Welsh farm turns waste into wealth with NatWest Cymru backing
A leading Welsh farm pioneering renewable energy has landed significant investment from NatWest Cymru, enabling the Powys-based business to expand its state-of-the-art biogas plant and further champion sustainable farming in the region.
With 50 years’ agricultural experience, GP Biotec, is a family business based at Great Porthamel Farm near Talgarth. Today, the company leads the way with one of the UK’s largest and most advanced on-farm anaerobic digestion (AD) plants.
Anaerobic digestion uses natural bacteria to break down biodegradable waste – such as food scraps or farm materials – without oxygen. This process produces renewable gas for energy, as well as a nutrient-rich fertiliser that helps crops grow.
Since 2013, the business has transformed from a traditional mixed farming enterprise to a leader in clean energy generation, producing renewable gas, electricity, and high-quality biofertiliser. The company now employs 22 people locally, including HGV drivers, plant operators, and office staff, making it one of the largest employers in the area.
The new funding from NatWest Cymru will enable GP Biotec to further increase its clean energy output, maximise the use of by-products such as digestate for soil enrichment, and continue reducing reliance on artificial fertilisers. This investment not only supports environmental goals but also strengthens the rural economy by safeguarding and creating skilled local jobs.
Paul Jones, director/partner at GP Biotec Ltd, commented: “We’re passionate about making the most of every resource on the farm, from generating clean energy to recycling nutrients back into our land.
The support from NatWest Cymru gives us the confidence and capacity to invest further in our infrastructure, helping us deliver even greater benefits for our community and the environment.”
Nathan Davies, relationship manager at NatWest Cymru, added: “GP Biotec is a fantastic example of rural innovation in action. Their commitment to sustainability and local employment shows how investment in infrastructure and energy can deliver real, long-term value for Welsh communities. At NatWest Cymru our ambition is to succeed with customers; helping them navigate the dynamics of a changing external landscape to unlock opportunities in the transition to net zero. We’re proud to support GP Biotec’s continued growth.”
NatWest is committed to championing potential and breaking down barriers for ambitious companies like GP Biotec.
The funding supports NatWest’s Growing Together plan, which sets out five key pillars on how the bank is supporting UK growth, including supporting major infrastructure projects – including energy from waste – across the whole of the UK.
Drawing on its regional footprint, expertise and convening power, the bank aims to bring businesses, communities, and policymakers together to tackle structural barriers, unlock productivity and spread opportunity across Wales and the rest of the UK.