Innovative AD projects sought by WRAP

ADBA MEMBER PRESS RELEASE

WRAP (Waste & Resources Action Programme) has today opened a new tender invitation to identify solutions that will improve the efficiency and costs of anaerobic digestion (AD) facilities.

The tender invitation is looking for projects from across the UK to form a second round of the ‘Driving Innovation in AD’ (DIAD) programme, one of the actions WRAP is delivering as part of Defra’s AD Action Plan. In order to represent the dynamic nature of the AD industry, this new phase will look to challenge four areas of AD:

• Scaling technology – adapting exiting technologies to provide cost effective solutions at smaller (or larger) scale facilities e.g. pasteurisation, dewatering, depackaging
• Enhancing digestate economically – commercially viable techniques to enhance digestate for higher value markets e.g. separating the chemical constituents within digestate
• Using heat from AD – processes and technologies that make heat use more feasible and efficient e.g. heat storage for off-site use
• Proof of market – to fast-track AD technologies that are at the end of the R&D stage but are yet to move into full scale commercial demonstration.

Ian Wardle, Head of Organics and Energy from Waste at WRAP, said:

While the AD industry is growing, there are still a number of barriers facing operators. Access to funding, opportunities for technology transfer from other sectors and a lack of operational data are just a few examples. Through the first round of DIAD we have already identified a number of innovative projects which challenge existing technologies and operations with the potential to reduce costs.

 

We are now refining the scope of the programme to encourage projects in areas where the AD industry has a specific need for solutions. By taking the right projects through to commercial demonstration, we can help improve the performance of AD and develop more profitable businesses. This will help the industry position itself as a key area of growth in the green economy.

Following criteria in the tender invitation and information in the supporting guidance notes successful applicants will undertake feasibility studies for their projects. Those demonstrating the most significant benefits and potential will be taken forward to commercial demonstration.

To find out more about DIAD, the tender invitation, guidance notes, and download the application form, please visit www.wrap.org.uk/content/driving-innovation-ad-round-ii.

WRAP is also about to publish the feasibility studies for projects from phase one of DIAD. Of the 19 projects selected for feasibility studies, WRAP hopes to progress eight on to demonstration projects. Full details can be found at: www.wrap.org.uk/content/driving-innovation-ad.