​A new biogas plant has been approved in Evenley, near Brackley, Northamptonshire, which will generate renewable energy for 8,000 homes while also supporting local farming communities.

The facility, developed by Acorn Bioenergy, will use anaerobic digestion technology to transform agricultural materials into clean energy. Feedstock including straw, maize, grass, and poultry and dairy manure will be added to digesters, creating biogas that will then be upgraded into biomethane for supply to the National Grid.

Specialist design features have been incorporated to ensure efficient operation and high environmental standards. Developers said that the project had drawn on the latest advances in industry technology to enhance sustainability and minimise impacts on the surrounding area. The modern design also places a strong emphasis on air quality, with measures in place to control and reduce emissions before air is released into the atmosphere.

The plant will cover around 10 hectares of farmland close to the A43, providing a steady and reliable source of green energy while offering new opportunities for local farmers. By supplying crops such as maize and grass for the process, farmers will be able to benefit from additional income streams, including from break crops that would otherwise have limited commercial use.

Industry specialists have described the project as a demonstration of how renewable energy can be combined with agricultural practice to create a balanced approach to land use and energy security. They said the careful planning and design of the Evenley site made it well placed to contribute towards the wider goals of reducing reliance on fossil fuels and cutting carbon emissions.

The approval marks a step forward in West Northamptonshire's commitment to supporting renewable energy initiatives and strengthening local resilience through sustainable, long-term and environmentally responsible development.