Qualitas Energy, a global leader in renewable energy investments and sustainable infrastructure, has officially launched its first renewable biomethane facility in the United Kingdom. Located at Three Maids Hill in Winchester, the project, named Three Maids, was developed by Acorn Bioenergy, a portfolio company of Qualitas Energy. This anaerobic digestion (AD) plant is designed to process approximately 83,600 tonnes of local agricultural waste, residues, and break crops annually, generating over 120 GWh of biomethane each year. This output is enough to meet the heating needs of more than 9,000 homes. In addition to its energy production, the facility has already created 15 direct jobs and is expected to support up to 50 roles across various sectors, including engineering, agriculture, and the broader supply chain.
Three Maids is the first of twelve planned AD plants across England and Scotland. Once fully operational, this network is projected to inject more than 1.5 TWh of biomethane annually into the UK’s national grid through four dedicated gas injection hubs. Acorn Bioenergy, Qualitas Energy’s biomethane platform, aims to become a leading supplier of renewable gas and green CO₂ in the UK. Oscar Pérez, Managing Partner and CEO of Qualitas Energy, described the launch as a significant milestone in advancing the UK’s energy transition. He emphasized that biomethane, as a locally sourced and renewable fuel, offers immediate carbon reductions, complements variable energy sources like wind and solar, and enhances national energy security. Sarah Jones, the UK Minister for Industry, also praised the project for its contribution to a secure and clean energy supply, as well as its potential to strengthen local communities through job creation.
Beyond its energy benefits, the Three Maids facility plays a crucial role in reducing emissions, preventing approximately 30,000 tonnes of CO₂ annually—equivalent to planting 1.2 million trees or removing 15,000 cars from the road. The process also produces nutrient-rich digestate, which is returned to nearby farms to improve soil quality and reduce reliance on imported chemical fertilizers. Alister Veitch, Head of Business Development at Acorn Bioenergy, highlighted Three Maids as a flagship project that demonstrates the potential of renewable biogas in powering homes, supporting farming communities, and helping the UK achieve its net-zero targets. With its broader development pipeline, Acorn Bioenergy aims to eventually supply up to a quarter of the UK’s biomethane needs. Through the launch of Three Maids and its wider AD program, Qualitas Energy is reinforcing its commitment to shaping a cleaner, more secure, and sustainable energy future for the United Kingdom.
Source: Qualitas Energy
