JV between Oakland International’s development arm and Cannington Enterprises will see food waste turned into energy to help power high-tech farming enterprises
Logistics provider Oakland International is opening a series of new anaerobic digestion plants to provide energy for the ‘next generation’ of vertical farming, mushroom production and food manufacturing.
The first new site, a planned joint venture between Oakland’s development arm Green Clover Developments and Cannington Enterprises, will be located on four acres in Redditch, where there is already a food facility and where environmental and site surveys are now underway.
Further sites are being considered in Perth, Cambridge, Hull and Manchester.
“Our partnership with Cannington Enterprise is a key milestone in shaping a sustainable production environment,” said Green Clover Developments’ MD, Lee Whiting.
“Vertical farming and mushroom production require stable, efficient and low-carbon energy, and generating that energy on-site from food waste is exactly the type of circular solution the industry needs,” he said.
Under the agreement, Cannington Enterprises will design, build, and operate the AD plant using food waste sourced via Oakland International.
This will be converted into energy, heat and other by-products such as digestate and CO2, which may be resold to local farms.
As well as enabling climate-controlled mushroom growing and vertical farming, the site may also offer energy support for local homes.
“This initiative exemplifies how renewable energy can be seamlessly integrated into advanced growing systems, reinforcing sustainability and enhancing commercial resilience,” said Cannington Enterprises’ director of operations and commercial, Alan Armstead.
