The prize for the best renewable energy scheme in the southwest of England has gone to the Avonmouth biomethane plant. The GENeco power plant, the UK’s first commercial gas-to-grid biomethane plant – run by Wessex Water subsidiary GENeco at Avonmouth – won the coveted title of Best Renewable Energy Scheme at the South West Green Energy Awards.

The award was announced at a ceremony at the Bath Assembly Rooms, organised by renewable energy champions Regen SW and hosted by performance poet Matt Harvey.

The Green Energy Award judges were particularly impressed that – in less than a year – GENeco completed the design of the plant, which uses anaerobic digestion to extract the remaining energy within food waste, liquid waste and sewage. After purification it is pumped into the national gas distribution network, providing enough energy to power 8,500 homes and provide fuel for the company’s Bio-Bus, featured in the news last week.

Merlin Hyman, chief executive of Regen SW, said: “The judges’ decision on this award was unanimous, as the biomethane plant is not only extremely impressive but also there is the potential to replicate it on a national and international stage. The scheme is a marvelous illustration of how food and human waste can be used to provide a sustainable fuel and reduce our reliance on traditional fossil fuels. It’s innovative, groundbreaking, and a great example of how the south west of England continues to lead the way when it comes pioneering the way in renewable energy solutions. They are worthy winners.”

The Best Renewable Energy Scheme award was sponsored by The Crown Estate.