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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.
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Gwenola Chambon and Mounir Corm, founding partners of Vauban Infrastructure Partners, commented: “CIF IV’s investment in the Wijster companies is a testament to Vauban Infrastructure Partners’ commitment to sustainable energy leadership in Europe. The Wijster plant demonstrates our strategic investment focus, perfectly aligned with our mission to drive the energy transition. Teaming up with Green Create positions us to significantly boost biomethane production, playing a crucial role in meeting the Netherlands and Europeans’ ambitious energy goals. This transaction underscores Vauban’s role in delivering meaningful environmental impact and sustainable growth in the biogas sector.”
Alister Inglesby, Chief Executive Officer of Green Create, said: “Green Create is pleased to partner with Vauban Infrastructure Partners in this strategic acquisition of our Wijster companies. We appreciate Vauban’s recognized expertise in energy infrastructure and their proven ability to substantially lever its value creation expertise. This collaboration strengthens our confidence in achieving our growth objectives and advancing sustainable energy solutions in the biogas sector, starting with the extensions of the Wijster Campus, our flagship project in the Netherlands.”
About Vauban Infrastructure Partners
Vauban Infrastructure Partners is a leading infrastructure asset manager focused on European core infrastructure investments. With headquarters in Paris and subsidiaries in Luxembourg and New York, as well as a branch in Munich, the firm comprises of 76 professionals, many of whom have worked together for over a decade. Vauban targets predominantly European brownfield mid-market assets pursuing a long-term yield-driven strategy matching the underlying nature of assets and long-term commitment to all stakeholders’ interests through a strong focus on creating sustainable value. Vauban has raised over €9 billion across 8 funds in core infrastructure from over 100 investors within 19 different countries and has invested in over 70 assets in mobility, energy transition, social & digital infrastructure across 14 different geographies. https://vauban-ip.com/
About Green Create
Green Create is a leader in integrated biological waste-to-value systems, specializing in Build, Own & Operate (BOO) solutions. They focus on sustainable agricultural and industrial waste treatment, addressing complex challenges with innovative technologies to derive tangible value from waste streams. Their mission includes providing low-carbon fuels to the transport sector, contributing significantly to global carbon emission reduction efforts.
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Any questions about our new plant or Bio LNG? Get in contact with Green Create for more information.
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Green Create has multiple plants all over the world to produce biogas and other useful energy forms.
