ReFuels strengthens clean energy platform with Dutch biomethane plant buy

ReFuels, a leading European supplier of renewable biomethane (Bio-CNG) for decarbonising heavy goods vehicles, has acquired Bio Energie Holwerd with its biomethane production facility in the Netherlands.

The acquisition is made through Renewable Transport Fuel Services (RTFS), a subsidiary of CNG Fuels in which ReFuels owns a 40% interest.

The transaction is in line with ReFuels’ strategy of building a vertically integrated clean fuels platform and enhances supply flexibility amid growing end-user demand for biomethane.

The anaerobic digestion plant, which started operations in 2014 in Holwerd, produces 13 GWh of biomethane annually from waste, which is injected into the gas grid and qualifies for UK Renewable Transport Fuel Certificates (RTFCs).

Jasper Nillesen, Executive Director of ReFuels and CEO of RTFS, said the acquisition complements its refuelling position in the UK by providing increased optionality in upstream sourcing.

“Our focus remains on long-term offtake agreements with large-scale producers, but selective investments like this one strengthen our sourcing position and provide additional insights across the value chain,” he said.

CNG Fuels’ current station network serves over 2,000 HGVs in the UK and is expected to dispense close to 1 TWh of Bio-CNG during 2025. Demand from fleet operators continues to grow, as biomethane HGVs have lower emissions and fuel costs than diesel-powered trucks. The company aims to double its capacity to 20,000 HGVs per day by end-2028.

“We’re building a future-proof platform with the scale and flexibility needed to support Europe’s transition away from diesel in the heavy transport sector. By integrating select upstream capabilities alongside our expanding network of refuelling stations, we are better positioned to serve our customers reliably, sustainably and at scale,” added Nillesen.

The acquisition is financed through available cash and will continue operations under the existing local management team. RTFS will look to optimise the site over time and assess expansion in line with permit allowances, feedstock developments and commercial priorities.