VORN Bioenergy acquires Hallertau Biogas Plant

VORN Bioenergy has acquired the Hallertau biogas plant. With this acquisition, VORN Bioenergy consistently continues its ambitious growth strategy through both the acquisition of existing plants and the development of new facilities across Europe. Both parties have agreed not to disclose the purchase price. The transaction was supported by financial advisor Longspur Capital.

The Hallertau biogas plant has a capacity of 95 GWh, corresponding to the thermal energy demand of approximately 6,700 households. The gas produced is fed directly into the public gas grid on site.
The plant is primarily operated using shredded hop vines and agricultural by-products from the region, in cooperation with the Hopfenverwertungsgenossenschaft eG (HVG), based in Wolnzach. For both the operation of the biogas plant and the logistics of the shredded hop vines, VORN will continue its cooperation with companies of the local Högl Group.

The digestate generated during biogas production is used by regional agriculture as a valuable organic fertiliser, thereby contributing to a sustainable circular economy.

“With the acquisition of the Hallertau biogas plant, we are not only continuing our ambitious growth trajectory, but the plant also fits perfectly into our portfolio focused on strategic partnerships,” says CEO Jörg Lennertz. “Here, biogas is produced primarily from hop vines in cooperation with HVG and the Högl Group, while in Spain we are currently developing plants that mainly process pomace from olive oil production. In both cases, we make a significant contribution to environmental protection, regional circular economy and local energy production.”

“The production of biogas from hop residues in the Hallertau region is unique worldwide and represents a meaningful and valuable addition to hop cultivation. With VORN Bioenergy as a leading biogas producer, hop farming, energy generation and sustainability are being combined in an impressive way,” says Dr Erich Lehmair, Chairman of the Board of HVG Hopfenverwertungsgenossen-schaft e.G.

Franz Högl, Managing Director of the Högl Group, adds: “As a modern family-run business, we are committed to sustainable economic activity within the region. The Hallertau biogas plant embodies the natural local material cycle, to which we are proud to contribute through our services.”