Industry welcomes new guide to anaerobic digestion

ADBA PRESS RELEASE

Launching the first edition of ADBA’s Practical Guide to AD – the first complete reference tool for those developing and operating anaerobic digestion (AD) facilities in the UK –at the industry’s annual exhibition, UK AD & Biogas 2013, Charlotte Morton, Chief Executive, ADBA, said:

Covering every stage of the anaerobic digestion process, this hands-on guide, has been developed by industry experts to boost the development of the expanding AD sector by showcasing best practice and explaining incentives, regulation, health and safety legislation and so much more.

 

Supporting a professional and established industry is one of ADBA’s key aims, and the guide should help improve access to finance, support good plant operation and raise efficiency at every stage of an AD project, ultimately maximising profitability.

 

I would like to thank everyone that has been involved in the development of the guide for all of their hard work; ADBA Director Terry Brownhill has tirelessly supported the project since he kicked it off, and we have had a huge range of contributions from members, regulators and other organisations.

 

Finally I would like to thank the guide sponsors, who have helped cover the costs of producing and publishing the guide – without them this simply wouldn’t have been possible.

Howard Leberman, Senior Advisor Site Based Regulation, Environment Agency, said:

I can’t stress enough how good AD design and operation are imperative in maximising biogas production and quality of digestate and minimising impact on the environment. ADBA’s Practical Guide to AD, written by industry experts, will serve as a marvellous source of information and I very much welcome its publication.

 

The guide provides up to date information on planning and permitting, health and safety, digestate standards, feedstock characteristics, design build and commissioning, as well as new topics for developing areas such as biomethane injection and use as a transport fuel.

 

ADBA’s guide covers a much broader range of subject areas than our own regulatory technical guide on AD and I am sure both industry and regulators alike will find this work invaluable.

Henry Robinson, Deputy President, Country Land & Business Association (CLA) said:

As the AD industry continues to expand a Practical Guide to AD will be a fantastic resource for farmers and landowners who are building and operating AD plants.

David Smith, Chief Executive, Energy Networks Association (ENA):

ENA welcomes this Practical Guide to AD which is the first complete reference guide for those working to develop AD facilities in the UK.  We believe that gas has an enduring role to play in heating our homes and supporting industry, and with greater use of biomethane, it can be an even greater player in an affordable, secure and low carbon energy future.

 

ENA has worked closely with its members, regulators, ADBA and the wider industry for the past few years to develop the Biomethane to Grid market, and it believes that this publication will become a valuable resource to the industry.

Camilla Woods, Policy Director of the British Hospitality Association said:

The BHA and its members continue to engage with the AD industry to improve the availability and geographical coverage of facilities across the UK and to encourage an increase in the overall rate of food waste sent to AD, as one of the options to help the sector effectively manage its waste. The publication of The Practical Guide to AD with its wealth of tips and advice is very much to be welcomed.

Claire Kneller, Special Adviser, WRAP, and member of The Practical Guide to AD review team said:

The AD guide is going to be a really valuable resource for those organisations who are already using or looking at using AD technology. The compressive guide provides basic advice, guidance and technical detail meaning that it is accessible and useful to both the AD sector and to those organisations considering AD options. I think that food and drink companies especially will find it a useful reference guide as many are now looking to send their waste to AD sites or look at on site options.

Stuart Reynolds, Chair of CIWM’s Biological Treatment Special Interest Group, said:

“CIWM believes the ADBA AD guide will prove a useful document for those interested in this technology.  It appears to be a comprehensive practical guide for those working  in a number of sectors related to anaerobic digestion treatment, including financiers, local authority procurement teams and  of course operators.