SUEZ submits planning application to build anaerobic digestion facility

If approved by Sutton Council, the facility on Beddington Lane would use food waste that has been thrown away by homes and businesses to create reliable, renewable gas – the equivalent needed to supply up to 8,200 homes, supporting the UK’s energy security while reducing CO2 emissions.

Over the summer last year SUEZ carried out a consultation programme with local communities to share information about the plans for the disused site, which is allocated for waste use, in the South London Waste Plan.

About the anaerobic digestion facility

If approved, building work would begin in 2024, creating around 40 temporary jobs during construction and then up to 21 permanent green jobs when the facility is up and running at the end of 2025.

The proposed facility would help to ensure that food waste from homes and businesses is processed in the most environmentally friendly way possible.

Tim Hughes, Project Development Manager at SUEZ recycling and recovery UK, said: “We have now submitted our plans for a new anaerobic digestion facility to help create renewable energy and deal with up to 100,000 tonnes a year of food waste from homes and businesses in London.

“We need alternative renewable energy sources to help respond to the climate emergency and rising energy costs and anaerobic digestion is an excellent way to generate energy through the recycling of food waste.

“We believe this is a suitable location as the site is already earmarked for a waste treatment facility, with planning permission for a different type of waste facility that would deal with more than three times more waste than we are now proposing to manage here with this new proposed scheme.”