Local Benefits
REGENERATIVE AGRICULTURE
BIOMETHANE
BIOGENIC CO2
JOBS
EDUCATIONAL TRIPS
Regenerative Agriculture
Unlike solar and wind, anaerobic digestion supports wider industries beyond energy. Acorn produces digestate which is supplied back to farmers. In comparison to artificial fertilisers, digestate is a cheap, sustainable and local source of fertiliser.
Digestate contains optimal nutrients for healthy crop growth and positively benefits soil structure. By improving soil quality, digestate reduces nutrient run off and local water pollution improving the local environment.
In agriculture, farmers struggle with pests and weeds which reduce food production. Crop rotations offer a natural solution to outcompeting and removing these. Acorn will provide farmers with the opportunity to grow pest-defeating break crops by buying these crops for anaerobic digestion. Farmers are then able to increase food production in their rotations.
Acorn will also offtake agricultural waste, preventing it from being spread directly to land or going to landfill.
Biomethane
Biomethane is a green gas which replaces natural gas in the grid. At Hornage, Acorn will create enough biomethane to heat over 7,000 homes.
Our biomethane is produced in a carbon positive process not contributing to global warming, this way the UK will have less need to import carbon intensive ‘natural gas’ from other countries meaning Acorn is offering a self-sustainable, green fuel source free from price hikes.
Biogenic CO2
Major shortages of CO2 have negatively affected food security in the UK. Acorn can supply local biogenic CO2 meaning businesses like pubs, glasshouses, breweries and construction companies can benefit economically and help to bring food and beverage prices down.
Jobs
The site will employ approximately 100 people during the construction phase of the project. Once the plant is operational, Acorn will employ 4-5 onsite workers and multiple contractors including gas engineers, silage contractors, plumbers and electricians.
Educational Trips
Acorn will offer educational opportunities for local schools to learn about renewable energy and regenerative agriculture.