Re-Gen, the Newry-based recycling company, has completed the £20 million first phase of its waste-to-fuel facility at Carnbane Industrial Estate, creating 50 new jobs. The municipal solid waste site on Derryboy Road converts local waste into two types of fuel for export. Solid recovered fuel (SRF) is used by Europe’s cement industry as a lower-carbon alternative to fossil fuels, while refuse derived fuel (RDF) can generate heat and electricity.

The development represents a major evolution for Re-Gen, which was originally established to provide dry recycling and municipal solid waste collection services for both public and private sectors. The facility now incorporates automation and advanced digital systems, including AI-powered sorting, near-infrared recognition, and real-time data analytics, which monitor material efficiency and output quality. These innovations have contributed to the company’s rapid growth, with revenues tripling from £30 million to £100 million over five years.

Joseph Doherty, Re-Gen’s chief executive, said the Derryboy Road facility positions Northern Ireland at the forefront of recycling and resource recovery technology in Europe. He highlighted the project’s environmental and economic impact, including enhanced black bin waste processing, reduced landfill dependency, lower carbon emissions, job creation, and skills development.

Phase two of the facility is already planned, with Re-Gen committing a further £10 million over three years to expand AI, robotics, and other advanced technologies. These investments aim to further decarbonise Northern Ireland’s waste system while improving operational efficiency and fuel production capacity.

The facility underscores Re-Gen’s commitment to integrating sustainability, technological innovation, and economic growth. By combining advanced recycling methods with local resource management, the company is setting new benchmarks for waste-to-fuel operations and establishing Northern Ireland as a leader in circular economy solutions.

Discover the full story on how Re-Gen is transforming waste management and driving sustainability across Northern Ireland.