History
Since our formation in 2007, our vision has been to become a biofuels business for the future, providing sustainable energy for both fuel and food. Our energy matters – in terms of both our people and our products and look forward to a greener future.
Vivergo Fuels formed in 2007 as a biorefinery for the future. The business was started as a Joint Venture between AB Sugar, BP and Du Pont – to help deliver a sustainable and significant portion of the UK’s forecast biofuel demand.
Planning approval for the UK’s biggest biorefinery is granted, paving the way for site preparation and construction work to commence. The capital investment from the shareholders is sanctioned.
Site preparation begins at Vivergo Fuels’ 25 acre plot at Saltend Chemicals Park, near Hull. The site was chosen due to its suitability for the business including the existing infrastructure and utilities.
Mechanical construction work begins on site. Over 20 contractor companies employing over 800 people were involved, resulting in the largest civil engineering/construction project outside of the London 2012 Olympic programme.
The majority of Vivergo Fuels’ initial 80 permanent team members are recruited and training begins. Vivergo Fuels liaised closely with bodies including Job Centre Plus to offer apprenticeships, training and employment opportunities in both the construction and operational stages of the company’s development.
Commissioning commenced at Vivergo Fuels’ world scale biorefinery. Commissioning activity involved testing all parts of the plant to ensure that they work safely and effectively.
Final construction is underway. As part of the commissioning activity, the very first wheat was delivered to the plant. This represents a landmark milestone for farmers in Frontier’s Humber Gold Club.
Initial operation commences at the plant. At full production our plant converts 1 million tonnes of feed wheat into bioethanol and 400,000 tonnes of protein rich animal feed.
The plant is officially opened on 8 July 2013 by the RT. Hon Vince Cable. The opening saw around 500 people involved in a variety of opening events.
To achieve the goals of the business, a major recruitment campaign begins. Around 30 new members are welcomed to the business across all departments.
In December 2014, Vivergo Fuels reaches the milestone of achieving the full production capacity of the plant.
AB Sugar completed a deal to acquire BP’s 47% stake in Vivergo Fuels, resulting in a majority shareholding of 94%.
Vivergo Fuels is awarded the RoSPA Gold Medal. The award is based on a company’s individual occupational health and safety performance, and recognised six years of Gold standard excellence in safety and accident prevention at Vivergo Fuels.
After backing the city’s initial proposal as a Bid Angel, Vivergo Fuels confirmed its ongoing support for Hull 2017 UK City of Culture by becoming a City Partner. 2017 will promote Hull on the international stage and Vivergo Fuels was proud to back this year of events.
Due to the delays in the implementation of E10 fuel in the UK, Vivergo Fuels announced the difficult decision to cease production at the plant.
Vivergo Fuels announced it will re-open its plant in Hull following the UK Government’s announcement that E10 will be introduced to petrol pumps up and down the country from September 2021.
Recommissioning commenced at Vivergo Fuels’ world scale biorefinery, following its announcement in February 2021 to re-open.
