March 1, 2023

By Lynda Kiernan-Stone, Global AgInvesting Media

One hundred days after Macquarie Asset Management’s Green Investment Group (GIG) acquired BayWa r.e. Bioenergy GmbH via the Macquarie Green Investment Group Energy Transition Solutions Fund, GIG announced a rebranding of the business as VORN Bioenergy (VORN). 

This acquisition and rebranding comes as the EU is looking to significantly reduce its dependence on imported natural gas. Toward this end, biomethane has represented an attractive solution as a direct alternative, while also being a channel through which to address and upcycle agricultural waste. 

It also aligns with REPowerEU, a recently launched multi-goal agenda including a target to produce 35 billion cubic meters of biomethane by 2030. This goal will necessitate the construction of 5,000 new biomethane plants across the EU and an approximate investment of €80 billion (US$85 billion). 

As part of this developing push, VORN develops, constructs, and operates biomethane projects providing biomethane and power to local energy companies, industrial companies, and energy traders.

With an expansive network of agricultural partners comprising over 300 suppliers, VORN uses a range of feedstocks from silage to manure, organic waste, and agricultural by-products to drive biomethane production. 

Macquarie explained that the new VORN brand name reflects the company’s history as a market leader, having launched the first biomethane plant in Europe in 2006, and its continuing growth ambitions. 

Further, the brand connotes a strong identity with the circular economy and the key role that biomethane assets will play in decarbonizing the natural gas supply chain, and in forming a new closed loop in the ag sector, from waste generation to land fertilization. 

“As corporates and governments look to the next phase of deep decarbonisation, we are seeing huge appetite for access to green gasses and alternative fuels,” said Chris Archer, co-head of GIG in Europe, Middle East, and Africa.

“Biomethane production, in particular, is set for significant expansion. The VORN team have been pioneers of this industry for many years now and bring immense technical expertise. We are pleased to be working with them as they grow the platform and help deliver Europe’s decarbonisation ambitions.”

Currently, the company’s portfolio includes five plants in Germany producing approximately 140 Gwh of biomethane per year, cutting emissions equivalent to 4,000 cars from the roads. 

With the backing and support of GIG, VORN is working to expand its pipeline, and has recently secured environmental permits for its first project in Italy, which will be accomplished in partnership with local partner Alvus. Located in Ferrara, the 1,000-square-meter project is expected to commence this year, as a further nine projects are at various stages of development across the country. 

The company also expressed its intent to continue to partner with local developers across other jurisdictions in Europe, including Spain, where a new partnership with Greenar is advancing greenfield development projects. 

“Our business has been at the forefront of Europe’s biogas market for over a decade, and it’s exciting to start this next phase of growth with a brand that reflects our continued commitment to leadership,” said Christian Bracklow, co-managing director, VORN.

“With the Green Investment Group’s support, in just 100 days, we’ve progressed new projects, new partnerships and even expanded into new markets, all while delivering the same level of quality service for our existing customers. I look forward to seeing what the next chapter of our development will bring.”

~ Lynda Kiernan-Stone is editor in chief with GAI Media, and is managing editor and daily contributor for Global AgInvesting’s AgInvesting Weekly News and  Agtech Intel News, as well as HighQuest Group’s Unconventional Ag. She can be reached at lkiernan-stone@globalaginvesting.com.

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