AN HGV refuelling depot powered by food waste can be built in Dorset following the approval of plans.

Dorset-based renewable energy firm Eco Sustainable Solutions submitted a planning application for the depot at its Eco Park in Parley earlier this year.

And the refuelling depot, which will use locally sourced food waste to help cut carbon emissions from HGV, can now be built after Dorset Council approved the plans.

It will supply renewable gas produced from the company’s new anaerobic digestion plant which is due to be commissioned this month.

The depot will enable compressed biomethane to be used as an alternative to diesel for HGVs, one of the most difficult sectors to decarbonise.

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The biomethane will be refined from food waste collected across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, the New Forest, Dorset and surrounding areas and the proposed depot will be able to refuel up to three vehicles at once.

Initial estimates suggest the facility will save at least 1,634 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually.

Justin Dampney, managing director of Eco Sustainable Solutions, said: “We’re very pleased to receive approval for our biomethane refuelling depot.

“By using fuel derived from the food waste we process, the depot will help reduce emissions where it’s traditionally been hardest – heavy goods transport.

“This isn’t just a solution for our fleet. In time, the depot could provide clean fuel for other operators too – all powered by local food waste.”

Biomethane offers emissions reductions of up to 85% compared to diesel and is rapidly gaining recognition as a viable low-carbon fuel for logistics and waste sectors.

Founded in 1995, Eco has an annual turnover of £21 million and employs 53 people. In 2024, the company recycled 236,446 tonnes of material including 61,191 tonnes of food waste, 51,462 tonnes of wood waste and 36,960 tonnes of food waste.