Acorn Bioenergy, a company of the Qualitas Energy Group, has officially commissioned its first biomethane plant in Three Maids Hill, Winchester. The facility produces over 120 GWh of biomethane annually, covering the heating needs of more than 9,000 households – providing a direct alternative to fossil natural gas.
The UK government is promoting biomethane as a replacement for fossil gas, supporting its expansion through schemes such as the Green Gas Support Scheme (GGSS) and the Renewable Gas Guarantees of Origin (RGGOs). Qualitas Energy is investing in this market and has now launched its first biomethane plant in the UK.
Strategic Milestone – Qualitas Subsidiary Launches First Biomethane Facility
The Three Maids plant was developed by portfolio company Acorn Bioenergy as an anaerobic digestion facility. It processes around 83,600 tonnes of agricultural waste per year, saves approximately 30,000 tonnes of CO?, and simultaneously provides nutrient-rich organic fertilizer to local farms. As such, it contributes to both the energy transition and the circular economy.
Oscar Pérez, CEO of Qualitas Energy, explains: “Biomethane is a mature, locally sourced renewable fuel that delivers immediate carbon reductions while strengthening energy security. Through Acorn Bioenergy, we are scaling reliable renewable gas infrastructure across the UK that complements intermittent sources like wind and solar, while providing tangible benefits to farmers and local economies.”
The Three Maids plant marks the beginning of a nationwide network of biomethane facilities from Qualitas, which is expected to inject over 1.5 TWh of renewable gas annually into the UK’s gas grid in the future.
Biomethane Goals in the UK
The UK government officially supports the expansion of biomethane through programs such as the Green Gas Support Scheme (GGSS) and the Renewable Gas Guarantees of Origin (RGGOs), which provide financial incentives and guarantees of origin. The aim is to inject enough biomethane into the gas grid by 2030 to supply renewable heat to approximately 200,000 households. Industry organizations such as the Anaerobic Digestion and Bioresources Association (ADBA) and the Institution of Gas Engineers and Managers (IGEM) estimate that the potential is significantly higher if all feedstocks are fully utilized: by 2030, around 8 TWh of biomethane could be produced annually, rising to a total of 30 – 40 TWh per year by 2050, with an optional maximum of up to 57 TWh annually.
Sarah Jones, the UK Minister for Industry, emphasizes: “Acorn’s development will deliver secure, clean energy for thousands of homes and provide jobs for the local community in Hampshire. Biomethane can play an important role in reducing our reliance on imported fossil fuels, boosting our energy security and helping us accelerate to net zero.”
With Three Maids, Qualitas Energy is taking a strategic step to replace fossil gas with local, renewable alternatives and to advance the UK’s energy transition.
