Schroders Greencoat Acquires Dutch Biomethane Platform APF Energy

Schroders Greencoat, the specialist renewables and energy transition infrastructure manager within Schroders Capital, has completed the acquisition of a 100% stake in APF Energy, a growing biomethane platform based in the Netherlands. The deal, sourced from SWEN Capital Partners through its SWEN Impact Fund for Transition and APF BV, marks a strategic expansion for Schroders Greencoat in the European renewable gas market. The deal announced on May 19, 2026.

APF Energy’s platform currently comprises six assets, including three fully operational biomethane production sites and three under construction, alongside a late-stage development pipeline. These assets generate biomethane from a feedstock mix of agricultural manure and food by-products, addressing environmental challenges such as nitrate pollution linked to the Netherlands’ livestock industry. The country’s abundant agricultural feedstock and one of Europe’s densest gas distribution networks make it an attractive market for biomethane development.

Biomethane serves as a direct substitute for natural gas and can be injected into existing grid infrastructure, playing a critical role in reducing Europe’s reliance on fossil fuel imports and enhancing regional energy security. Schroders Greencoat’s acquisition aligns with its established expertise in anaerobic digestion and biofuels, having previously invested in similar assets across the UK and Germany.

“Biomethane has an increasingly important role to play in the European energy transition, particularly in sectors where other low-carbon solutions are less readily available,” said a Schroders Greencoat spokesperson. “The Netherlands is one of the more advanced markets due to its mature regulatory framework, strong policy support for renewable gas, and well-established infrastructure. This platform gives us a strong foothold from which to apply the expertise we have built across our bioenergy portfolio.”

The acquisition focuses on established platforms with operational assets and a clear development pathway for pipeline projects. Schroders Greencoat intends to collaborate closely with APF Energy’s management team to scale the platform and accelerate the decarbonisation of the Dutch energy system.

APF Energy expressed gratitude to SWEN Capital Partners and APF BV for their support during the platform’s development and welcomed Schroders Greencoat as the new shareholder, emphasizing plans to optimize operations and expand biomethane’s contribution to the Dutch energy transition.

SWEN Capital Partners highlighted the transaction as the first exit from its second vintage SWEN Impact Fund for Transition 2 (SWIFT 2), underscoring its strategy of backing high-quality renewable molecule platforms. The firm praised Schroders Greencoat’s deep bioenergy expertise as ideal for advancing APF Energy’s growth.

Advisory roles were split between the parties: Schroders Greencoat was advised by Voltiq (M&A), Eversheds (legal), PWC (financial and tax), Haskoning (technical), and PA Consulting (commercial). SWEN Capital Partners received advice from Green Giraffe Advisory (M&A), Clifford Chance (legal), Deloitte (financial and tax), and DNV (technical and commercial).

Founded in 2009, Schroders Greencoat manages approximately $12.5 billion across various funds and mandates focused on energy transition infrastructure in Europe, the US, and Asia. Its portfolio includes over 445 assets with a net generation capacity exceeding 7.8GW. Schroders Capital, the global private markets arm of Schroders Group, oversees $111.8 billion in assets under management across multiple private market strategies.

SWEN Capital Partners manages or advises on €16 billion in assets and has positioned sustainable finance at the core of its growth strategy. The firm became a Mission-Driven Company in February 2024, committing to investment practices that support environmental sustainability.

The acquisition enhances Schroders Greencoat’s position in the European biomethane sector, particularly in the Netherlands, a market characterized by strong policy support and infrastructure. The deal offers opportunities to leverage Schroders Greencoat’s operational expertise to optimize asset performance and expand biomethane production to meet growing renewable gas demand.

Challenges include managing the construction and commissioning of pipeline assets, aligning operational practices, and navigating regulatory changes in the renewable gas sector. The transaction also intensifies competitive pressure in the biomethane market, potentially prompting similar acquisitions and increased investment in anaerobic digestion technologies.

Looking ahead, Schroders Greencoat plans to integrate APF Energy’s assets into its portfolio, focusing on scaling operations and contributing to the broader European energy transition. Regulatory approvals and construction progress will be key milestones in the integration process.