local supermarkets, restaurants and caterers. The firm said it was "delighted" to have been granted planning permission by Doncaster Council.

Chief executive Andrew Smith said: "As more and more people see the potential in recycling food rather than sending it to landfill, developing the UK's capacity for turning food waste to energy is a must.

"This new plant is just the latest part of the substantial investment that we are making in such technologies over the next few years."

Mr Smith said he hoped the plant would be built and operational by the end of the year.