UK to restart wheat-based bioethanol plant with £100 million support to secure CO2 supply
The UK will provide £100 million to restart a wheat-based bioethanol plant to secure domestic CO2 supplies amid rising gas prices and European disruptions. The move supports critical industries, stabilises supply chains, and highlights how energy shocks are impacting biofuel and industrial gas availability.
London: The UK government has decided to provide £100 million in support to restart a wheat-based bioethanol plant in Wilton, Yorkshire, to ensure steady domestic supplies of carbon dioxide (CO2) for key industries, Irish Farmers Journal reported.
The plant, operated by Ensus, produces bioethanol using wheat and also generates CO2 as a byproduct. It will run for an initial period of three months to help maintain supply for sectors including food and drink, healthcare, nuclear power and water treatment.
According to the Department for Business and Trade, disruptions in fertiliser production across Europe and challenging market conditions have made CO2 imports into the UK less reliable.
The situation has been further affected by rising gas prices linked to the Iran conflict, along with unplanned maintenance at several CO2 production sites in Europe, increasing the risk of shortages.
Officials said the government has been in discussions with Ensus since September to keep the plant ready for use, allowing a quick restart when needed. The financial support will cover the cost of maintaining the facility in standby mode and bringing it back into operation.
Business Secretary Peter Kyle said the step would help protect essential supply chains and support industries that rely on CO2, while also safeguarding jobs and local communities.
Ensus UK Chair Grant Pearson welcomed the move, saying it would benefit workers and the wider supply chain, and strengthen the manufacturing sector in Teesside while improving the country’s ability to manage CO2 supply.
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