Bio-Substitute Natural Gas (BioSNG) Plant, Cheshire

Progressive Energy, Protos Energy Hub, Ellesmere Port

The Bio-Substitute Renewable Fuels Facility is a new low-carbon gasification plant planned for the Protos energy hub near Ellesmere Port, roughly 11 km north-east of Chester. The facility will take unrecyclable waste materials and convert them into Bio-Substitute Natural Gas (BioSNG), providing a renewable alternative to fossil-based natural gas.

What the Facility will do

The plant will convert non-recyclable waste into renewable BioSNG through advanced gasification. The gas can be:

• used to fuel heavy transport fleets (HGVs and buses)

• injected directly into the existing UK gas grid

Once operational, the plant is expected to produce enough renewable gas each year to power up to 1,000 low-carbon vehicles, significantly reducing emissions from the transport sector.

In the future, the facility can be adapted to also generate renewable hydrogen, supporting Cadent’s regional hydrogen plans under the HyNet North West project.

Timeline & Progress

The Bio-Substitute Renewable Fuels Facility received planning approval in late 2019, following Progressive Energy’s submission to Cheshire West and Chester Council. Construction is planned in phases, with the plant designed to process up to 175,000 tonnes of unrecyclable waste each year. The waste is converted through gasification, where it is heated and broken down into a clean synthetic gas. This gas is then upgraded into Bio-Substitute Natural Gas, producing a renewable fuel that can be injected into the existing gas grid or used to power transport fleets.

Location & Access

The facility is located within the Protos energy hub near Ellesmere Port in Cheshire, approximately 11 kilometres north east of Chester. Protos is a dedicated low-carbon energy and innovation cluster, strategically positioned between the Manchester Ship Canal and the M56. The site brings together clean energy projects, recycling operations and advanced waste-to-fuel technologies, making it one of the most significant low-carbon development zones in the North West.

Contractor Accommodation

YourShortLet provides high-quality serviced accommodation throughout Cheshire, ideal for contractors and professionals working on the Protos Energy Hub development. Our homes are fully furnished, offering modern living areas, equipped kitchens, reliable broadband, private parking and weekly cleaning.

With flexible booking options and locations across Cheshire city and suburbs, YourShortLet offers practical, comfortable housing within a short commute to Protos Energy Hub.