Fuelling the Future
Real World Energy Independence on Show at Bennamann Event
At Bennamann, we love bringing our technology to life so potential customers can see its transformative power first-hand. Our CAPCH4 biogas-to-biomethane three-stage solution speaks for itself, and it does exactly what it says on the tin:
- Upgrader: Upgrades biogas to fuel-grade biomethane (Bio-CNG).
- Storage Bundles: Safely store the Bio-CNG.
- Dispenser: Dispenses the gas directly into waiting vehicles.
Bennamann is on a mission to power energy independence. Our event series, titled “Stop buying fuel, start making it,”has captured the imaginations of AD plant operators across the UK. By harnessing food waste, crop waste, and slurries, operators can create biomethane of a quality suitable to run plant machinery and gas-powered vehicles, effectively displacing fossil diesel and HVO.
To prove what’s possible, our in-person events bring together prospective customers, existing customers, and our technical experts to see the CAPCH4 system in action – often accompanied by bacon butties and coffee!
Turning Scepticism into Solutions
On the 9th of June, we hosted our latest event in the series at Menchine Farm in Tiverton, Devon. The day kicked off with a look back at how fuel prices have shifted from the early 2000s to today, exploring what those volatile numbers mean for farmers and AD operators, and mapping out the options available to protect businesses from rising costs.
The engagement from our audience was immediate.
Georgia Holloway, Business Development Manager AD at Bennamann, commented “What I expected to be a 30-minute presentation turned into an hour and a half discussion. For me that’s always a good sign. The questions were thoughtful, challenging and practical. Not ‘does it work?’ but ‘Where does upgrading fit alongside CHP, grid injection and other existing routes to market?’ and ‘what mileage or hours can I expect from CNG?'”
Following the discussion, attendees toured Menchine’s AD plant, to take a closer look at the upgrading technology in operation. Visitors explored the equipment first-hand and even got to fuel one of the New Holland T6-180 methane tractors on site using Bio-CNG made that morning.
Seeing is Believing
The true value of the day wasn’t just in the data presented, but in watching perceptions shift in real-time. “As with any new technology there was healthy scepticism at the start, that’s understandable,” Georgia reflected. “But there’s a difference between hearing about something and seeing it working in a real-world environment. When you can stand next to the upgrader, watch gas being turned into fuel and see a tractor running on that fuel, the conversation becomes very different.”
Shaping Post-Tariff Strategies
For many attendees, the event was a glimpse into the future of their commercial viability. Conversations on the day, and in the follow-up discussions since, have focused heavily on how the Bennamann CAPCH4 system can form a crucial part of a broader suite of ‘new’ revenue streams in a post-tariff landscape.
Operators are looking closely at how this transition will look in the short term as they adapt, and how it impacts the day-to-day running of their assets. Courtney Lucas, BDM Powered Machinery, who specialises in CNG-powered tractors at Bennamann, spent the day talking with delegates, and highlighted the specific operational shifts AD plant operators are navigating:
“They are looking at migrating to fully waste feedstocks, negotiating private wire contracts, migrating their own fleet to biomethane-fuelled vehicles where possible, or making partnerships with local businesses that want to reduce fuel price volatility and reduce emissions. The level of engagement was impressive, and the conversation was not whether our tech works, but how it integrates into existing and future strategies.”
The Path Forward
The future of AD won’t look the same for every business. However, giving operators the chance to see the technology, challenge it, and make up their own minds is the best place to start.
As Georgia neatly summarised the success of the day: “Days like these remind me that some of the best conversations in our industry happen when we get people around a table and then out into the field.”
A huge thank you to everyone who attended Menchine Farm, asked tough questions, and shared their perspectives. Ready to stop buying fuel and start making it? Keep an eye out for our next event!