On the 28th of June 2024, Vauban Infrastructure Partners through Core Infrastructure Fund IV SCSp and Core Infrastructure Fund IV SCA SICAV RAIF (together “CIF IV”) closed the acquisition of a majority stake in the Wijster companies, namely Green Create W2V Europe BV and its wholly owned subsidiary Green Create Wijster B.V., (Wijster SPVs or the Wijster plant) from Green Create, paving the way for a long term partnership in the biomethane sector.
The Wijster plant, located in the Netherlands, is one of Europe’s largest biomethane production plants with a current biomethane installed capacity of 237 GWh/year to be injected in the Dutch grid. The plant is an anaerobic digestion plant designed to process primarily poulstry manure, with ability to operate with diversified feedstock such as organic waste.
The Wijster plant has been operating since 2022, and the project encompasses two planned extensions. Through these scheduled expansions, the Wijster plant will have a total capacity of c. 554 GWh,.
Biomethane assets are set for substantial growth in the coming years, aligning with European public policy objectives. This sector benefits from robust dynamics and strong regulatory support across Europe due to its significant positive externalities, including CO2 emission reduction and the provision of a sovereign, reliable, and storable energy source. This investment also enhances Vauban’s investment footprint by marking its first direct investment into the Netherlands, a core Western European market with a solid regulatory framework. It is above all a prime location for biomethane development as it benefits from an unparalleled agriculture production intensity and a national framework supportive for biomethane.
This acquisition project aligns perfectly with Vauban Infrastructure Partners’ strategy of long-term investment in strategic sectors prioritizing energy transition and circular economy. It constitutes a key investment producing a critical commodity, showcasing strong ESG credentials through biomass local supply. Unlike typical smaller scale methanization plants that rely primarily on agricultural waste for biogas production, the Wijster plant sources primarily poultry manure through long term contracts from over 100 local farmers within a one-hour distance radius. By producing biomethane from poultry manure, the Wijster plant significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil fuel alternatives. The biomethane production process from poultry manure feedstock, boasts a negative carbon intensity of c.100kg CO2/GJ1, enabling substantially higher emissions reduction compared to other types of feedstocks.
This strategic investment generates an essential commodity in a sustainable manner and is supported by an existingcontractual framework and advantageous tariff structure. It features a key long-term contract with Shell Energy for biomethane and associated green certificates.
By providing the Wijster plant with long-term shareholder stability and financing for extensions plans, Vauban will accelerate the project development and support its ambitious extensions program in response to the expectations of the industry & State decarbonization objectives.