Keen’s Cheddar – Renewable Energy Feasibility Study

Keen’s Cheddar approached WRM to conduct a renewable energy feasibility study. This study concerned the installation of an anaerobic digestion (AD) facility at the cheese making facility. AD is a renewable technology that processes waste materials and produces renewable energy. The process also creates a natural, chemical free material known as “digestate” which can be used as a fertiliser. WRM’s support to investigate feasibility of an AD helped Keen’s to reduce their carbon footprint, adopt principles of the circular economy and reduce their operating costs.

A WRM feasibility study is bespoke to each individual client and technology, but typically includes:

• Feedstock Analysis – understanding the quantity and composition of material to be used in the technology. Ensuring that it is appropriate for the desired intention

• Technical Specification – determining the parameters of the plant (e.g. size, capacity, outputs) to align with the findings of the feedstock analysis and requirements of the client

• Supplier Engagement – market review to identify potential suppliers, invitation and evaluation of quotes and assessment of most suitable provider

• Supplier Engagement– market review to identify potential suppliers, invitation and evaluation of quotes and assessment of most suitable provider

• Regulatory Review – an assessment of the planning and permitting regulations that would influence the development and operation of a facility of this type

• Deliverability Assessment – development of a business case using discounted cash-flow models to forecast financial outlook of the project and calculate potential return on investment

Based on WRM’s renewable energy feasibility study, Keen’s Cheddar decided to proceed with the project and install an AD on their site which has been successfully operating for a number of years.