Behind every unit of renewable gas produced by Pretoria Energy is a carefully managed agricultural operation spanning over 10,000 hectares of arable land each year. These fields, located within a 50‑mile radius of the company’s Cambridgeshire sites, supply sustainable feedstock crops including maize, triticale, wheat, grass, sugar beet and straw – all cultivated to support the anaerobic digestion process.
Local sourcing is a deliberate choice. By keeping all feedstocks within a close radius, Pretoria Energy significantly reduces emissions associated with transport while strengthening relationships with regional farmers. This model ensures a stable feedstock supply, supports local economies, and boosts the environmental performance of each anaerobic digestion facility.
Anaerobic digestion itself is a natural, microbe‑driven process in which organic material breaks down in oxygen‑free conditions to produce renewable biogas. Pretoria Energy operates one of the largest and most advanced AD systems in Europe, producing 125 million m³ of biogas annually – and transforming agricultural crops into Bio‑LNG, renewable electricity, and carbon‑negative biogenic CO2.
Regenerative agricultural practices play an increasingly important role. Through crop rotation, soil‑focused management, and trials of new agronomic techniques, Pretoria Energy ensures that land health is improved year on year. The company’s internal research – including precise crop testing to optimise gas yield – allows it to select varieties not only for high field performance but for maximum biogas potential.
This closed‑loop model – responsibly grown crops, renewable energy production, and reinvestment into soil health – demonstrates how agriculture and energy can work symbiotically. It supports the UK’s transition to a low‑carbon future while proving that sustainable farming and high‑volume energy generation can coexist successfully.