Gasrec starts fuel production at U.K. biomethane project

London-based Gasrec announced today that it has begun the production of liquid biomethane fuel at its plant on a landfill site in Surrey, England.

Gasrec said it worked on the project with SITA UK, which owns the landfill, and BOC, which provides plant operation and maintenance services.

SITA UK is part of Paris-based Suez (OTC: SZEZY), and BOC is a subsidiary the Linde Group. Gasrec said Linde provided the liquefaction technology for the landfill project.

"Our technology not only captures a highly valuable source of clean fuel for vehicles, but also provides the means for landfill and waste managers to optimise their gas assets fully," said Richard Lilleystone, CEO of Gasrec.

"We look forward to working with all sectors of industry as well as local authorities and government to assist in the introduction of low carbon fuels derived from a truly sustainable and secure source."

Gasrec said the Surrey plant is expected to produce approximately 5,000 tonnes of liquid biomethane per year.

The company said the project can recover over 85 percent of the methane contained in the raw gas produced from the landfill site.

The initial target for the use of liquid biomethane is commercial vehicles operating in the haulage and waste management sectors, according to Gasrec.

The company has signed an agreement with the Hardstaff Group, a U.K. liquid natural gas bulk transporter, to manage transport logistics and fuel transportation from the landfill site.