PRESS STATEMENT: Anaerobic digestion industry response to Bioeconomy Strategy

Responding to the government’s ‘Growing The Bioeconomy’ strategy document published today, Charlotte Morton, Chief Executive of the Anaerobic Digestion & Bioresources Association (ADBA), said: 

While it is encouraging to see ministers recognising the huge value that the bioeconomy can deliver to the UK, it’s disappointing that this strategy, which has been two years in the making, contains no new policies or funding that will help to actually achieve the important aims that the strategy sets out.

 

The strategy rightly identifies that we need to make better use of unavoidable wastes by converting them into low-carbon, high-value resources – and converting organic wastes into renewable energy and natural fertiliser through anaerobic digestion (AD) is a perfect example of this.

 

But it will be impossible for the AD industry to do this to its full potential without concrete action from government to support the separation and processing of these waste feedstocks. One obvious example is inedible food waste: we are still awaiting the long-overdue Resources & Waste Strategy, which – if the government is seriously committed to the bioeconomy – must include a commitment to universal separate food waste collections.

 

There’s also much more that government can do for the bioeconomy by supporting on-farm AD (which recycles manure and slurries), restoring financial incentives for generating renewable energy through AD, and establishing a Centre for Anaerobic Biotechnology and Bioresources Research to produce a step-change in AD’s ability to deliver vital bioresources.

 

Today’s Bioeconomy Strategy sets out all of the correct principles for creating a thriving UK bioeconomy with AD playing a central role – what we need now is a clear action plan from government to deliver this.

ADBA’s response to the call for evidence can be seen here.

ENDS

Notes for editors

Anaerobic Digestion & Bioresources Association: www.adbioresources.org

ADBA is the trade association for the anaerobic digestion (AD) industry in the UK and companies and organisations working on novel technologies and processes that compliment the anaerobic digestion process and products. With our members we promote the economic and environmental benefits of AD in the UK.

We represent organisations from many sectors including: AD operators, AD developers, AD equipment providers, water companies, farmers, food & drink retailers, waste companies, universities and more.

Contact details

Chris Noyce, PR & Parliamentary Affairs Executive, ADBA

T: 020 3176 5441      E: chris.noyce@adbioresources.org

Website: www.adbioresources.org

Twitter: @adbioresources