Our President Mark Butcher welcomed our guest speaker, Alister Veitch, Head of Business Development at Acorn Bioenergy. He has been a key figure during the launch and development of the Three Maids biomethane facility in Winchester, built by Acorn in early August 2025. He gave us a most interesting update concerning the new anaerobic digester at Three Maids Hill. This Renewable Biomethane Facility is Winchester’s first anaerobic digestion plant. It produces sustainable biomethane, green CO2, and nutrient rich digestate, creating clean energy while promoting a circular economy.
Alister is a farmer’s son who comes from a farming family. He has an engineering degree and for 10 years worked for Thames Water, which he enjoyed and found very interesting. He has over 20 years of experience in the anaerobic digestion industry
He showed us a video entitled ‘Farming for a Greener Future’. This practice involves less turning over of the soil, for improved soil health. Anaerobic digestion – an oxygen-free biological process where microorganisms break down organic matter, such as food waste, manure and sewage sludge. This all happens inside a sealed tank to produce nutrient-rich digestate and methane-rich biogas. This renewable energy can be used for electricity, heat or gas for the gas grid.
It also reduces the amount of gas that we have to import from the Middle East and the US, both saving CO2 emissions in transportation, and reducing our dependence upon other Countries for energy.
The Three Maids Renewable Biomethane Facility transforms organic by-products into valuable resources, supporting local farmers, benefitting the community, strengthening the regional economy, whilst generating employment opportunities. This flagship project contributes to the UK’s renewable energy strategy. Three Maids plays a key role in our national journey towards net zero.
There is so much more scientific development and social information to learn about the Three Maids Renewable Biomethane Facility in Winchester. Sadly, space does not allow here. Thank you Alister for opening our eyes and minds to the very important work that is happening right on our doorstep in Winchester.
For more information, see Alister’s presentation.
Diana Brooks
