Anaerobic digestion passes UK milestone
A UK AD and Biogas 2015 Market Report has been published by ABDA. It highlights that Biogen’s new food waste plant in South Wales is a major milestone in the industry. It is the 400th operational anaerobic digestion plant.
The Report analyses the development and potential of the AD industry in the UK. It shows:
1. 60-100 new plants are likely to be commissioned by 2015.
2. 1.6 million tonnes of food waste is being recycled through AD this year in comparison to 0.3-0.4 million tonnes in 2010.
3. There is an increase in biomethane to grid projects. However there will be a significant fall in sub >500 kWe FIT plants compared to last year.
4. The industry faces challenges but policy changes could assist with this.
5. AD already brings in at least £50-100 million in UK exports and employs 4,500 people.
6. The industry has the potential to deliver 30% of the UK’s domestic gas demand or to fuel 60% of the UK’s bus fleet.
ABDA’s Chief Executive, Charlotte Morton made the announcement. She said:
“Biogen’s sixth AD plant, unveiled last month, marks an industry milestone with 400 plants currently in operation and more coming online each month. Since the first UK AD & Biogas trade show five years ago, the industry has quintupled outside of the water sector. Across all AD’s sectors the industry now has a combined electrical equivalent capacity (electricity and biomethane) of almost 480 megawatts – equivalent to the capacity of one of the UK’s nuclear power plants, Wylfa, being decommissioned this year.”
“But this is just the start – now is the time to step on the gas. With a favourable outcome from key policy decisions that need to be taken by the new government, ADBA’s market forecast estimates that industry could reach 500 plants by the end of the year and then potentially more than double by 2020. AD integrates particularly well into farming, making farmers more resilient against fluctuating agricultural markets, supporting food production and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. There is enormous potential for on-farm AD to continue to grow over the coming years, with the right policy support.”
“One of the most notable developments over the last year has been the rapidly developing biomethane market, with 33 gas-to-grid plants now in operation. Biomethane helps decarbonise heating without the need for new infrastructure, and has a particular role in transport where there are few other options for heavy goods vehicles. The AD industry is already supporting 4,500 green jobs and generating a UK exports market in AD technology and expertise worth £100 million.”
Julian O’Neill, Biogen’s Chief Executive Officer, added:
“I am delighted to see the successful commissioning of our sixth plant which has been delivered on time and to budget. There has been a tremendous partnership with the local authority throughout and, as always, an outstanding level of commitment and contribution from the Biogen team and all our subcontractors. As a board member at ADBA, I am equally proud to see the industry reaching the milestone of 400 plants in the UK – a fantastic achievement by all those who have been part of this journey.”