A new project has been launched which will speed up the development of small-scale anaerobic digestion plants. Smaller scale AD plants would provide an excellent contribution to creating a low-carbon economy, helping businesses such as farms and food manufacturers reduce their emissions and create energy from their waste.

Government studies have confirmed a market demand and acceptance of anaerobic digestion (AD) technology. However, the potential of this technology has up to now only been within reach of larger organisations.

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In response to this, a consortium has formed to promote smaller-scale AD technology over a two year programme, developing digesters which will treat organic waste to produce energy (either as biogas, heat or electricity) and digestate, which can be considered as a non-fossil fuel derived fertiliser as part of a project called SSAD-TECH.

A five-strong consortium comprising the Centre for Process Innovation (CPI), CNG Services Ltd, Lyvennet Renewable Energy, Wardell Armstrong LLP and Field Science Limited has secured grant funding from the government-backed Technology Strategy Board to launch the project.

The consortium’s small scale AD system will be designed to generate income and power for farms and food manufacturers, and also resolve the issue of biomass waste disposal. The project aims to reduce capital costs of a small AD plant and address the needs of potential customers by looking at how various feedstocks behave in AD reactors, the overall aim being to accelerate the development of new technologies.

According to the consortium behind the SSAD-TECH project, studies highlighted that there is an unmet market need for commercially viable AD plants at the 250kWe scale and below.

On launching the project, CPI Director of Sustainable Processing and Advanced Manufacturing, Dr Chris Dowle, said “CPI is delighted to be leading in this project, which represents an excellent opportunity to drive the evolution of this key technology. Anaerobic digestion will play an important role in achieving a low carbon future, and the SSADTECH project makes the technology an achievable goal for smaller scale or rural businesses.”

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