VNG Subsidiary BALANCE Expands Biogas Operations with Grasleben Plant Acquisition

VNG Subsidiary BALANCE Expands Biogas Operations with Grasleben Plant Acquisition

(IN BRIEF) BALANCE Erneuerbare Energien GmbH, a subsidiary of VNG AG, has acquired a biogas plant in Grasleben, Lower Saxony, expanding its portfolio to 42 plants with a total thermal output of 192 MWFTC, enough to supply renewable energy to over 123,000 households annually. The acquisition, which leverages local synergies and alternative substrates like liquid and turkey manure, strengthens BALANCE’s operations in Saxony-Anhalt and Lower Saxony. The plant’s flexible CHP units also provide climate-friendly heating via a district heating network. VNG Board Member Hans-Joachim Polk emphasized the strategic importance of biogas in the company’s transition to green gases and its role as a locally available, flexible, and reliable renewable energy source.

(PRESS RELEASE) LEIPZIG, 22-Nov-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — BALANCE Erneuerbare Energien GmbH, a subsidiary of VNG AG, has further strengthened its position in the renewable energy sector with the acquisition of a biogas plant in Grasleben, Lower Saxony, effective November 1, 2024. This addition increases BALANCE’s portfolio to 42 biogas plants, raising its total rated thermal output to approximately 192 MWFTC, capable of supplying over 123,000 households annually with renewable energy.

Located near BALANCE’s existing plants in Saxony-Anhalt and Lower Saxony, the Grasleben acquisition allows for the consolidation of operations and improved resource efficiency. “This plant offers valuable synergies, including optimized substrate procurement and shared storage capacities, while utilizing alternative materials like liquid manure and turkey manure for biogas production,” explained BALANCE Managing Director Volker Klinkert.

The Grasleben plant features five combined heat and power (CHP) units with a total rated electrical output of 2.5 MWel (6.2 MWFTC). These CHP units operate flexibly, adjusting electricity generation to match demand, while also supplying climate-friendly heating for a local district heating network. “As a partner in sustainable recycling and agriculture, we aim to leave a positive footprint in the region, boosting local value creation,” Klinkert added.

Commissioned in 2006, the plant was acquired from Biogas Grasleben GmbH & Co. KG. All employees have been retained, and existing agricultural suppliers will continue to deliver substrates, ensuring continuity and local engagement. Financial details of the transaction have not been disclosed.

Hans-Joachim Polk, Board Member for Infrastructure/Technology at VNG AG, highlighted the strategic importance of biogas in the company’s transition to green gases. “Biogas is critical as it is the only renewable energy source that is locally available, flexible, and capable of base-load power generation. The Grasleben acquisition reinforces BALANCE’s role as a key player in renewable energy, supporting the supply of climate-friendly energy and advancing the shift towards sustainable solutions.”

This acquisition represents another step forward in BALANCE’s mission to expand renewable energy infrastructure while fostering local partnerships and reducing environmental impact.

ABOUT VNG AG
VNG is a group of over 20 companies active in the European energy industry, employing about 1,700 people. As a gas importer and wholesaler as well as an operator of critical gas infrastructure, the Group, which is headquartered in Leipzig, is central to the secure supply of gas in Germany. With the “VNG 2030⁺” strategy, VNG is also pursuing an ambitious path for a market ramp-up of renewable and decarbonised gases such as biogas and hydrogen, paving the way for a sustainable, secure supply and, in the long term, climate-neutral energy system of the future.

ABOUT BALANCE
BALANCE is one of the leading operators of biogas plants in Germany. The company was founded in 2006 and currently operates 42 biogas facilities in Northern and Eastern Germany with a total rated thermal output of approx.192 MW_FTC. BALANCE is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Leipzig-based VNG AG, a Group specialising in gas and gas infrastructure with over 20 companies operating throughout Europe. It supplies approximately 123,000 households with climate-friendly energy. More at www.balance-vng.de.

Media Contact:

Christian Roos
Press & Social Media
+49 341 443-5946
presse@vng.de

SOURCE: VNG AG