RAF Marham will be supplied with green electricity from a new biogas plant opened in Norfolk, UK. Credit: Adrian S Pye.

The UK Minister for Defence People and Veterans Tobias Ellwood has officially opened a new biogas power plant, which will provide green electricity to the Royal Air Force base – RAF Marham.

The new biogas plant, which converts fermented crops into energy, will provide 95% of energy needs at RAF Marham, and could save the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) up to £300,000 annually.

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Ellwood said: “RAF Marham is leading the way as Britain’s first green military airbase. The biogas fuel is a truly green and sustainable solution, helping us tackle climate change, support the local economy and save taxpayer money.

“I hope that this plant can act as a model and we can see more sustainable energy schemes rolled out across other military bases.”

Future Biogas, the firm who built the plant, said it will generate 4.5MVA of electricity, enough to power 350,000 LED light bulbs. The project is also touted to reduce the MOD’s carbon dioxide emissions by 14,000t each year.

"I hope that this plant can act as a model and we can see more sustainable energy schemes rolled out across other military bases."

Future Biogas managing director Philipp Lukas said: “It’s fantastic to see the UK military join the green revolution. If we are to combat the imminent global threat of climate change, everyone, from all walks of life, needs to transition to renewable, sustainable energy as quickly as possible.”

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Since February 2015, the MOD has been working with the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) and the Crown Commercial Service (CCS) to develop a cost-efficient and sustainable way to power its military bases.

CCS buildings strategic commercial director Sam Ulyatt said: “This is an excellent example of how CCS can work with forward-thinking public sector partners like DIO, and suppliers like EDF and Future Biogas, to source power supply solutions for the RAF, which provide resilience and strong green credentials, while boosting the local economy and providing energy security for the UK.”