ADBA Fights for Survival of UK Anaerobic Digestion and Biogas Industry

Against a backdrop of government apathy, ADBA, (the Anaerobic Digestion and Bioresources Association), continues to publicise the benefits of anaerobic digestion, and of developing bioresources/ biogas production. The members of this very active trade association, should be pleased.

This association is unmatched for its efforts by any other biogas industry trade association, in any other nation globally. But, will the UK government be listening?

It is fighting for the survival of the UK biogas (also known as bioresources) industry, as a viable growing industry, able to continue to innovate and grow. The threat is the complete removal of all continuing financial support from the UK government, from new AD projects.

The following are some examples of recent ADBA articles:

1. They promote equality of the sexes:

Making a Difference in AD - Celebrating National Women in Engineering Day

National Women in Engineering Day, [is] an international awareness campaign to raise the profile of women in engineering and focus attention on the amazing career opportunities available to girls in this exciting industry. via Making a Difference in AD - Celebrating National Women in Engineering Day | ADBA | Anaerobic Digestion & Bioresources Association

In the next ADBA press release, they publicise On-farm AD:

The UK’s biogas sector has passed a major milestone, with over 200 plants now operating on UK farms according to ADBA's latest figures.

The landmark was reached with the opening of JFS’ latest agricultural plant. Supported by Prism Planning Ltd, the Gravel Pit Farm plant in North Yorkshire is now on-stream, producing sustainable energy and recycling nutrients from cow manure, chicken muck and spoilt grain and straw.

When ADBA was founded in 2009, there were 19 biogas plants on farms across the country.

However, applications for planning permission are now falling as the industry reacts to reductions in renewable energy support. Full figures will be published in ADBA’s latest Market Report at UK AD & Biogas on 6 July.

Matt Flint, Director, JFS, commented:

"We have developed and remain involved operationally with ten AD plants in the UK and have seen first-hand the real life benefits this diversification can bring to our farming partners. Contributing to the renewable energy targets for the UK has been rewarding, exciting and often frustrating in equal measure, but we remain hopeful that the future is bright for the farming anaerobic digestion industry. We will continue to strive towards the renewable energy goals that we are confident AD can produce/deliver."

Charlotte Morton, Chief Executive of ADBA, commented:

“Anaerobic digestion is a proven technology which the Committee on Climate Change has said is essential for decarbonising our farming sector – cutting emissions from manures, slurries and wastes; generating a flexible low carbon form of energy; and replacing carbon-intensive artificial fertilisers.On-farm AD passes 200 plant milestone - ADBA figures | News | ADBA | Anaerobic Digestion & Bioresources Association via On-farm AD passes 200 plant milestone - ADBA figures | News | ADBA | Anaerobic Digestion & Bioresources Association

They make dry subjects interesting by their titles:

Can research and innovation rescue on-farm AD? | News | ADBA | Anaerobic Digestion & Bioresources Association via Can research and innovation rescue on-farm AD? | News | ADBA | Anaerobic Digestion & Bioresources Association

Finally, they are quick to react to surprising changes which will have large consequences for the UK anaerobic digestion and bioresources industry.

ADBA reacts to EU referendum | News | ADBA

Commenting on the UK's decision to leave the European Union, ADBA Chief Executive Charlotte Morton said:

“The policy framework for anaerobic digestion has been closely linked to European directives, and the industry will need to work hard to ensure that we maintain and build our place in Britain’s future.

“The UK’s fundamental need for secure energy, waste treatment, clean water and a strong British farming sector continue. The AD sector needs to make its voice heard, and to work closely with the government to build new structures in all the areas that affect us.”

via ADBA reacts to EU referendum | News | ADBA | Anaerobic Digestion & Bioresources Association

So, what more could be asked for?

It would be hoped hat the UK energy decision makers, and those keen to see UK industry innovate, and develop job generating new opportunities, while reducing carbon emissions, will listen and act.
The benefits of AD are real and very well proven.

Encouraging anaerobic digestion and bioresource industry investment, is a no brainer, especially when compared to the obscene cost of nuclear power as exemplified by the new Hinkley Point (EDL) nuclear power plant project.

Why not scrap it now, and plough equal resources into anaerobic Digestion based processes? That would make so much more sense.

Anaerobic digestion is a method of treatment. Watch our video below to understand anaerobic treatment: