Oakland International, through its development arm Green Clover Developments, has joined forces with Cannington Enterprises to deliver a groundbreaking renewable energy facility that will underpin next-generation vertical farming, mushroom cultivation, and sustainable food manufacturing.

Under the agreement, Cannington Enterprises will design, build, and operate a cutting-edge anaerobic digestion (AD) plant that transforms food waste, sourced via Oakland International, into renewable green energy, heat, and valuable by-products. Green Clover Developments will provide approximately four acres of land on a long-term lease, creating a hub where energy, logistics, and supply chain operations converge to support advanced agricultural systems.

Cannington Enterprises brings 15 years expertise in renewable energy generation and waste-to-energy solutions, with a proven track record in designing and managing AD plants that convert food waste into clean energy and practical outputs from its existing facility located near Bridgwater. Being one of the early adopters of AD technology in the country.

Their collaboration underscores Oakland’s commitment to a low-carbon, circular food production model. By generating renewable energy on-site, the partnership will enable climate-controlled mushroom growing and vertical farming, while also offering potential energy support for local homes, helping build a more resilient, partially off-grid community.

Lee Whiting, Managing Director of Green Clover Developments, said: “Our partnership with Cannington Enterprise is a key milestone in shaping a sustainable production environment. Vertical farming and mushroom production require stable, efficient and low-carbon energy, and generating that energy on-site from food waste is exactly the type of circular solution the industry needs. We’re delighted to be working alongside a specialist partner who understands both the technical and operational demands.”

The AD facility will process food waste from Oakland’s networks and partner supply chains, producing renewable electricity and heat to power vertical farms, climate-controlled systems, and potentially local housing. By-products such as digestate and CO₂ may also be repurposed to support agricultural activities and local growing systems.

Cannington Enterprises Director of Operations and Commercial Alan Armstead commented: “We are pleased to confirm our strategic partnership with Oakland International and Green Clover Developments. This initiative exemplifies how renewable energy can be seamlessly integrated into advanced growing systems, reinforcing sustainability and enhancing commercial resilience. Our objective is to deliver a streamlined, robust solution that delivers optimal performance from the outset and for generations to come.”

Cannington Enterprises Managing Director Tim Roe added: “We have commenced work on the engineering design, plant layout, and infrastructure integration. This project represents a highly innovative opportunity, with the capability to directly support vertical farming, mushroom cultivation, and, potentially, local homes through site-generated renewable gas and electricity.”

The partnership is now moving toward a full commercial joint venture agreement following feasibility studies, permitting, and detailed design. Specialist consultants have been appointed to lead environmental permitting, site surveys, and gas/energy connection strategies, with preparatory works already underway.

Oakland International, a Certified B Corporation, is a market leader in reducing food waste through its acclaimed distress load management service. As a multi-temperature supply chain specialist, Oakland delivers comprehensive solutions including storage, distribution, contract packing, consolidation, and direct-to-consumer services across the UK and Ireland. Through Green Clover Developments, Oakland International is driving integrated initiatives that advance sustainable agriculture, vertical farming, and low-carbon food production.