AD growth and potential reflected in biggest ever show

ADBA PRESS RELEASE

The UK has the potential to be a world leader in the renewable energy market, if sectors like anaerobic digestion (AD) and biogas are given coherent support. That’s the message from CIWEM Environmental Parliamentarian of the year Lord Redesdale during UK AD & Biogas 2012.

The growth and potential of the industry is clearly demonstrated by the expansion seen at the sector’s annual exhibition and tradeshow, which is organised by the industry trade body, The Anaerobic Digestion and Biogas Association (ADBA).

This year’s expo features 200 exhibitors and 3,000 attendees – up from 74 stands and 1,300 attendees in 2010 – and the UK’s first UK AD & Biogas Industry Awards.

The growth in the show mirrors the expansion in the AD sector over recent years, from 54 plants outside the water sector at the start of 2011 to 78 now – generating 1.3TWh of energy (already  four times more than solar PV) – and with many more plants due to come online in the near future.

ADBA Chairman and CIWEM Environmental Parliamentarian of the Year, Lord Redesdale, said:

This year’s exhibition and conference is bigger and better than ever, with a record number of exhibitors and attendees, the biogas tractor live on the show floor, the free professional clinics area and the launch of ADBA’s new branding.

 

The format of this year’s conference, dedicated to explaining the benefits of AD for local authorities, the food and drink industry and farming, reflects the ambitions of ADBA and the AD industry as a whole to reach a wider audience. This was also a driving factor in the development of ADBA’s new branding which has been designed to improve the way the industry works with sectors which can realise the benefits which AD can bring as the missing link between waste treatment, energy generation and sustainable food production.

 

Alongside the exhibition the conference is set to ignite lively debate with CentreForum launching their independent report into the political barriers to the growth of the industry, and Defra’s AD Strategy and Action Plan Progress report, outlining the progress made towards the goals industry and government agreed to work on last year.

 

The dissemination of knowledge and resources such as best practice and R&D, throughout the AD industry is key to the development of the sector. As a result we work very hard to put together the seminar programme, sessions covering the length and breadth of the sector, so that those within the industry have access to the information they need.