LEADING developer and operator of sustainability technology solutions, SEM Energy, has signed an exclusivity agreement with Scirocco Energy, for its H2OPE system – a digestate management and nutrient recovery technology.
As part of the deal with the AIM investing company’s subsidiary, SEUK, the North-east of Scotland based firm will exclusively supply the H2OPE system to SEUK, its affiliates, and investee company Energy Acquisitions Group Limited (EAG) throughout the UK and Ireland.
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The system processes digestate, a by-product of biogas production, into nutrient dense, high-quality fertiliser, nutritionally balanced growth media and a sustainable peat substitute which can be used within a range of growing environments across the sector. It also produces re-usable water, and significantly reduces CO2 emissions compared to traditional practices. Trials are also taking place for the use of the material to make biodegradable plant pots for nurseries and growers, removing the reliance on single use plastic.
The agreement will run until June 2023, with the option to extend. EAG intends to apply the technology to its operating plant at Greenan in Northern Ireland, as well as working with other owners of other operational Anaerobic Digestion (AD) plants to assess the potential benefits of funding the installation of a ‘bolt-on’ nutrient recovery system.
The addition of the H2OPE System technology to existing AD plants has the potential to deliver an additional revenue stream through the creation of high value co-products, tailored to the level of refinement required for specific market sectors, while simultaneously reducing the carbon intensity of the process.
Commenting on the agreement, John Jones, CEO and Founder of SEM Ltd said:
“Our engagement with EAG and Scirocco Energy is fantastic news for SEM. Their understanding of what the market needs are, and exactly where our technology fits within that space has made the deal straightforward. It has been really exciting working up the plans for the new plants at which the technology is expected to be deployed throughout 2022.
“At SEM we have a vision of a waste-free circular economy both now and in the future, securing our planet’s health and wealth for generations to come. Our H2OPE technology is set to have a hugely positive impact on the environment, as well as on the agriculture industry, by maximising the conversion of waste co-products into valuable by-products, while significantly cutting CO2 emissions.
“Both EAG and Scirocco Energy share this vision – a common alignment which will ensure our strong future working relationship gets off to the best possible start. We can’t wait to see where the next part of the journey takes us all.”
Scirocco CEO Tom Reynolds said:
“This represents the next step in our investment strategy supporting investment in ‘Circular’ within the agricultural sector, alongside our existing investment in EAG. The application of this kind of technology will help optimise the operational and environmental performance of our current and expected future AD plants, as well as providing a new revenue stream that can be scaled in line with our portfolio. The exclusive nature of the agreement provides Scirocco Energy and its investee company, EAG, with a valuable head start in deploying a value adding technology to its asset base as it grows.”
