A study by WRAP (Waste and Resources Action Plan) has revealed that the number of anaerobic digesters operating in the UK has rocketed, climbing from just two in 2005 to 68 in 2011. With the inclusion of sewage fed digesters, operated by the water industry, this figure is much higher (214 plants).

image expired

Of the UK’s 68 AD plants, 24 are farm-fed, processing manure from livestock, slurries, silage and sometimes purpose grown crops such as beet. The report shows these facilities have a combined capacity of 200,000 tonnes.

Although there are nearly 70 working sites in the UK, AD is taking off, with 105 sites which have secured planning permission in the UK but which are awaiting completion. Of these 27 are farm-fed. The groups have used their data to compile an AD map of the UK, which marks the operational waste and farm fed plants.

Although most AD sites use biogas created to generate heat and electricity, which is often fed into the national grid, generating income, biomethane produced by the digesters fed directly into the gas grid, if it is first refined. However, only Didcot Sewage Works and Adnams Brewery in Suffolk are currently taking advantage of this.

The Anaerobic Digestion and Biogas Association announced at the 2012 Energy Now Expo, which was held in Malvern, Worcester last week, that farmers can receive a free consultation to discuss whether AD technology is right for their business.

ADBA said farmers interested in exploring the benefits of AD, which will allow them to generate renewable energy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and produce renewable fertiliser could organise a visit with an ADBA consultant for free.

Farmers should first consider whether they have enough organic waste or feedstock for the digester, whether their location is suitable, and what their on-site energy demands are. Farmers interested in the opportunity should fill in a service questionnaire on the ADBA site.

Tweet