Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP), via its CI Advanced Bioenergy Fund I (CI ABF I), has made its final investment decision to entry into the UK bioenergy market with the acquisition of a combined pre-treatment and biogas plant in Northwich from Ørsted.
The deal, announced on 31 October 2025, marks CIP’s fourth investment in its advanced bio-energy fund and the first time the company has secured an asset of this type in the United Kingdom.
Northwich Biogas Plant - Asset and Expansion Details
The facility currently processes municipal solid waste in a pre-treatment phase and generates power via biogas. Under CIP’s ownership, the plant will be refurbished into a dedicated biogas-only operation and expanded with a new digester, biomethane upgrading units, and CO₂ capture and liquefaction technology.
Once upgraded, the Northwich plant is expected to process over 170,000 tons of feedstock annually, with commissioning targeted for 2028. Key aspects of the expansion include:
Conversion of the existing facility to a biogas-only operation.
Installation of new digesters, biomethane upgrading units, and CO₂ capture and liquefaction systems.
Connection to the gas grid or biomethane network and integration with local energy infrastructure for both gas and CO₂ streams.
Renescience technology in the Northwich PLant
The Northwich facility uses Ørsted’s Renescience® technology, an advanced bioenergy platform designed to efficiently convert municipal solid waste into renewable energy. The system integrates mechanical sorting and biological treatment to maximize biogas production and recover recyclable materials.
Key features include:
Efficient biogas production: Organic waste is anaerobically digested to produce renewable gas suitable for biomethane upgrading.
Material recovery: Non-organic and recyclable materials are separated to reduce landfill disposal.
CO₂ capture potential: The technology supports CO₂ capture and integration with low-carbon biomethane production.
Scalable and flexible: Modular design allows for expansion with additional digesters and upgrading units.
Environmental benefits: Diverts waste from landfill, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and supports circular economy goals.
Transaction Rationale and Leadership comment
Ørsted’s divestment of the Northwich plant aligns with its strategic decision to exit biogas operations and focus on core renewable energy activities. For CIP, the acquisition provides an entry point into the UK bioenergy market, expanding its European footprint and strengthening its position in advanced biogas development.
Andreas Brandt, Partner at CIP, commented:
“We are excited to enter the UK bioenergy market with this first acquisition. The biogas plant in Northwich strengthens our position in the European biogas sector and represents a key milestone for our fund and investors. The upgraded plant will make a meaningful contribution to local energy security while driving growth and job creation. We look forward to working closely with the community and authorities to bring the project to life.”
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