AD & Bioresources News #40 Summer 2018

AD&BIORESOURCES News

THE UK ANAEROBIC DIGESTION & BIORESOURCES TRADE ASSOCIATION’S Quarterly MAGAZINE adbioresources.org

Issue 40 summer 2018

Separate food waste collections – the key to global sustainability

RHI reforms finally passed New AD report published

UK AD and World Biogas Expo 2018 Preview On-farm AD www.adbioresources.org

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Foreword Moving from words to action

Inside this issue > Foreword:

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View from the Top:

4

ADBA News: Best Practice Matters:

7

Devolved Administrations:

8

Operator & Working Groups:

9

Feature: Global food waste collections:

10-15

Technology Focus: Plant optimisation:

16-20

AD & Biogas Industry Awards 2018 Preview:

22-23

UK AD and World Biogas Expo 2018 Preview:

24-27

UK AD and World Biogas Expo 2018 Exhibitor Preview:

28-31

Members’ News and Views:

32-35

Advice Clinic: On-farm AD:

36-37

Policy:

38-39

Government & Agency News:

40

R&I Update:

41

Upcoming Events:

43

Membership Matters:

By David Drew MP, Shadow Minister for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs

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44-46

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n response to a parliamentary question, BEIS Minister Richard Harrington was quite clear: “Food waste is more suited to anaerobic digestion than incineration processes. It has a high moisture content which needs to be removed by heat before it will burn. Incineration technologies will tend to use other fuels such as municipal solid waste.”

And Defra Minister Thérèse Coffey has assured me that, “Where food waste cannot be prevented it should be recycled through, first, anaerobic digestion or, second, composting where reasonable before incineration.”

We now need to move from words to action.

Thérèse Coffey has also told me that, “Many local authorities have introduced separate collection of food waste and [Defra] will work to support an increase in numbers.” But working towards this is not enough.

As WRAP has reported, between two and three million tonnes of UK food waste is thermally recovered.

However, less than 50 per cent of local authorities in England have separate food waste collections that enable food waste to be recycled through AD. Indeed, even the Environmental Services Association (ESA) agrees that ‘without serious intervention to support UK recycling, current [recycling] levels will not increase significantly’. ESA also agrees that the government should fund separate food waste collections, as, of course, does ADBA. While there is an industry consensus around separate food waste collections, so far, the government has not backed this policy. It must now do so as a matter of urgency. Firstly, because of Richard Harrington’s own words. Secondly, because it will reduce CO2 emissions. Thirdly, because it will support the legal waste hierarchy. Fourthly, because it will enable the AD industry to develop to its full potential, creating more green jobs. And finally, because it will save taxpayers money.

I wish ADBA success in its campaign to achieve separate food waste collections. I will be supporting you.

See feature, Global food waste collections, p10

Editorial: To be considered for inclusion in a future issue, contact jocelyne.bia@adbioresources.org

AD&Bioresources News FEATURES Features planned for Issue 41 (Autumn) include: • Feature: Feeding your plant in line with the regulations • Advice Clinic: Grid connection • AD & Biogas Industry Awards 2018 Review • UK AD and World Biogas Expo 2018 Review Copy deadline: 20 July

Sponsorship and advertising: T +44 (0)203 176 4414 E sales@adbioresources.org

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View from the Top Securing the long term future of AD

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By Charlotte Morton, ADBA’s Chief Executive

iven how long we’ve been pushing for them to be passed, it would seem remiss not to take a moment to celebrate the new Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) tariffs, which will give a vital boost to the AD industry’s ability to produce the green gas that the UK urgently needs to reduce its emissions from heat. What we absolutely must not do, however, is think that this is ‘job done’, given that there is currently no support proposed for renewable heat or electricity in the 2020s or beyond. Government inaction here is not an option – the UK needs a long term strategy for decarbonising heat that includes biomethane and that will end the forthcoming hiatus in support.

Changes to the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO) should also stimulate further demand for biomethane, as it is one of the options that fuel suppliers can use to meet the higher obligations for sourcing renewable fuels. Indeed, if the government fails to commit to supporting biomethane for heat in the medium term, it may be that this green gas finds a more welcoming market in the transport sector, thanks to support from the RTFO. Given that the Committee on Climate Change has identified gas to grid biomethane as a ‘no regret option’ for decarbonising heat, government inaction may end up undermining its own policy goals.

At the ADBA Spring Finance Forum 2018, we heard that there is still a lot of interest in investing in AD. We now need to do whatever it takes to make this large scale investment a reality. And on the farming side, the government’s planned shift from rewarding those with the most land to rewarding those who provide public goods, such as environmental protection, is very welcome.

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We hope this will help to underline the numerous benefits of on-farm AD in terms of restoring soils and reducing emissions from agriculture.

It’s also high time that we saw mandatory separate food waste collections in England, as the government will be unable to meet its 2020 recycling targets without them. We have been pushing Defra to include this policy in its forthcoming Resources & Waste Strategy, and we are also delighted to see the World Biogas Association’s new report on urban food waste management, which will support cities around the world in introducing policies to collect food waste and treat it through AD. In the meantime, it’s critical for the AD industry to dramatically reduce its costs to become competitive with other forms of energy and remove the need for inconsistent and uncertain government support. We have submitted a proposal to the government’s Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund for investment in the fundamental research and innovation needed to bring about a step change in the efficiency of the AD process to help support this reduction in costs.

Ours is an industry that delivers huge value both in the UK and beyond, and we’ll be discussing how we can unlock its huge potential at the UK AD and World Biogas Expo 2018 on the 11th-12th July (see pages 24-25 for full details). It’s simply a matter of time before AD sees the widespread success it deserves – and given the urgent threat of climate change, the world can’t afford for it not to succeed.

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ADBA News Investment optimism at ADBA Finance Forum The ADBA Spring Finance Forum 2018, held at the London offices of Osborne Clarke, saw over 25 attendees from across the finance community gather to share ideas and discuss the future of the AD sector. The event was a huge success, with a great deal of optimism in the sector on display. Following presentations on the political landscape, the role of the AD Certification Scheme in improving the performance of existing plants, the AD market and policy updates, attendees shared their ideas on how to encourage more investment in the AD sector and finance new AD plants.

International investors are now looking at the AD sector in the UK with great interest, particularly in areas such as decarbonisation, decentralised energy, transport, farming, and food and drink. We will be using the information provided at the meeting to help target our efforts to win investment for the UK AD industry.

Get involved The ADBA Finance Forum meets twice a year to discuss the barriers and opportunities for funders of AD plants. The next meeting will be held on 13th November 2018 – if you’re an AD funder and are interested in attending, contact emiliano.lewis@adbioresources.org

Supporting AD research in the Industrial Strategy It is vitally important that the government recognises the huge role that AD has to play in the UK’s Industrial Strategy.

In partnership with the UK academic community and our Advisory Board, we have therefore submitted a proposal to the Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund, recommending that the government includes support for AD as one of its priority areas for the Industrial Strategy.

The proposal focusses on the support that government can provide for fundamental research and innovation that could help drive down the cost of the AD process and make the production of high value products more profitable, with associated benefits for the UK economy.

To view our submission, go to: https://bit.ly/2IH7jLi For more information on AD research and innovation, contact ollie.more@adbioresources.org

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ADBA News Join our Public Affairs Group

New AD Policy Report published We have published our latest AD Policy Report, which gives vital information on the key policy issues affecting the UK AD industry. The April 2018 edition contains new chapters not previously seen, including an agriculture focus, a devolved administration focus on Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, and an EU focus. It also covers all policy areas relating to AD, including the latest market and tariff information. ADBA members can download the report here: https://bit.ly/2IoKc9h We are always interested in hearing from our members on how we can improve and add to our reports. If you have any suggestions, contact emiliano.lewis@adbioresources.org

We are setting up a Public Affairs Group that will help to increase joined up public affairs activity between ADBA and our members. The working group will consist of an email list of ADBA and self-selecting ADBA members with the aim of allowing participants to share plans for, for example: an MP visiting their area; an issue of concern on which they are lobbying local politicians; or any other activity that will help to raise the profile of the AD industry and its members to politicians and civil servants.

As part of the group, we will alert members of our planned lobbying activity (in advance, wherever possible) to allow members to get involved or follow up with their own efforts. Depending on the level of interest, there is the possibility of a semi-regular meeting or conference call of members’ public affairs staff to discuss topics of mutual interest.

If you are interested in joining the group, please contact jon.harrison@adbioresources.org

Continued focus on digestate quality As part of our continuing work with operators, regulators, government departments and others to improve the quality of digestate, we are a member of the Quality Action Plan (QAP) for digestate and compost. This is a cross-industry working group focussed on the continuous improvement of compost and digestate products, which works to improve the quality of feedstocks in order to subsequently improve the quality of end products.

contamination levels. When ready, these will be shared with the wider AD community to inspire the implementation of good practice.

The group is considering its next actions and would be pleased to hear thoughts from anyone in the industry, as this is an area in which we all play a role. One ongoing action is the gathering of case studies on reducing

For more information on digestate quality, contact jessica.allan@adbioresources.org

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The QAP also works in collaboration with the industry-led Food Waste Recycling Action Plan. We have been working hard with this group to explore how we can reduce contamination in digestate and compost.

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Best Practice Matters Aiming high makes good business sense

For information and advice on any areas relating to AD best practice, contact our Environment and Regulation Manager, Jess Allan T +44 (0)203 735 8380 E jessica.allan@adbioresources.org @JessicaAllan2 adbioresources.org/our-work/best-practice-scheme As our External Affairs Manager Jon Harrison points out, achieving good practice is also vital for the future of the industry as a whole: “The certification scheme helps mitigate some of the perception issues around AD that we find when talking to politicians. A badly run local plant which causes constituents to complain can affect an MP’s opinion of the whole industry, so it is important for members to take all measures they can to avoid this scenario.”

While developing the AD Certification Scheme (ADCS), it has often been emphasised that achieving high standards of environmental protection and safety is not only the right thing to do but also makes good business sense.

For example, implementing effective, planned, preventative maintenance not only reduces the risk of leaks or plant failure, which can lead to environmental pollution, it also helps to minimise plant downtime and optimise performance.

Training site workers in appropriate emergency prevention and response not only helps to keep them safe, but also protects assets. Lowering a plant’s risk will keep insurance premiums down. And many operators have said that by achieving high standards of operation they are better able to retain customers and win new business.

We picked up on these themes at a recent operator workshop in East Anglia, held in partnership with the Environment Agency and the National Farmers’ Union. The workshop featured sessions on how to monitor and enhance plant performance, as well as explaining how the ADCS audit process provides a perfect structure for reviewing existing systems and identifying areas for ongoing improvement. Given the potential commercial benefits and the accolade of becoming certified, it seems a no-brainer!

By the time this article is published, the ADCS will have been open for around six months. If you’re an operator hoping to become certified, please visit www.adcertificationscheme.co.uk for more information, or contact our appointed certification body www.aardvarkcertification.com

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Devolved Administrations Award winning Weltec Biopower builds three more NI plants

Opportunities for AD in Scotland’s Climate Change Plan

Weltec Biopower is currently building three 500 kW AD plants in Northern Ireland, set to go live this summer. Two of the facilities are located in County Antrim while the The Weltec team at the German Foreign third is in Benburb, County Tyrone, Trade Award ceremony and all will process mainly slurry and pig, cattle and poultry manure. Weltec will soon account for nine of the 40 biogas plants in Northern Ireland. In recognition of this strong overseas commitment, the company recently received a second place German Foreign Trade Award, in the small and medium sized category.

ADBA joins call for carbon neutral farming in Scotland ADBA has joined 50 organisations, academics and individual farmers to call on the Scottish Government to do more to help agriculture turn a corner and substantially reduce its greenhouse gas emissions. In the joint letter, we urge Cabinet Secretaries Roseanna Cunningham and Fergus Ewing to support farming practices that are less damaging to our climate, putting us on a path to net zero greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture by 2050. The implication is clear that if Scotland wants to support low carbon farming then AD would be essential to that. Download the letter at adbioresources.org/docs/ag_cl_ch_letter_final.pdf

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The Scottish Government has published the Climate Change Plan: The Third Report on Proposals and Policies 2018-2032, which sets out its action towards meeting emissions reduction targets under the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009. Some of the major policies relevant to the AD industry include: • Low carbon electricity – a new renewable, all energy consumption target of 50 per cent by 2030, covering electricity, heat and transport; • Buildings and biomethane – Scotland’s Energy Efficiency Programme (SEEP) will ‘significantly improve the energy efficiency of domestic and non-domestic buildings, as well as decarbonise the heat supply of buildings’; • Transport – proposals for a reduction of 4.7 MtCO2e (37 per cent) by 2032, through the phasing out of buying petrol or diesel cars or vans by 2032, and the introduction of low emission zones; • Waste – Scotland will end landfilling of biodegradable municipal waste

by January 2021, and by 2025 it will reduce the percentage of all waste sent to landfill to five per cent, reduce food waste by 33 per cent and recycle 70 per cent of all waste; • Agriculture – proposals to reduce agricultural emissions by nine per cent by 2032.

View the plan at www.gov.scot/Resource/0053/00532096.pdf

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Operator & Working Groups Shaping the industry

Transport

Chaired by Andrew Whittles, Low Emission Strategies Transport is the largest emitting sector in the UK, accounting for 26 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions in 2016, a two per cent increase despite the fact that, as a nation, emissions declined. The meeting brought together stakeholders to discuss the role of biomethane in decarbonising transport, changes to low emission bus funding and the expected impact of the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation reforms. For more information, contact thom.koller@adbioresources.org

Training, Safety and Environment

It has been a busy few months for our groups, with meetings of the Training, Safety and Environment, Biomethane to Grid, and Transport Working Groups all taking place, and preparations for the next meeting of our Food Waste Operator Group well underway. These groups offer a platform for discussion about key issues affecting the industry and are a source of feedback for ADBA, shaping our work. The stand out discussion points from each meeting are detailed below.

Biomethane to Grid

Members discussed ways to support biomethane developers through tariff guarantees and post-2019. Featuring representatives from Ofgem and key players in the sector, the meeting saw some lively discussion covering technicalities and the bigger picture. For more information, contact emiliano.lewis@adbioresources.org

Chaired by David Woolgar, David Woolgar Consulting The group considered training options for operators of smaller plants, who may have less time and resources to send staff on courses. Members are investigating the potential to develop online training, which may be a lower cost solution, and are also due to publish guidance on odour management very soon. For more information, contact jessica.allan@adbioresources.org

Get involved Our working groups are open to ADBA members only. To join, contact the relevant ADBA team member (details above). Our operator groups are open to any operator. Contact jessica.allan@adbioresources.org for more information. The next meeting of the Food Waste Operator Group is 4th June.

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Global food waste collections

Why food waste collections are key to sustainable global development

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ach year, between 1.3 and 1.6 billion tonnes of food waste are produced globally, creating significant environmental, social and economic impacts around the world. At the same time, the world’s population is becoming increasingly urbanised, creating challenges for food distribution and waste management.

Producing food which is wasted uses the same water, fertiliser and energy resources as producing food which is eaten. Waste food therefore has the same environmental footprint in terms of resource and soil use, pollution and emissions. However, if not collected and treated in the right way, food waste can have further environmental impacts such as greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of carbon dioxide and methane, as well as the potential to pollute the local environment. The scale of the issue is so great that it can be hard to get it into perspective. What does 1,600,000,000 tonnes look like? If global food waste were a country, it would be the third largest emitter of GHGs after the United States and China.

An important problem to solve

Tackling the issue of food waste is crucial if the world is to meet the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, such as ending hunger, ensuring access to drinking water and sanitation, combating climate change and making cities sustainable. It will require a number of measures, including prevention, redistribution and recycling based on the waste hierarchy. But in order to follow the waste hierarchy and ensure that food which is no longer fit for human or 10

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animal consumption can be processed at an AD plant, separate food waste collection and management is required. In addition, separate food waste collections have the added bonus of minimising the volume of food waste in the first place.

To highlight some of these issues and set out potential solutions to policymakers, the World Biogas Association (WBA) and C40 Cities, together with help from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), have published a new report, Global Food Waste Management: An Implementation Guide for Cities. “This report is the first to put together in one resource how to prevent, collect and treat food waste, as well as how best to use the outputs from its treatment, such as compost, digestate, gas, biomethane, and CO2,” explains WBA President David Newman. “It is aimed at policymakers globally, particularly in cities and especially in cities in rapidly developing countries. However, because it comprises a huge amount of information in one place, it is also a fantastic resource for operators, consultants, researchers and NGOs. It aims to be a practical guide to policymakers about how to get food waste under control, reducing the volumes and treating the remainder correctly.”

By combining the AD and waste management knowledge of the WBA with C40 members’ understanding of urban development and management, it is hoped that practical advice, together with best practice and a strategic adoption of wider development goals, can bring real solutions to food waste management around the world. “C40 was interested in collaborating with us because its

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Global food waste collections that this report will provide city decision makers with concrete and easy to access information regarding the different treatment alternatives, as well as the technical requirements and benefits, and that it can accelerate the implementation of best food waste treatment solutions that are right for each city.”

Separate food waste collections help to minimise the volume of waste created

His comments are echoed by Johnny Stuen, Technical Director at City of Oslo’s Waste to Energy Agency in Norway, who stresses: “It is important that cities look to other markets and countries and don’t make the same mistakes that have already been made elsewhere.” Other city leaders would do well to pay heed to Johnny’s comments as, in 2006, the City Council in Oslo established source-segregated collections of household food and plastic waste. The city’s first sorting plant was completed in October 2009 and a number of treatment plants were adapted and built, including a biological treatment plant at Romerike, which went into operation in the summer of 2013. member cities have expressed the need for help on food waste,” says David.

“It is one of the largest environmental problems cities face and at the same time, one of the low hanging fruits available to reduce GHG emissions.” This is particularly relevant because, as David points out, temperatures are rising globally at a rapid rate and under the Paris Climate Agreement there is an international commitment to keep such a rise below 2oC by 2100. “Time to achieve this is running out,” he adds. “Countries and cities must decide their commitments under the Paris Agreement (their so called Nationally Determined Commitments) by 2020. By treating food waste correctly, taking it out of dumps and landfills and into anaerobic digestion, enormous GHG emission cuts can be achieved.”

From talk to action

According to Ricardo Cepeda-Márquez, Head of the Solid Waste Initiative for C40 Cities, it’s urgent that cities take action: “The C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group – Food, Water & Waste Programme works to accelerate a transition in C40 cities towards regenerative resource management and reduce emissions through more sustainable consumption. Food systems are a very important part of the resource management of cities and while cities need to work to reduce food loss and wasted food, they also need to significantly scale up their efforts to improve food waste management, not only as a way to significantly reduce global GHG emissions, but also to improve local food security, reduce energy dependence and increase soil health and its capacity to store carbon.”

Learning from Oslo

Food waste is collected from 660,000 inhabitants of Oslo, with a collection rate of about 25 kg of food waste per person. It is collected weekly alongside other waste and, as well as food waste, small amounts of soiled kitchen paper may be included as long as they are not full of soap. The food waste (in green bags), plastic waste (in clear bags), and residual waste are collected together before being optically sorted, at which stage the food waste is sent for anaerobic digestion. This produces both compressed and liquefied biogas, most of which is used to fuel buses and waste collection vehicles in the city.

“One lesson we have learnt is to keep the fractions clean,” says Johnny. “Then it’s not just the biogas, but also the biofertiliser that can be used in a safe way – supplying it directly to farmers, so that we are recovering not just energy, but also nitrogen, phosphorus etc. We have also learnt that digestate currently has an immature market, and that market development must be done at the same time as waste management and developing treatment techniques.” He adds that AD is the best method to recover both energy and material resources from food and other organic wastes, and that system design is critical to long term success: “The technology is important, but the quality of different fractions and sorting wastes is even more important. Having clear criteria will steer the technology used.”

Continued>>

If achieved, the savings could be significant. The WBA calculates that if all of the world’s food waste (1.3 bn tonnes) were treated through AD, then emission reductions equivalent to taking all the cars in the EU off the road could be achieved. At the same time, the resulting biogas and digestate generated through the AD process can help to meet nine of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Don’t reinvent the wheel

Although there remains a general lack of awareness of the role that AD can play in sustainable economic development, there also exists a great deal of experience of AD around the world. It is therefore important that policymakers don’t ignore lessons already learnt elsewhere. “City decision makers are often faced with excessive, and at many times conflicting, information regarding their alternatives for food waste management treatment, as well as its commercial capacities, costs, case studies and by-products,” points out Ricardo. “We hope www.adbioresources.org adbioresources.org

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Global food waste collections Italian success

It is important to develop markets for Italy is another country which has successfully adopted digestate alongside collection infrastructure separate food waste collections in many of its cities, explains Marco Ricci, Senior Project Manager at the Italian Composting and Biogas Association (CIC). Marco points out that with over 326 recycling plants for biowaste, and among these 52 combined AD and composting facilities recycling food waste, the Italian biogas industry is one of the largest in Europe, thanks in part to increasing numbers of separate food waste collections as well as a pre-existing natural gas infrastructure for heat and vehicle fuel. The amount of biowaste treated by AD in Italy is predicted to increase further, particularly in the south of the country. This is partly being driven by a target of 65 per cent separate MSW collection set by the Italian Waste Framework Legislation, together with the 50 per cent recycling target set by the EU Waste Framework Directive 2008/98/EC. These effectively require municipalities to implement food waste and well tried,” points out David Newman. “Globally, however, the barriers source separation in order to comply and in the 60 per cent of municipalities are similar from one country to another, and it is often a question of cost. already carrying out separate food waste collection, good results have been The simple mantra is that waste will always go to the lowest cost treatment. obtained in terms of effectiveness and efficiency of separate collection.

Where this is allowed, that can mean a canal, river, open dump or landfill. The Nationally, 100 kg of food waste per person per year were collected in 2015. main barrier is financial and this is down to political will and recognising the merits of doing the right thing. There are no technical barriers that cannot be One such scheme can be found in Milan, where 140,000 tonnes of food waste overcome, as the report shows.” have been collected each year since 2012 for biogas generation and digestate production, preventing 8,760 tonnes of CO2e emissions each year. The use of The report does identify a number of other barriers to the uptake of separate food waste collection and treatment by anaerobic digestion, aside from education and awareness campaigns has increased food recycling rates in the cost-competiveness. However, in many cases, if access to finance for investment city to 86 per cent with just 4.5 per cent contamination. Food waste is collected and construction is improved and subsidies for fossil fuels or artificial fertiliser from both domestic and commercial sources and taken to a transfer station are removed, then AD becomes much more financially attractive. before being treated at an integrated anaerobic digestion and composting facility in Montello, near Bergamo. As well as a 9 MW electrical generation A lack of public awareness should, in theory, be relatively straightforward to plant, the facility produces a further 300,000 tonnes of biomethane a year, overcome. The report recommends that this is ‘addressed by the administration which is injected into Italy’s national gas grid. “In the two decades between of the jurisdiction, in schools and universities, in local community centres, high 1997 and 2017, the amount of organic waste collected separately in Italian rise buildings, door-to-door canvassing, local shops, by trade organisations, at municipalities increased tenfold,” reveals Marco. “We forecast that 8.5 billion tradeshows and exhibitions through a variety of communication mediums.’ cubic metres of biogas will be produced by 2030 and of this, at least 0.5 billion will be generated from biowaste collected separately in Italian municipalities.”

Likewise, technological awareness can be increased, too. “The C40 Cities Why isn’t everyone doing it?

Climate Leadership Group – Food, Water & Waste Programme believes in a If cities such as Oslo and Milan (and, further afield, Cajica in Colombia and technology-neutral approach,” says Ricardo Cepeda-Márquez. “Ultimately, Auckland in New Zealand) can successfully implement separate food waste cities will implement the treatment solutions that are most compatible with collections, why aren’t such schemes more widespread? As with many things, their economic, logistical and management contexts. However, there has one of the main reasons is cost. “The technologies exist; they are plentiful been increased attention in improving food waste management globally and an increased demand from cities participating in the C40 Cities networks for better information regarding anaerobic digestion as a food waste treatment alternative. While technology alone will not solve the world’s problems, a better understanding by decision makers of the pros and cons of different technology solutions, costs, feedstock requirements, commercial capacities and implementation time will help them assess their opportunities and implementation requirements to select solutions that are most appropriate for their particular context. We hope this report is a step in that direction.”

Recycling food waste through AD can help to meet nine of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals

As the report points out, examples from around the world show how cities are overcoming the practical issues. Storing food waste is not a problem where plant dimensions are planned in advance to reduce storage time and ensure rapid throughputs. At the same time, collection systems need to ensure clean and uncontaminated food waste is delivered to plants to avoid the need for expensive de-packaging equipment – something that Italian systems demonstrate well. In contrast, AD operators in the UK are paying the price of Continued>>

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Global food waste collections poor collection systems by having to de-pack and dispose of packaging waste themselves, also losing yields from food waste extracted in the process.

Long term political support

While there is no doubt that political support provides a welcome boost towards greater food waste collection, there is no point in having policies designed to support waste management if the industry lacks confidence in their longevity. As the report points out, ‘The timeline for implementation of a project from conceptualisation to start of operation may be up to three years or more, depending on the regulatory environment in the country. Formulation and implementation of policy and building food waste and digestion infrastructure This biogas plant in Norway processes food waste

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can take up to five years, varying from country to country. Development of an AD industry requires long term, sustained commitment from government.

And hence, often suffers from the lack of political will to support it.’

Fortunately, there are signs that the political agenda is moving in the right direction. In April, MEPs in the European Parliament voted to approve EU proposals for a package of legislation including a target to cut food waste by 30 per cent by 2025 and by 50 per cent by 2030. The legislation also includes a requirement that all biodegradable household waste will have to be collected separately, or composted at home, by 2024. ADBA has already welcomed the move. When the targets were first proposed, ADBA Chief Executive Charlotte Morton said: “The setting of these targets by the EU is an important step towards a more circular and sustainable economy across Europe. Providing separate food waste collections to divert food waste from landfill and incineration so it can be fully recycled in AD plants is a crucial part of this. Over two million tonnes of food waste are currently sent to landfill in the UK every year – sending this food waste to AD instead would abate over a million tonnes of CO2e, equivalent to taking over half a million cars off the road for the year.”

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Using food waste to create biomethane for buses provides a clear example of the closed loop to urban communities

The UK government has said that it plans to ratify the Circular Economy package into UK law before it leaves the EU – not least because it is unlikely to meet the 2020 Recycling Targets without separate food waste collections – but many questions remain and England is still a long way behind the devolved administrations. However, the EU proposals should result in member states implementing all four of the specific policy recommendations made in the WBA/C40 Cities report, including large scale food waste awareness campaigns, separate food waste collections for households and businesses, and dealing with food waste according to the waste hierarchy. At a global level, the report’s authors hope that it will be used as a template or ‘how to’ guide for the implementation of food waste collections.

Bring on the benefits

What’s certain is that the right approach to food waste can deliver multiple social, economic and environmental benefits around the world. Reducing the amount of food which is wasted will not only increase food availability and affordability, improving health and nutrition, it will also lessen the environmental impacts. This can be taken even further with proper collection and treatment of the unavoidable fraction which remains.

As well as reducing GHG emissions and local pollution, treating this unavoidable fraction through anaerobic digestion will generate renewable energy and digestate, contributing to the growing circular economy, regenerating and improving soils and increasing agricultural yields. With all stages of the AD process providing potential investment and employment to local communities, the proper management and treatment of food waste has the potential to deliver numerous benefits with a value far in excess of the costs of implementation. www.worldbiogasassociation.org www.c40.org

The findings of the WBA and C40 Cities report, Global Food Waste Management: An Implementation Guide for Cities, will be discussed at the UK AD and World Biogas Expo 2018 (11th-12th July, NEC Birmingham).

For more information, see p24-25

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Technology Focus: Plant optimisation

A modern approach to AD optimisation Dr Les Gornall (aka Dr Sludge), Process Consultant for PM PROjEN, explains the importance of monitoring your digester and gives his top tips for optimising AD performance.

“The importance of optimising your AD plant should not be underestimated. A 1 MW digester operating at 80 per cent capacity may be losing in excess of £16,000 a month. Operated at full output, its 15 per cent profit margin will double and the plant may grow to 3 MWe in less than five years.

Optimisation begins with reliable feedstock and excellent operating. A common mistake stalling newer plants is overfeeding. Operators may be inclined to believe that if gas production is falling, the plant needs more feedstock, but this is a major error that has led to several instances where digester roofs have been removed by crust and foam formation – especially if there is grass in the feedstock. A digester is a living, biological culture: a cow, not a tractor. It could simply be ‘unwell’ and extra feed will be detrimental.

signature chemical markers indicating microbial health such as the volatile fatty acids (VFA)/ bicarbonate alkalinity ratio (FOS/TAC). They should also monitor bacterial respiration in the form of gas yield, quality and quantity. The golden rule is, if you cannot measure it you cannot control it – a good operator should measure everything that is essential for the health of their plant’s bacteria.

Crucially, however, the operator is missing the answer to one key question, which will help them to assess what remedial action to take: how fast is fermenter organic matter accumulating today?

Bioengineer-supported software packages, like AD Pilot+ from PM PROjEN, can provide this information, enabling the digester to be quickly returned to full operation without overstressing the biology. Such systems will return a traffic light analysis of results to the operator, with notes on how to optimise conditions in the digester.

There are other golden rules, too. Controlling the bacterial environment is vital, so keep the temperature to +/- 1°C. A sudden drop of even one degree typically equates to an 11 per cent loss in methane. In addition, after start-up and as the digester daily loading rate increases towards 4kgVS per m3, the methanogenic bacteria will ‘remember’ that they are archaea, created when the world contained a rich soup of metals which they need for growing enzymes and co-enzymes. Today, the environment is very short of these essential trace elements for methanogens, especially

The digester’s internal environment is crucial to operational success. Operators should measure temperature, feed rate, feed composition, and the

selenium (Se), nickel (Ni), cobalt (Co) and molybdenum (Mo). Regular trace element testing will highlight any deficiencies, which can then be corrected with additives.

Operators may also consider the effect of biological enzymes created outside the digester and injected into it. These are feedstock specific. Some are designed for viscosity improvements, such as pectinase (pectin is the natural ‘glue’ used to make jam), while others work by decomposing cellulose and hemicellulose bonded to lignin. Test results have been patchy, but some successes are noted.

If this all sounds too much like hard work for today’s hard-pressed AD plant owner, there are a growing number of companies that will operate the digester for the owner and share the gains accrued from increasing it from average to perfect operation. Some will even supply the feedstock.

Continued>>

Dr Sludge’s troubleshooting top tips Parameter

Target

Limit

Crust No crust Light crust

surface visible

Methane%

55

Action on falling outside limit Turn off feed. Turn stirring from auto X mins/hr to full manual run until crust clear. If methane% reduces, ‘crust feed’ has caused shock overload – treat as for methane% low. Return to normal feed rate only when methane is at 51%. If crust returns in two days, slowly add water to dilute digestate to 9%TS.

50 Stop feeding until methane returns to >51%.

Ammonium 1,800mg/l 2,800mg/l Stop feeding high N feedstock until 2,500mg/l is achieved. Lower digester temperature if high N is

associated with high FOS/TAC. Hydrogen sulphide 50 100

FOS/TAC

0.19

Trace elements in digestate Se Co Ni Mo

16

Promote thiobacillus in headspace by using automatic (koi carp aquarium oxygenator) pump, related to the O2 sensor in headspace gas analyser. Maintain 0.5-0.75% O2. Trim out remaining H2S with metered doses of ferric chloride.

0.28 Stop feeding until level returns to <0.28.

Target ppm 0.4 0.35 1.2 0.45

AD & Bioresources News | summer 2018

Min ppm

Test weekly during feedstock changes and monthly for normal operations

0.16 0.22 1.00 0.3

Reduce daily feed to 2kg-VS/m3 if any of these trace elements (TE) falls below minimum levels, and apply a corrective dose of the essential TE.

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Technology Focus: Plant optimisation An often overlooked area for crop-fed plants is the minimisation of energy losses during feedstock storage

Silasil Energy XD from FM BioEnergy can reduce dry matter losses in the clamp by as much as 10 per cent

Optimisation expertise from ADBA members

Whatever approach you choose, remember that digesters run for 20 years non-stop so you will need to develop habits that will support your plant’s biological cultures. By analysing both feedstock and digester operating conditions,

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today’s operators can put together a specific action plan to protect their site against common problems, nurturing a healthy biological culture and ensuring their AD plant remains efficient and very lucrative.”

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As Tim Elsome, General Manager of FM BioEnergy, states, today’s AD operators are faced with an increasing number of options for optimising their AD process. While choice is always a good thing, so much conflicting advice can make it difficult to know who and what to believe. “Before you can optimise your plant, you need to get it running stably for a sustained

Technology Focus: Plant optimisation period of time,” advises Tim. “To do this, it is vital to undertake regular analysis with an accredited biogas laboratory and get professional advice on the results to ensure biological stability. Once this has been achieved, the plant owner can take an informed view on how to improve the financial performance of their plant, whether through changing the feedstock, capital improvements or process additives.”

However, an often overlooked area for crop-fed plants is the minimisation of energy losses during feedstock storage. “All clamps will lose energy during the stabilisation phase, when the pH needs to drop to prevent microbiological activity,” explains Tim. “The faster this happens, the better. By using a silage inoculant such as FM BioEnergy’s DLG (Germany Agricultural Society) approved Silasil Energy XD, this process is accelerated and stabilised in as little as two weeks, after which time the crops will be ready for opening and feeding to the digester. This alone can reduce dry matter losses by as much as 5-10 per cent.”

“The hetro-fermentative nature of the product also produces acetic acid,” continues Tim. “This inhibits yeast and moulds, which cause clamp face reheating, as well as potential harmful mycotoxins.

I would encourage all crop-fed site operators to take a temperature probe to their clamps and see for themselves the energy they could be losing – a 10°C heating at the clamp face will result in three per cent energy losses per day.”

As Dr Les Gornall has outlined previously, ensuring the optimum parameters for the health of the digester biology is now a globally accepted and adopted practice. However, the addition of essential supplements like micronutrients, enzymes OMEX manufactures and supplies performance enhancing products and iron has also shown such as micronutrients, enzymes and iron proven results in increasing biogas production and methane content in the and non-biological processes worldwide. With biogas stream. OMEX Environmental Ltd is a manufacturing facilities in three continents, the UK-based manufacturer and supplier of all these company has over forty years’ experience in performance enhancing products for biological Continued>>

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Technology Focus: Plant optimisation process optimisation and a dedicated follow-up service for the support of all products it supplies.

“We supply micronutrients which help to enhance the production of biogas. Similar technologies are also being used within the agricultural sector to increase crop yield and plant stamina,” explains Operations Manager Dimitris Theodoridis.

“Following incidents of digesters corroding, the biogas community has also looked for safe ways to reduce hydrogen sulphide (H2S) levels in AD plants. The successful case has been made for the use of powdered iron hydroxide products to achieve this, which is another product we offer.

Furthermore, while the addition of enzymes is a technology already in use within various sectors such as the food and beverage industry to augment the quality and manufacturing accuracy of the end products, OMEX has now made this technology available to the anaerobic digestion industry,” continues Dimitris. “We are the sole distributor for DSM Enzymes, a producer of specialised enzymatic products to effectively consume digestible substrates in order to achieve higher anaerobic digestion performance. The range includes Axiase and MethaPlus, which improve biogas production, reduce viscosity and minimise mixing issues within digesters.”

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It’s clear that operators today have a plethora of options to help optimise their AD process.

Another solution is the controlled and patented Yara Biogas Production Optimizer (BPO), which promises to increase methane yields while reducing feedstock demand, also decreasing the formation of H2S. The end result is a healthy, well balanced digester, and the solution can also help to speed up a plant’s recovery following an incident.

“Yara BPO is a premium quality calcium nitrate solution (Ca(NO3)2),” outlines Dr Marina Ettl, Director of Application and Product Development. “The positive impact of the controlled Dr Marina Ettl and the Yara BPO dosage was team have produced the Biogas Production Optimizer measured and reported from biogas plants using energy crops as feedstock (pure or in combination with manure), as well as from biowaste plants. It works for mesophilic

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and thermophilic plants alike, with biomethane facilities particularly benefiting from the higher methane concentration in the raw biogas. For biowaste plants, the benefit comes from the higher feedstock conversion rate, due to the quicker and more complete degradation process.”

These positive findings were verified by molecular analyses of the microbial communities of the different plants, and by analysing their metabolic activity. “Analysis results indicate that the Yara Biogas Production Optimizer supports the metabolism of certain bacteria that are involved in the degradation of cellulose,” confirms Marina.

“It was scientifically proven that the methane formation process of certain methanogenic bacteria was enhanced by the BPO dosage. In contrast, the activity of those bacteria that are usually involved in the formation of H2S was significantly suppressed. We are delighted to offer AD operators the controlled Yara BPO dosage, including all technical equipment, as well as a monitoring service.” www.projen.co.uk www.forfarmers.co.uk/fmbioenergy www.omex.co.uk www.yara.co.uk

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AD & Biogas Industry Awards 2018 Preview

Celebrate with the best of the AD world Now in their seventh year, the AD & Biogas Industry Awards honour excellence and innovation across all sectors of the industry, both in the UK and around the world. This year in particular, there is much to celebrate and the 2018 ceremony will provide the perfect platform to reward the outstanding achievements of those individuals, teams and organisations that have excelled in their line of work.

Taking place at The Vox Conference Centre, Birmingham, on the evening of 11th July 2018 (the first night of the UK AD and World Biogas Expo 2018), this event is, without doubt, the biggest night in the AD calendar. So clear your diary and join us to celebrate the global industry’s highest achievers with a night of fine dining, first class entertainment and superb networking opportunities. adbioresources.org/events/awards

Book your place Featuring a black tie three course dinner with wine and entertainment for over 250 industry, government and press representatives, this event offers unrivalled networking potential. To book one of the few remaining seats, contact roberta.bontempo@adbioresources.org Individual tickets Non-member single ticket:...... £246 Member single ticket:............ £222 Table of 10 tickets Non-member:...................£2,262 Member:.........................£2,034 (all prices inclusive of VAT)

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Sponsor an award ✔ Associate your brand with industry leadership and excellence ✔ Benefit from pre- and post-event brand exposure to a targeted audience ✔ Expand the reach of your business to an international audience For sponsorship opportunities, contact roberta.bontempo@adbioresources.org

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AD & Biogas Industry Awards 2018 Preview

The shortlist

Congratulations to all our shortlisted entrants – and good luck for 11th July!

Best Food Waste Supply Chain Project

Sponsored by

• Biogas Academy/Biogasakademin (SE): Dr Rapp’s recipe for biogas: Making better use of Stockholm Hospital food waste • CSIR – Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT): High rate biomethanation of food waste based on anaerobic gas lift reactor (AGR) technology • Fareshare: No good food should go to waste • Winnow: Technology to cut food waste in half

Best Process Optimisation in AD

• ALPS Ecoscience UK Ltd • Ashleigh Environmental: The Biowave™ Project • Ekogea: Biological optimisation as a pathway to profitable AD • NVP Energy: NVP Energy wastewater to energy process optimisation at Arrabawn Dairies • Xergi/Stream Bioenergy: Tully Biogas Plant, Ballymena, Northern Ireland

Making the Most of Digestate

• Dorset Green Machines: Nutrient recovery • PlantGrow • Stopford Energy Environment: Maximising the value of digestate • Veenhuis: Veenhuis Nutri-flow and the Rotomax

Making the Most of Biogas

• Bio Collectors: Making the most of biogas • Cryo Pur: Greenville Bio-LNG Plant • Granville Energy Supply & Edina

AD Hero of the Year

Research Project Award

• ALPS Ecoscience UK Ltd • Clayton Hall Farm Biogas Products Ltd: Innovative additive to utilise ‘indigestible’ biomass • Exergyn Ltd: The Exergyn Drive • Perlemax Ltd, Desai-Zimmerman Anaerobic Digestion Cycle: Sustainably intensified anaerobic digestion with novel biogas sweetening

Best Innovation in Biomethane

• Cryo Pur: Greenville Bio-LNG Plant • Geotech: Best innovation in biomethane • Pentair: BioSense VOC gas analyser • SGN: Portsdown Hill, the remote grid entry hub

AD Rising Star

Sponsored by

• Iona Capital: Alex Todhunter • Privilege Finance: Katie French • RUR3 Environmental Ltd: Sean Morgan

Best Methane or Ammonia Emissions Management Project

• Centriair: Centriair for methane and ammonia emissions • HoST: Recovering minerals from manure and reducing ammonia emissions • J F Temple & Son Ltd: Ammonia emission reduction at Copys Green Farm

UK AD Plant Manager of the Year Sponsored by

• Edina: Ian Farr • J F Temple & Son Ltd: Stephen Temple • Malaby Biogas: Thomas Minter

AD Team of the Year

• CSIR – Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT): High rate biomethanation of food waste based on anaerobic gas lift reactor (AGR) technology • Edina • Privilege Finance • Uniflare

Best AD Support – Technical

• Cooper Ostlund: Setting the standard for CHP excellence internationally • Sweco UK Ltd • Uniflare: Oscar Bio-energy, Hong Kong

Best AD Support (Legal, Accounting, Consulting)

• Aardvark EM Ltd • Fisher German LLP: Fisher German, the Sustainable Energy Team • Octego: Committed to ADding value • Privilege Finance

• Beeswax Dyson Farming: Simon Blades • BioG UK: Rob Greenow • Granville Ecopark: Shane Doherty • Malaby Biogas: Colin Hirons

Best UK On-Farm AD Plant

Sponsored by

Best UK Food Waste AD Plant

Sponsored by

Best International Agricultural Plant

Sponsored by

• BioG UK: Agrogen, Staffordshire • Future Biogas: Redstow Renewables • Xergi/Stream Bioenergy: Tully Biogas Plant, Ballymena, Northern Ireland • Agrivert, North London • Bio Collectors • Granville Ecopark • Severn Trent, Coleshill food waste AD plant • Ashleigh Environmental: The Biowave™ Project • HoST: World's first biomethane production facility from fresh veal manure • QUBE Renewables: dryQUBE • SIATnv/sa, Societe d’Investissement pour l’Agriculture Tropicale: First large scale AD and biogas plants in West Africa; a hope for the palm oil sector

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UK AD and World Biogas Expo 2018 Preview

With thanks to our sponsors

Helping to grow your AD and biogas business

Conference and seminar topics include: • Food waste management • Biomethane for transport and heat • AD in farming • Brexit • Health and safety • AD Certification Scheme • Getting the best out of your plant • AD funding

“The only event which provides us with an opportunity to network with colleagues from the industry, and meet existing and potential customers. The seminars are invaluable for anyone working within the AD sector.”

Phil Gerrard, Privilege Finance

97%

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G

lobally, the AD sector has the potential to become a £1 trillion industry, making a significant contribution to the development of a green, circular economy. It provides solutions for agriculture, urbanisation, waste and water management, transport and energy generation, helping to meet UN Sustainable Development Goals while creating unrivalled opportunities for the AD market to grow, both in the UK and abroad.

The annual UK AD and World Biogas Expo is the largest international trade show solely dedicated to AD and biogas. Featuring over 100 speakers and 200 exhibitors from around the world, it will showcase the latest technologies, deliver thought leadership insights and innovation updates, as well as open up investment prospects for a global audience of around 3,000 delegates, including senior decision makers, policymakers and influencers.

With this year’s key themes including separate food waste collections and treatment, the increasing use of biomethane for transport and heat, and on-farm AD as a new income stream in agriculture, the event is set to cover the topics that really matter to you.

There’s never been a better time to grow your AD and biogas business, so make sure your company is at the forefront of this rapidly developing industry by securing your place at the UK AD and World Biogas Expo 2018. To book your exhibitor stand or register as a visitor, go to: www.biogastradeshow.co.uk www.adbioresources.org adbioresources.org

UK AD and World Biogas Expo 2018 Preview Don’t miss • 11+ Conference sessions • 15+ Seminar sessions • 200+ exhibitors • UK launch of landmark global food waste management report • One-to-one advice clinics • Start-ups and innovators presentation area • And much more…

Key speakers include: • David Newman, President, World Biogas Association • Dr Alan Whitehead, MP and Shadow Energy and Climate Change Minister • Dr Jonthan Scurlock, Chief Adviser, Renewable Energy and Climate Change, NFU • Dr Oliver Quast, BEIS • Luke Bailey, Senior Policy Manager – RHI, Ofgem • Mike Gardner, Local Authority Account Manager, WRAP • Richard Barker, Adviser and Investment Committee Member, Iona Capital • Patrick Serfass, Executive Director, American Biogas Council • A.D Olabode, President, African Biogas Association • Camila Agner D'Aquino, Executive Manager, Brazilian Association of Biogas and Biomethane (ABiogás) • Nicolas Jensen, EU Affairs Officer, Eurogas • Susanna Pflüger, Secretary General, European Biogas Association

“It was my first time at the show. The seminars were great. It is a good exhibition that was very easy to navigate – it was well worth attending from Sweden.”

Johan Mollerstrom, CEO, Arc Aroma Pure

“I have organized and attended conferences for the last 30 years, and was pleased to sponsor, exhibit, and speak at this year’s event. The UK AD & Biogas and World Biogas Expo 2017 was one of the most well organized shows I’ve ever participated in. The content was strong, and from a visual standpoint I thought it was absolutely stunning.”

Chris Voell, Global Methane Initiative and US Environmental Protection Agency

Last chance to book your stand To secure your company’s place at the global AD event of the year, book one of the few remaining exhibitor stands by contacting roberta.bontempo@adbioresources.org

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UK AD and World Biogas Expo 2018 Conference Programme Conference programme Day 1 – Wednesday 11th July

Day 2 – thursday 12th July

Time Topic

Time Topic

10.00-10.20 Welcome and introduction

10.00-11.20 How to get the most from your AD plant

New technologies and a better understanding of the AD process are enabling plant operators to reach higher levels of efficiency. This session will explore some of these new technologies and processes, assessing the scale of improvements being achieved.

10.20-10.40 Keynote speech 10.40-11.00 Platinum Sponsor presentation 11.00-11.30 WBA-C40 Cities report: Urban Food Waste Management

The WBA and C40 Cities have published a report into the global prevention, collection and treatment of food waste. This panel session will review the report findings and discuss the next steps: how can C40 Cities and WBA provide further support for urban waste managers?

11.40-13.10 U sing AD in the UK to diversify farm income and drive farm productivity AD plants are a good way of diversifying farm income and reducing cost.

But with subsidies continuing to fall, questions remain as to how to make on-farm AD financially viable. This session will explore a range of novel ideas, from innovation in digestate to filling stations for biomethane vehicles.

13.20-14.50 How to stimulate the UK biomethane for transport market

Biomethane is an ideal clean fuel for heavy transport. With fewer grants for biomethane buses expected following the introduction of Ultra Low Emission Bus funding, will the reformed RTFO help grow the industry and attract investment into biomethane in transport or are other policy levers or commercial interventions required?

15.00-16.30 Global AD growth – drivers, barriers and solutions

How are countries around the world attracting investment in AD? This panel session will look at the drivers currently supporting AD growth, regional common barriers to AD, and some of the most successful solutions to overcome these.

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11.30-12.50 D ecarbonising the UK gas grid Decarbonising the gas grid is essential to the UK meeting its GHG reduction targets, but progress has been slow. Biomethane could be the ideal solution, as it doesn’t require changes to the existing infrastructure. How can the AD industry reach its full capacity and what other green gases could be added to the mix?

13.00-14.20 Digestate: Adding value, marketing and cutting the cost of management and disposal This session will explore how to add value to your plant’s output through correct usage, management, marketing and commercialisation of digestate. Experts will also look at how to cut the cost of handling digestate.

14.30-16.00 Time to mix food waste and wastewater in the UK?

UK regulators are looking at relaxing the rule on mixing food waste with wastewater for AD. What will be the impact on availability of feedstock for existing plants? Will non-water companies really look to enter the sewage market? And what will happen to AD assets at the end of the RO scheme?

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UK AD and World Biogas Expo 2018 Seminar Programme Seminar Programme

For the latest speaker and session listings, go to www.biogastradeshow.co.uk

Day 1 – Wednesday 11th July Time

Green Seminar Sponsored by ExxonMobil

Purple Seminar

11.00-11.55 Biomethane buses – case studies from around the world

Energy pathway for AD – where will the industry be in 2030?

12.00-12.55 Feedstock optimisation

The future of green gas in the UK and the successor to the RHI

13.00-13.55 UK biogas refuelling infrastructure

UK subsidies and incentives update

14.00-14.55 The effects of climate change on the AD industry

Infrastructure: Preparing the UK to recycle all inedible food waste

15.00-15.55 AD’s pathway to meeting the UN Sustainable Development Goals

Finding help to build on-farm AD plants

16.00-17.00 Technologies and practices to keep air and water clean

Biogas branding

Day 2 – Thursday 12th July Time

Green Seminar Sponsored by ExxonMobil

Purple Seminar

10.00-10.55 Refinancing and selling an AD plant

TBC

11.00-11.55 Practical examples of the circular economy

Brexit and UK farming policy opportunities

12.00-12.55 Water session – TBC

Developing a safety culture in AD

13.00-13.55 AD best practice schemes around the world

How can we reduce the cost of building new AD plants?

14.00-14.55 Electricity network charging in the UK

Emerging technologies

15.00-16.00 Managing environmental risks

Future opportunities for higher-value AD projects

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UK AD and World Biogas Expo 2018 Exhibitor Preview Tank specialist reveals extended portfolio

In-house design expertise

Balmoral Tanks returns to the UK AD and World Biogas Expo with added strings to its bow. The company recently moved into its new £12m facility in South Yorkshire where it produces liquid storage and treatment products, including epoxy coated and concrete tanks for the AD sector. The facility houses a brand new epoxy coating line and in-line shot blasting, as well as the latest laser cutting technology and fabrication operations. The company expanded into the pipework arena with the acquisition of Servomac Ltd, a Chesterfield based pipework specialist, in March 2018. Servomac designs, fabricates, installs and tests pipework systems for the water, biogas and renewable energy sectors and will continue trading under that name as a division of Balmoral Tanks Ltd. Both companies’ products will be on show during this year’s exhibition, with senior teams on hand to provide technical advice. www.balmoralgroup.co.uk Stand D309

Uniflare’s biogas process equipment is in operation in over 10 countries worldwide including Australia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, New Zealand, Greece, Turkey and Spain. The company's aim is to continue with sustainable growth, building long term relationships with customers by supplying class-leading products and maintenance. “Through innovation and continual improvement, and by working closely with industry and regulatory bodies, our equipment offers Best Available Technology,” explains Stephanie James, Service and Sales Supervisor. “We apply our experience and knowledge into our equipment and controls, removing interface issues and improving process efficiency.

Using our experience and knowledge, we work closely with our clients to offer the best and most efficient bespoke design process. Our 3D in-house design department uses the latest technology, allowing our clients to walk through their process as we grow their project. We look forward to discussing your project in detail with you at the show.” www.uniflare.co.uk Stand F205

Solutions to meet stringent engine demands

The role of gas engines in the energy mix continues to rise, with a number of companies moving towards biogas and decentralised power generation.

The benefits which can be reaped from converting waste to gas for power production are manifold. However, there are also significant challenges that need to be overcome, due to the aggressive nature of these gases and the presence of contaminants compared to natural gas. Therefore, choosing the right lubricant is particularly important for gas engines running on aggressive gases. Operators need to consider a lubricant that can help mitigate the risks posed by corrosion and siloxanes to help protect their engine.

ExxonMobil’s Mobil Pegasus™ 605 Ultra 40 is specifically designed to optimise the performance of engines that run on aggressive gases. At this year’s show, visitors can speak to the company’s on-stand advisers to learn how ExxonMobil’s products can extend oil life, improve piston and liner protection, enhance performance, and control varnish and carbon formation in engines. www.mobil.com/industrial Stand C401 28

AD & Bioresources News | summer 2018

Celebrating ¼ BILLION CUBIC METRES OF GREEN GAS DMT Environmental Technology will reveal how its membrane technology has produced a quarter of a billion cubic metres of biomethane, enough green gas to heat 227,000 homes and power thousands of vehicles. The firm will also announce the introduction of its first UK-based sales and service team, to help new developers easily access its biogas upgrading technology. Visitors will learn how 30 international plant operators have benefited from DMT’s Carborex® MS membrane technology: housed in a compact, modular, containerised unit, it boasts an uptime of 98 per cent and upgrades biogas to a methane concentration of 99 per cent, resulting in a higher yield. Heading up the new team, UK Business Director Stephen McCulloch adds: “We will also be increasing the scope of our supply, including offering finance options, and are issuing a five-year membrane guarantee on the Carborex® MS. With this improved strategy we look forward to producing our next quarter of a billion cubic metres of green gas.” www.dmt-et.com Stand D601

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UK AD and World Biogas Expo 2018 Exhibitor Preview Improve digestate quality and reduce maintenance requirements With an increased focus on plastics removal and PAS 110 compliance, the HUBER Technology Strainpress® removes plastics left in digestate.

Separated plastics are dewatered and compacted to reduce disposal volumes further.

Excessive build-up of grit in digesters is another area under scrutiny, blocking pipework and damaging pumps. The HUBER Longitudinal Grit Trap and Grit Washer remove grit and inorganics.

Additionally, the grit can be washed to enhance the quality of the material and reduce lost organics. Visitors to the show will have the opportunity to meet James Tucker, Huber’s experienced Industrial Manager, to learn how the company can help plants run more efficiently. “We are excited to support our customers on new plants and are keen to be involved in the early stages of planning,” says James. “With the RHI now confirmed and a short window for new projects to qualify, we are expecting an interesting and busy event.” www.huber.co.uk Stand E501

Separation, pumping and mixing solutions Established in 1991, Kiowa has supported AD plants across the UK for several years through its network of six branches. Working in close partnership with FAN/BAUER, the company will again be exhibiting at this year’s UK AD and World Biogas Expo where it will showcase a range of spares and maintenance items including handmade PE liners and bespoke hose assemblies plus, for the first time, a range of Blaklader workwear.

Visitors to Kiowa’s stand will be able to meet the team and discuss their technical separation, pumping and mixing needs, and find out more about the company’s unique servicing and support programmes. “In addition to the commercial opportunities the show affords, it is an ideal platform to view the latest technology and equipment, as well as allowing companies to keep up to date with the ever changing legislation within this sector,” says Marketing Director Lisa Needham. www.kiowa.co.uk Stand F305

Free on-stand biogas analysis worth €500 ARN BV is a 530 Nm3/h biomethane plant based in Holland, currently operating with an uptime close to 100 per cent.

However, at the start of its operation, it was significantly underperforming, putting the financial success of the project at risk. The root cause of the problem was identified as high levels of ketones and terpenes in the biogas, which were fouling the gas separation membranes and triggering quality issues at the gas to grid installation.

Pentair’s BioSense detector could have detected these impurities much sooner, saving the operator money, as Global Sales Manager Francois Huberts explains: “The costs of major incidents were high, at around €40,000 per incident. These could have been avoided by installing a BioSense detector to detect ketones and terpenes. At this year’s show, we are offering a free on-stand biogas analysis worth €500 – contact us now to find out more.” www.biogas.pentair.com Stand F601

Water industry enjoys benefits of GasMix Founder ADBA member Landia is all set for this year’s UK AD and World Biogas Expo, with the news that the pump and mixer manufacturer has won its first municipal sector order in Great Britain for its acclaimed GasMix digester mixing system. Already firmly established as a proven technology for agricultural and food waste feedstocks, the success of the externally mounted GasMix has now spread to the UK water industry. With no moving parts inside the digester, GasMix is very easy to maintain without interrupting the AD process. Landia’s Key Account Manager Paul Davies comments: “This a very important show for us because, as such a highly focussed event, it always attracts visitors of very high quality.” In addition to GasMix, Landia engineers will also be on hand to explain the benefits of their pumps, mixers and pasteurisers. www.landia.co.uk Stand J205

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UK AD and World Biogas Expo 2018 Exhibitor Preview Adding value to food waste

Superior separation

Amur helps its customers improve the performance of their AD facilities by optimising gas yields and providing a consistent feedstock supply. The company offers a wide range of alternative feedstocks for crop, agri and waste-fed plants, also specialising in trace elements and additives which help to support gas yields. It has recently launched Bullet BMP, a cutting edge, rapid feedstock testing technology and also operates its own gas to grid facility, which offers a ‘proof statement’ of its products and expertise in action. At this year’s show, Amur will present its range of services, as well as demonstrating its unique Bullet BMP technology. “We’re delighted to be exhibiting again,” says General Manager Nigel Lee. “Last year was a great opportunity for us to meet with current customers and AD operators who already use our services, as well as potential new customers who required feedstocks or wanted help optimising their plant performance.” www.amurenergy.co.uk Stand G401

At UK AD and World Biogas Expo 2018, pump manufacturer Börger will continue where it left off last year with the promotion of its range of BioSelect solids separators and macerators, solids feed technology and maintenance-in-place rotary lobe pumps.

A long-time ADBA exhibitor, the company receives a consistently strong response to its pumps, but BioSelect, designed for the easy and highly effective separation of slurry at farms and AD plants, will once again be the centrepiece of the company’s stand. “We attend many shows but we know that visitors enjoy the benefits of this very dedicated event that brings the industry together and helps it to move forward,” says UK Managing Director David Brown.

“BioSelect is proving popular because it is a sturdy, effective and hard-wearing piece of equipment, of high industrial quality. AD applications can be very demanding, and this separator doesn’t disappoint.” www.boerger.com Stand D301

Upgrading solutions for Tier 1 RHI applications Puregas Solutions is committed to helping customers maximise their revenues from biomethane production.

As the latest RHI regulations have just been issued with reset tariff levels for biomethane injection to grid, now is the perfect opportunity to take full advantage of the new Tier 1 tariff, up to 40,000 MWh/year. For this year’s show, Puregas has optimised its popular CA50 biogas upgrading plant to handle biogas flow rates up to 1,200 Nm3/h, providing one of the most cost effective solutions available for Tier 1 RHI applications. In addition to competitive pricing, flexible finance arrangements and shortened lead times, customers can also benefit from the technology’s superior energy efficiency. “With 99.9 per cent methane recovery, only 0.1 per cent methane slip and 0.11 kWh/Nm3 electrical consumption, we believe that no other upgrading technology can meet the performance levels of our CApure biogas upgrading plants and we look forward to showcasing the technology to visitors to our stand,” says Sales Manager Mark Storey. www.puregas-solutions.com Stand J603

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UK AD and World Biogas Expo 2018 Exhibitor Preview Reduce digestate volumes HRS Heat Exchangers will showcase its Digestate Concentration System (DCS), which increases the dry solid content of digestate three-or fourfold, typically to between 10-20 per cent. By reducing the liquid fraction and therefore the overall volume of digestate produced, the DCS minimises the economic and logistical challenges associated with digestate storage, transportation and application. Up to 60 per cent less storage capacity is needed and fewer tanker loads are required, helping to curb an AD plant’s transportation costs and carbon footprint. International Sales & Marketing Director Matt Hale explains why increasing numbers of AD operators are already specifying the DCS for their sites: “At a time when the efficiency of AD plants is under scrutiny, being able to maximise the financial and nutrient value of your digestate, while reducing storage, transport and application costs, is an exciting proposition. The HRS DCS represents the most efficient method of achieving these goals.” www.hrs-heatexchangers.com Stand D603

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More than just project finance Renewable energy funding provider Privilege Finance will offer advice and expertise on financial and technical AD topics at this year’s UK AD and World Biogas Expo. Privilege works in close partnership with clients using an entire ‘project lifecycle’ approach, providing finance plus a full range of services that enable smooth delivery, commissioning and optimisation. “We’re really pleased to be exhibiting again after a great show last year,” says Chief Executive Phil Gerrard. “This is an invaluable event, which allows us to meet new and existing customers whilst also network with the wider industry. Our primary focus has always been to support the growth of the UK AD and biogas sector through the provision of funding. We’ve invested over £75 million into the industry over the last 12 months, and with plans to invest over £90m in 2018, we’re looking forward to the opportunity to discuss new projects.” www.privilegeprojectfinance.co.uk Stand E509

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Members’ News & Views Fuelling the UK’s green gas revolution

By Matt Hale, International Sales and Marketing Director, HRS Heat Exchangers The need to find a green alternative to diesel has never been greater. Nitrogen dioxide pollution has been illegally high in most urban parts of Britain since 2010, and UK air pollution is linked to 40,000 early deaths each year. Aside from the air quality benefits, substituting diesel for UK-produced biomethane improves energy security and reduces our reliance on imports of natural gas products from volatile parts of the world.

In the past, barriers to greater uptake of biomethane as a transport fuel have included a lack of available vehicles and constrained biomethane production, but these arguments no longer hold true. Over the past few years, biomethane has seen the biggest growth of any sub-sector of the UK AD industry and most vehicle manufacturers now have a dedicated right-hand drive gas engine in their range. But if the vehicles and production network exist, and the benefits of using biomethane are so clear cut, why do we not have tens of thousands of vehicles on the road, instead of a few hundred?

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Selecting the right heat exchanger is vital to the success of the biogas upgrading process

The remaining barriers to greater uptake revolve around the logistics of fuel supply, the relative costs of upgrading biogas to biomethane, and a lack of clear government policy. While there is still more to be done, the Department for Transport’s reforms to the RTFO now require 12.4 per cent of all fuels to be derived from renewable sources by 2032. This provides a great opportunity for the biomethane industry.

However, in order to maximise both profits and plant efficiency, any prospective biomethane developer should ensure they are taking full advantage of the heat generated within their AD process, and that it is being put to best use. Heat plays a key role in various biogas upgrading methods

Edina wins second Queen’s Enterprise Award in four years

AD & Bioresources News | summer 2018

When investigating any biomethane upgrading project, ask potential technology suppliers how their heating and cooling systems work. If any heat is being wasted, an experienced heat exchanger supplier would be happy to investigate the potential to improve system efficiencies, helping to fuel the next generation of gas vehicles. www.hrs-heatexchangers.com

Landia’s Far East mission for Fergus

Edina UK, solutions provider for CHP, gas and diesel power generation, has received the Queen’s Awards for Enterprise, Innovation category award for the second time in four years – a first for any company of its kind. Established in 1966, the Queen’s Awards for Enterprise programme is the highest official UK awards for British businesses celebrating outstanding achievement within international trade, innovation, sustainable development and promoting opportunity through social mobility. Edina’s former Joint Managing Director and now Adviser, Tony Fenton, says: “This is a remarkable achievement and marks another significant milestone in our growth history. We are truly honoured to receive such a prestigious award, which is a testament to our drive and dedication in providing market-leading power generation solutions.” www.edina.eu 32

but these can be made even more efficient if existing sources of heating and cooling in a plant are used through heat exchangers. Choosing the correct heating and cooling technology, and selecting the right heat exchanger for your project, is therefore vital to the success of the biogas upgrading process.

Pump and mixer manufacturer Landia has added to its technical salesforce with the key appointment of Fergus Clark. Bringing a wealth of experience in the Far East, Fergus has a proven track record in establishing new accounts across the Asian market, including South Korea, Thailand and Vietnam. Based in Ipswich but reporting directly to Landia’s headquarters in Denmark, Fergus will be responsible for growing the company’s business in the Landia’s Fergus Clark Far East, where it has already carved out a solid reputation in the wastewater and biogas sectors for its chopper pumps and GasMix AD digester mixing system. www.landia.co.uk

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Members’ News & Views ARK Agriculture set to take silage clamp innovation to new heights Bock UK has been rebranded ARK Agriculture following a management buyout.

Renowned for its sloping walled clamps and oxygen barrier silage sheets, the Colchester based firm is now chaired by Sean Milbank with Francis Auchincloss, The new ARK Agriculture team, L-R: William Wilson, William Wilson and Oliver Oliver Peck, Sean Milbank and Francis Auchincloss Peck forming the board of directors. Complete clamp and covering systems will remain a core focus of the company, but its product range has already been extended. In partnership with DuPont Industrial Biosciences, ARK Agriculture will supply enzymes for the optimisation of biogas yields and digestion of high viscosity materials, such as straw, for AD operators. “As a team, we have built over 50 clamps across the UK and advised hundreds of customers on how to make the best silage possible,” says Business Development Director William Wilson. “This is an exciting new chapter and gives us a platform to build on our experience in delivering silage clamp solutions for the agricultural and biogas industries.

With our new enzyme offering and further innovations in the pipeline we are confident that ARK Agriculture can scale new heights.” www.arkagriculture.com

How healthy is your RHI accreditation?

During the lifetime of any RHI installation there is a chance of an Ofgem audit to ensure your system is still compliant; non-compliances can result in a penalty.

To ensure that RHI payments keep coming in, it is therefore important to keep up to date with ongoing The RHI Health Check provides compliance. The RHI Health reassurance before an Ofgem audit Check, offered by the NFU Energy Service and delivered by FEC Energy, can provide peace of mind before any future audit. An expert will visit the installation and look for areas of concern, such as system configuration and compliance; record keeping for fuels and heat use; system changes and updates since the original application; issues with data submissions; as well as identifying improvement opportunities. If your system was accredited more than two years ago, if you have made any changes to your plant, or if it has been a while since it was last audited, the health check could be for you – contact renewablesteam@fec-energy.co.uk www.fec-energy.co.uk

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Members’ News & Views HUBER shows true grit When the operator of an AD plant based in Northern Ireland had trouble with their grit trap, HUBER Technology was happy to help.

Processing a mixture of green and food waste, the operators of a Northern Irish AD plant found that their feedstock contained a higher than average amount of grit. The feedstock was put through a pair of hammer mills, but site operatives were still having to enter the original stock/settlement tank two to three times a week to clear the excess grit, as the system was becoming blocked and pumps and tanks abraded. The material removed was high in organics and therefore expensive to landfill, and was resulting in lost biogas yield.

HUBER had experienced a similar type of feedstock with a client in Germany.

Although the initial design requested by the Northern Irish plant was for a circular tank for grit settlement, HUBER instead recommended their longitudinal grit trap and grit washer, which had proved successful at the German facility. Following a number of site visits to other plants to see the solution in action, the operator made the decision to go ahead with HUBER’s recommendation.

HUBER installed a grit trap and washer to maximise the organic load

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Grit, glass and bone removed from the grit washer

“We installed our grit trap and washer after the hammer mills, to maximise the organic load being passed onto the stock tank, whilst removing inorganics,” explains James Tucker, Industrial Business Development Manager. “An air circulation system reduces the organics that settle in the tank, while the equipment allows settlement of the heavy fraction. This heavy fraction is augured to the inlet end of the trap from where it is elevated and drained on an inclined auger. It is then washed and dewatered in a HUBER RoSF G4E Bio grit washer, to wash out the organics and provide a reduced volume for disposal. The washed out organics are then drained back to the grit trap.”

“The performance and reliability of the AD plant has been considerably improved,” continues James. “Downtime has been dramatically reduced, downstream equipment has less wear as the abrasive grit and glass have been removed, and the gas yield has increased due to the returned organics.” www.huber.co.uk

Clearfleau acquired by German water tech firm EnviroChemie Clearfleau, provider of on-site waste to energy plants for the food and drink sector, has been acquired by German water treatment company EnviroChemie GmbH, part of SKion GmbH’s water portfolio. Clearfleau has a number of high profile industrial clients and reference plants, and will represent EnviroChemie in the UK industrial market, developing technology and specialty chemical

sales, and extending the range of solutions the company can provide. The partners will collaborate to develop the market for Clearfleau’s plants on industrial sites in Europe and other areas.

Craig Chapman, Chief Executive of Clearfleau, says: “We wanted a strong partner to help us develop the industrial effluent treatment and biogas market outside the UK. This collaboration offers considerable growth potential for the combined business in the UK and the global market, as more businesses seek a circular economy solution which exploits the energy value in process residues currently being discarded on many factory sites.” www.clearfleau.com

Clearfleau provides on-site waste to energy plants, such as the Lake District Biogas project at First Milk’s Aspatria creamery

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UK launch of landmark report at

GLOBAL FOOD WASTE MANAGEMENT:

AN IMPLEMENTATION GUIDE FOR CITIES The World Biogas Association, in partnership with C40 Cities, Climate Leadership Group Food, Water & Waste Programme has produced a landmark report on urban food waste, its environmental impact, and the benefits of separately collecting, treating and recycling it through anaerobic digestion. The Global Food Waste Management: An Implementation Guide for Cities report also features a how-to section to assist municipalities wishing to improve their food waste management.

UK AD AND WORLD BIOGAS EXPO 2018 will provide an opportunity to discuss the findings of the report and get advice on implementing its recommendations.

“The time to fight climate change is now. Cities have a fundamental role to play and a brilliant opportunity to seize in cutting emissions as over half the world’s population now lives in urban areas.

“Treating inedible food waste represents an opportunity to cut emissions while resolving other issues around energy, soil quality, waste management and human health in urban areas. The technologies to resolve all these (particularly AD) are mature and deployable now, and the WBA can support cities in their transition. What are we waiting for?”

David Newman, President, World Biogas Association

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Advice Clinic: On-farm AD Get the most from your on-farm AD plant

In our regular advice column, ADBA members provide answers to some common AD queries.

Q A

As a farmer, should I be thinking about small scale or large scale opportunities for AD?

Both are worthy of consideration, and a lot depends upon the specific circumstances of your farm business. As government incentives for renewables continue to dwindle (perhaps to be replaced soon by carbon pricing or carbon taxes), then large scale biomethane plants look more likely to be competitive as a source of heating fuel, displacing fossil fuel methane in a deregulated national gas network. AD could meet as much as 30 per cent of domestic gas demand this way.

On the other hand, the benefits to UK farming of small scale AD are wider still – avoiding methane emissions from slurry storage, recycling nutrients locally while protecting water resources, and encouraging good practice in soil and nutrient management. However, small farm-based biogas plants are likely to require continued government support (linked to their delivery of ‘public goods’) in order to remain economic.

If you have access to a high volume of agricultural residues such as beet pulp, vegetable packhouse discards, straw and animal manures, then AD is definitely worth considering. Trade associations such as the NFU and ADBA offer guidance and can put you in touch with independent professional advisers to help you develop a business case (see details of ADBA’s Farmers’ Consultancy Service, opposite).

Q A

Demonstrating compliance with sustainability requirements is easier when feedstock supply remains unchanged, but being open to trying new feedstocks can reduce costs at on-farm AD plants.

Unfortunately, agreeing with Ofgem on how a new feedstock should be classified can take several weeks.

We advise our clients to identify new feedstocks as early as possible. We work with Ofgem on our clients’ behalf to obtain agreement as to whether new feedstocks will be categorised as products, co-products, residues or wastes, and this is best done prior to purchasing or producing the feedstock. Some operators also ask why we caution them against assuming their feedstock will receive the same classification as similar feedstock at another AD plant. This is because agreements with Ofgem are site-specific.

Feedstock suppliers must be told as soon as possible that their new AD customer will need significant information in order to categorically demonstrate to Ofgem how they should classify the feedstock, and to carry out GHG calculations if needed. An honest and accurate approach in dealing with Ofgem is paramount and operators should give this area a high level of attention, proportionate to the potentially high levels of regulatory risk.

Dr Jonathan Scurlock, Chief Adviser – Renewable Energy and Climate Change, National Farmers’ Union E jonathan.scurlock@nfu.org.uk T +44 (24) 7685 8568 www.nfuonline.com 36

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How can I make the most of new feedstock opportunities while complying with statutory sustainability requirements?

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Jack Cook, Environmental Planner, Greenspan Energy E jack@greenspanenergy.com T +44 (0)131 290 2262 www.greenspanenergy.com

Advice Clinic: On-farm AD

Q A

How do I get more value from my silage?

Paying attention to your silage will optimise its energy potential, meaning less feedstock for the same gas output, saving time and money. The following simple steps can help you make the most of your feedstock: • Make sure that crop inputs are harvested at their optimal point – UK weather can make this difficult but the differences in gas yield can be huge.

• Ensure that silage is well preserved (compaction and sheeting), using silage additives where necessary.

• Chop size is important in allowing the microbes to access the feedstock – where possible, minimise chop size and consider ways of reducing it as it goes into the digester.

• Use a shear grab to keep the face as airtight as possible – any heating in the clamp is a waste of energy (and money).

• Pull down only the silage needed for that feed – up to 20 per cent starch can be lost over a 12-hour period.

• For root crop, wash and chop well and be aware of seasonal variation.

Q A

Unless you are storing livestock manures before feeding them to the digester, your ammonia emissions will all come from digestate. The highest risk occurs when warm digestate first meets the air in a thin layer. When stored in a lagoon, more ammonia can be lost to the atmosphere, and when using a vacuum tanker, the low pressure will encourage further losses. Field spreading is the final stage at which ammonia losses can occur.

Ammonia is a concern as it combines with particulates to form air pollution.

It is also causes a significant loss in fertiliser value, and the replacement bagged fertiliser incurs major greenhouse gas emissions during its production.

The simplest and most immediate actions to take to reduce your ammonia emissions are to cover lagoons and use trailing shoe digestate applicators, or better still, directly inject the digestate into the soil. A more comprehensive approach is to acidify the digestate before it reaches the separator. This will reduce the pH to about 5.5 and convert the volatile ammonia into ammonium ions, which remain in solution all the way through to land application.

Stephen Temple, Director, J F Temple & Son E sjt@jftemple.co.uk

Avril Banks, Director, Ab-En E avril.banks@ab-en.co.uk T +44 (0)7980 692727

Q A

What is the market for digestate?

Whilst there is now much more experience, the market for digestate is still immature in most areas. Its value can vary substantially between locations and depends on demand, which is in turn dependent on the quantity of eligible land and competing products, as well as the ability to spread it.

Digestate can be a very good organic fertiliser and can displace the cost of synthetic fertilisers, but the nutrients within the product are very dilute and therefore the costs of transporting the material any distance can be expensive.

The nutrient composition of whole digestate is determined by the feedstock going through the AD plant, so nutrient concentrations (and therefore nutrient value) can vary significantly.

As well as posing logistical issues for an on-farm AD operator, digestate is also subject to regulation. NVZ regulations restrict the amount of nitrogen which can be spread on land and pose minimum storage requirements. Infrastructure, such as lagoons, are essential but can be expensive. If possible, satellite lagoons or tanks can help to ensure that the product is closer to the end user, when required. In addition, many farmers employ contractors with specialist equipment to undertake digestate spreading, due to the cost of investment.

Due to the sheer quantities generated, digestate management is crucial to the operation of any AD plant, but is often overlooked. Understanding its costs and value can help ensure there are no nasty surprises.

Cath Anthony, Partner, Rural, Bidwells E cath.anthony@bidwells.co.uk T +44 (0)1223 559509 www.bidwells.co.uk

The authorities are becoming more interested in ammonia emissions. What does this mean for me as an on-farm AD operator?

Q A

How can I improve the efficiency of my on-farm AD plant?

Feedstock is the single biggest contributor to the efficiency of on-farm AD plants, and can be one of the easiest parts of the process to get right, through careful monitoring and planning. Most plants will have a certain amount of imported feedstock and this all comes at an additional cost, so it is vital that you get the most from that feedstock.

We try to be as regimented as possible with our feedstock, but this isn’t always possible with changing imported feed. Forward planning is therefore essential to ensure a consistent, high quality feed. This also allows you to take a proactive approach and introduce any changes in a controlled manner.

A tonne of slurry doesn’t have the same nutritional value as a tonne of maize, so by understanding what feedstock you will have over a 12-month period, you can plan ahead and start to introduce any new material gradually. This will give the digester time to adjust, which should ensure that gas production is maintained at a stable level.

Rob Greenow, MD of BioG UK, which has five AD plants commissioned with financial partner Privilege Finance www.privilegeprojectfinance.co.uk

Free advice for farmers ADBA’s Farmers’ Consultancy Service comprises a team of consultants, carefully selected by ADBA on the basis of their extensive on-farm AD experience and project success. Whether you need advice, support, information or contacts, they can help get your AD project over the finish line. For a free initial consultation, go to https://bit.ly/1Hs9Lik

FARMERS' CONSULTANCY SERVICE

www.adbioresources.org adbioresources.org

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Policy

RHI reforms finally passed After more than a year of delays, vital reforms to the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) have finally come into effect. AD plant operators are now able to claim a restored tariff of 5.6p per kWh of renewable heat generated for their Tier 1 biomethane (the first 40,000 MWh they inject into the grid per year). Once their plant is commissioned, they will receive a guaranteed tariff level for twenty years.

For up-to-the-minute information and advice on regulations, consultations and government news, contact our Head of Policy, Ollie More T +44 (0)203 567 0751 E ollie.more@adbioresources.org Read more about the impact of the RHI reforms in Thom’s summary guide: https://bit.ly/2s6wL2v For more details on the RHI, contact thom.koller@adbioresources.org

The passing of these reforms will provide a vital boost to the UK’s ability to produce renewable green gas for heating homes and businesses through AD. We estimate that as many as 40 gas to grid plants may be built over the next two years as a result of the restored tariff levels, generating up to an additional 2 TWh of renewable heat per year. This would help to reverse the trend of falling deployment of new UK green gas plants that has been seen in recent years as a result of decreasing RHI tariff levels.

However, the restored RHI tariff will only support new renewable heat projects until 2021, with no further support promised from government beyond the current RHI budget allocation. With emissions from heat accounting for a third of all UK greenhouse gas emissions and no clear government strategy yet identified for decarbonising heat, it is imperative that the government commits to long term support for green gas while the industry works to bring down costs to become financially self-sufficient.

RTFO reforms set to provide a boost for biomethane

Increased EA charges take effect Significant increases in the majority of charges associated with environmental permitting, including application fees and ongoing annual subsistence fees, have come into force in England. We strongly oppose the changes and have expressed significant concerns to the Environment Agency (EA) on behalf of our members, particularly regarding the scale of charge increases for the biowaste sector and the speed with which these have been implemented.

If you operate your AD plant under an Environmental Permit issued by the EA, you should hear from them soon with details of how the changes will affect you. In the meantime, we will continue to work with the EA to minimise the impact of the changes on AD operators, particularly through the new AD Certification Scheme, which we hope will eventually help to reduce regulatory costs for certified operators.

Reforms to the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO) have now come into force, obligating fuel suppliers to provide 9.75 per cent of all fuels from renewable sources by 2020. Biomethane from AD is one such fuel that can help suppliers to meet this new higher target, particularly for heavier vehicles such as HGVs and buses. The target is set to rise to 12.4 per cent of all fuels by 2032, in line with the government’s carbon budgets.

The latest RTFO guidance has now been published and is available here: https://bit.ly/2GSS4f5 We have also produced the following briefing note, summarising the government’s response to the RTFO consultation, assessing what the reforms mean for the industry, and setting out the next steps: https://bit.ly/2GfBVhF For further information on biomethane for transport, contact thom.koller@adbioresources.org

Read the updated EA guidance on charges here: www.gov.uk/guidance/environment-agency-fees-and-charges For more information on the changes, contact jessica.allan@adbioresources.org

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Policy Ofgem consults on new price controls

Demonstrating AD’s role in sustainable farming

We have submitted a response to Ofgem’s consultation on RIIO-2, the new price controls due to come in from 2021 for companies running the gas and electricity transmission and distribution networks. RIIO-2, which is short for ‘Revenues = Incentives + Innovation + Outputs’, sets reasonable limits for what network companies can earn and what can be passed on to customers. This in turn affects investment back into the network.

Changes are coming to the way in which agriculture in the UK is supported. Following Brexit, Defra is looking to introduce a new Environmental Land Management system in place of the CAP Pillar 1 payments. This new agricultural policy will be underpinned by ‘payment of public money for the provision of public goods’, meaning that environmental enhancement and protection will be of key importance.

Accordingly, we have submitted a response to the Defra consultation, ‘Health and Harmony: The Future for Food, Farming and the Environment in a Green Brexit’, which highlights that, in addition to renewable energy generation, AD provides the public goods of soil health improvement, productivity and competitiveness, and climate change mitigation. Our response also makes the case that with just 2.3 million tonnes of farm waste currently going to AD out of a potential 90 million tonnes, the technology has far greater ambitions that will support agricultural climate change mitigation.

In our consultation response, we suggest that Ofgem has sidelined decarbonisation and climate change imperatives and restricted support for innovation. We believe the regulator should ensure that adherence to the UK carbon budgets and the wider decarbonisation agenda are central to this energy network reform and all future price controls. And contrary to the consultation’s proposals to target funding, we also believe that the criteria for innovation should be broadened to ensure that research, innovation and commercialisation efforts can be pursued.

View our response here: https://bit.ly/2IB5UGa For more information on RIIO-2, contact thom.koller@adbioresources.org

In fact, AD offers the only means of tackling emissions from manure management, which constitutes one per cent of total UK greenhouse gas emissions. The importance of this cannot be underestimated – agriculture is a sector which is difficult to decarbonise and some sources of emissions, such as methane from enteric fermentation, are not only rising at an inexorable rate but are not forecast to fall due to global dietary trends.

In addition to a response to the consultation, the government will also put forward an Agriculture Bill later in the year that will implement many of the changes discussed in the consultation.

Read our response to the consultation here: https://bit.ly/2IlDuAC For more information on on-farm AD, contact thom.koller@adbioresources.org See our on-farm AD advice clinic, p36

Strengthening the case for separate food waste collections The introduction of mandatory separate food waste collections in England continues to be a key goal in our lobbying efforts, with the case for these appearing to grow stronger by the day. Industry and policy experts have suggested that the UK government is likely to commit to the EU’s proposed targets under the Circular Economy Package, which include increasing municipal recycling rates to 65 per cent by 2035 and introducing separate biowaste collections by 2023. The UK is also committed to meeting the EU’s 2020 recycling targets, which it is generally agreed cannot be met without separate food waste collections.

The case for separate food waste collections has also been strengthened by the recent news that food waste recycling levels in Northern Ireland have risen since the introduction of separate food waste collections. To increase the visibility of this issue, we have published a list of the 109 local authorities in England that currently have separate food waste collections in place. There are therefore over 200 local authorities who will soon need to implement separate collections.

View the full list of local authorities with separate collections here: https://bit.ly/2wFvPYv For more information on food waste collections, contact emiliano.lewis@adbioresources.org See our feature on global food waste collections, p10

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Government & Agency News No guarantee GIB will ever live up to original ambitions

Waste in Westminster

A report by the Public Accounts Committee has found that the Green Investment Bank (GIB) failed to live up to original ambitions and there is no guarantee it ever will. Created in 2012 and sold to Macquarie for £1.6bn in August 2017, BEIS does not know whether GIB achieved its intended objectives of encouraging investment in the green economy and creating an institution that lasts, as it was sold before its impact could be fully assessed.

“Government set up the Green Investment Bank to grow investment in the green economy and thus help the UK meet its climate change obligations,” said Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown MP, Committee Deputy Chair. “The manner in which it was sold off is therefore deeply regrettable. There are broader lessons here, not least for how government evaluates public assets and, when relevant, prepares them for sale.” To read the full report, go to https://bit.ly/2HvdCOx

APHA to charge for inspections Following a consultation in 2015, the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has confirmed the introduction of fees for its services. This includes inspections required under the Animal By-Product Regulations, which may affect some AD operators. As APHA is part of the steering group for the AD Certification Scheme, ADBA has discussed the possibility of reduced inspection frequency for certified plants. We will continue with these discussions as it could reduce their regulatory effort and save money for operators.

Our External Affairs Manager, Jon Harrison, reports on the latest waste news from Parliament

Keeping the RHI at the top of the agenda Parliament has enjoyed a long Easter recess since our last edition, which has had a knock on effect on the passage of legislation and the work of the Parliamentary Committees. The most important legislation that has been delayed are the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) regulations, which at the time of writing are now finally in law, having passed the parliamentary process.

We are keenly aware that members have waited anxiously for these to pass, and many millions of pounds of investment were waiting for them to become law.

As such, my policy colleagues and I have been in constant touch with officials at BEIS and the office of the Leader of the House of Commons, who has responsibility for the Parliamentary timetable, as well as requesting assistance from opposition spokespeople to put pressure on Ministers on our behalf. Our Chief Executive Charlotte Morton and Head of Policy Ollie More met the Liberal Democrat Energy Spokeswoman Baroness Featherstone, who agreed to write to Claire Perry MP and table written questions requesting certainty on the RHI timetable. We are pleased that our lobbying efforts helped keep these important regulations at the forefront of Ministers’ minds, and that they are now finally passed.

Elsewhere, the London Assembly’s Environment Committee published an important report into recycling. The findings highlighted that London’s AD facilities are operating under capacity and that more should be done to divert organic waste away from landfill. On the back of this welcome report, Charlotte and Ollie met the Chair of the Committee, Leonie Cooper AM, to highlight the importance of AD ahead of their final report. Parts of London lag significantly behind leading areas for AD use, such as Swansea, and much more can be done to encourage a sustainable capital city.

Our policy team has begun working on our response to the government’s forthcoming Agriculture Bill, which will be a key document in outlining the system of support for farmers that will be brought into place post-Brexit.

With a proposed focus on sustainability, soil conservation and environmental protection, it will be an important chance to highlight AD as part of our farming future.

Find out more The section of the report relevant to AD can be found at https://bit.ly/2qYfKqK. We will continue to provide updates as soon as we receive them, but for more information contact jessica.allan@adbioresources.org or chargingenquiries@apha.gsi.gov.uk

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R&I Update Accelerating anaerobic biotechnology through the Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund The series of steps by which microbes process biomass in sealed containers, producing a number of different bioproducts, is called anaerobic biotechnology (AB). ADBA has put forward an expression of interest for AB to be supported by the government under the Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund. The challenge is to make the production of sustainable biomaterials and bioenergy cost competitive with unsustainable products such as plastic and coal power, by accelerating and advancing anaerobic bioprocesses.

The focus of the AD industry to date has been largely in the field of energy production, and AD is already reducing UK gas imports by two per cent.

This proposal, however, seeks to recognise the significant non-energy benefits that the industry also has to offer, beyond simply providing baseload renewable energy.

The feedstocks used in AB contain many longer carbon chains which could be used in an integrated biorefinery to produce higher value products than the energy currently generated. For example, AB could be used as a source of high value, sustainable protein ideally suited for animal feeds to replace crops such as soy. The Cargill/Calysta biomethane to protein project, which generates 200,000 tonnes per annum of protein, should start to make this route look attractive if it can be scaled down to AB size.

Further examples of biomaterials are biodegradable and biodigestible packaging, which can reduce plastic waste, and low toxicity biomedical and veterinary applications to improve human and animal health, as well as the environment.

Transforming AB from solely a waste treatment technology into a low cost, multi-functional biotechnology has the potential to dramatically improve the sustainability of the UK and the world’s energy, farming, manufacturing, chemical and waste industries.

Can the AD industry match a cow’s stomach?

For anaerobic digestion to be economically viable, able to compete with other, cheaper renewables and fossil fuels, major cost reductions are needed in the industry. Only then will AD be able to achieve its full potential and play a major role in decarbonisation.

A recent paper by Dr Mike Mason of the University of Oxford and Professor David C Stuckey of Imperial College London1 argues that a key area to focus on is speeding up the rate-limiting hydrolysis stage of the AD process, and that bio-mimicry of ruminants could be an important source of innovation. Ruminants carry out the hydrolysis step up to 30 times faster than an AD plant, which, according to the paper’s authors, suggests that ‘an order of magnitude improvement should be attainable’ by the industry.

pipes and pumps, and large parasitic loads’. If plants could be resized to be as efficient as a cow, this would mean smaller and less expensive concrete or steel tanks would be required to process material.

In addition, the paper examines a number of factors which, by focussing on the physical and chemical environment within cellulolytic biofilms, may help accelerate development in the field. For example, one conclusion drawn from the research is that the heterogeneity of the environment in a ruminant may well be a contributor to its digestive efficiency. This is in contrast to the typical AD plant which strives to achieve a high degree of homogeneity by stirring. Furthermore, research to improve the AD process might benefit from a concerted attempt to measure and manage the microenvironment of the microbes, rather than their macroenvironment.

The paper also states that the ‘cost of AD is largely a function of the low power density of AD plants, resulting in large civil structures, big

Biofilms, bubbles and boundary layers: A new approach to understanding cellulolysis in anaerobic and ruminant digestion

1

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Upcoming Events

11th-12th jul 2018

UK AD and World Biogas Expo 2018 NEC, Birmingham

11th jul 2018

3rd Oct 2018

AD & Biogas Industry Awards 2018 The Vox, Birmingham

ADBA Members’ Meeting Ashurst LLP offices, London

ADBA Finance Forum 13th nov 2018

Osborne Clarke, London

Igniting biogas growth around the world This annual event – the largest international trade show dedicated solely to the anaerobic digestion and biogas industry – provides the latest market and technology news, sector by sector, as well as a platform for industry professionals from the UK and overseas to network, share experiences and do business.

Key themes in 2018 will be food waste management, biomethane for transport and heat, and AD as a new income for farmers.

See p24-25 for details. www.biogastradeshow.co.uk

Our annual, black tie industry awards ceremony will celebrate outstanding contributions to the AD and biogas industry, both in the UK and globally across 16 categories, and offers an excellent opportunity to network with industry leaders and pioneers. Tickets include a drinks reception, three course meal and entertainment.

See p22-23 for details. adbioresources.org/events/awards/

This free, member-only event gives you the chance to hear from government departments such as BEIS and DfT, as well as regulators including Ofgem, and to discuss the latest industry developments with our policy team. adbioresources.org

The ADBA Finance Forum meets twice a year to discuss the barriers and opportunities for funders of AD plants. Representatives from different finance sectors will review recent developments and hear updates from our policy team on the key funding issues affecting the UK AD industry. adbioresources.org

To register your interest in attending any of the above events and find out how to sponsor and exhibit, please contact our Senior Events Manager, Nigel Kay. E nigel.kay@adbioresources.org T +44 (0)203 176 5440

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Membership Matters

Welcome to the greatest show in town

With the halfway point of the year fast approaching and a whole range of ADBA events already behind us, excitement is now building for UK AD & World Biogas Expo 2018, taking place on 11th-12th July at the NEC in Birmingham.

Our annual trade show is the ideal place for our members to showcase their products and services and do business with a wide range of AD professionals from the UK and abroad. We look forward to seeing you there!

Aside from our many events, ADBA staff have also been out and about speaking to members about current issues in the AD industry. Our Policy Team spent an incredibly informative day in Norfolk meeting Future Biogas and other members to learn more about energy crops. It is vitally important that good practice is observed when growing energy crops to ensure a positive impact on the environment, so it was great for the team to get a closer insight into how this can best be done.

Our Chief Executive Charlotte Morton met with SGN Commercial Services to discuss the future of the gas grid, water industry AD assets, and on-farm AD, and with Hitachi Zosen Inova to discuss growing their AD operations in the UK and abroad.

There was a great turnout at the recent meeting of our Transport Working Group, with members including Rika Biofuel Developments and Puregas Solutions contributing to discussions about the market value of Renewable Transport Fuel Certificates and funding for ultra low emission buses.

Congratulations are extended to Edina Group on their purchase by EPAL, a joint venture between India’s Energy Efficiency Services and UK-based EnergyPro Asset Management. Edina representatives told us that the deal is set to give the new owners a platform for growth in the UK and overseas, and promises more jobs and further investment.

As usual, we give a warm welcome to our new members listed below – we look forward to working with you. If you are not currently an ADBA member and have been considering joining, then do give us a call to discuss your AD business and how membership can benefit you.

For membership enquiries, contact roberta.bontempo@adbioresources.org T +44 (0)203 176 4414

Welcome new ADBA members!

4 Barns AD Acre Industrial Aether Energy ALG Biogas Ltd BDO LLP David Woolgar Consulting Earthcare Technical Ltd Element Leadership Consulting Limited Fontus Environmental Greenlane Biogas UK Limited Handel Rating Consultants IGEM INFICON Ltd Isle Utilities John Laing Capital KCP Ltd Langdon Mill Farm Millers Contracting Ltd N-ERGY Maintenance Solutions Ltd Peakhill Associates PH BioEnergy Renovare Fuel Limited SGT - Sustainable Green Technologies Ltd Stortec University of Bath Utonomy Willand Biogas LLP

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JOIN ADBA’S PR WORKING GROUP We are setting up a public relations working group that will help to increase joined up press activity between ADBA and our members.

The group will initially consist of an email group comprising ADBA and self-selecting ADBA members with the aim of allowing participants to share plans for forthcoming press releases, copies of press releases already issued, and ideas for other press activity that will help to raise the profile of the AD industry and its members. To join the group, contact chris.noyce@adbioresources.org

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Membership Matters

Safety First Training support for on-farm AD operators

By Andy Bull, Associate Project Manager with Severn Wye Energy Agency, which is a partner in the EU (Horizon 2020) funded project, Biogas Action.

On-farm AD has the potential to make a really significant contribution in bringing down greenhouse gas emissions from livestock farming, as well as offering agronomic and other pollution prevention advantages. But it also has the potential for serious accidents and pollution incidents.

Livestock farmers are generally strapped for time away from the farm, let alone cash, and few find the prospect of a day-long training course very appealing.

Given that most training courses take place over several days, what should be essential training is often missed entirely. Reputable plant suppliers will provide support for a number of years as part of the installation package but this inevitably ends and the perceived cheaper solution is often not to buy the extended support contract.

In total, there are six 3-5 minute-long films, covering the following topics: • The basics • Permitting • Keeping safe • Being a good neighbour • Avoiding pollution • Gritting and foaming

In a bid to provide additional support to on-farm AD operators, Severn Wye Energy Agency has almost completed a series of short online training videos.

We do not present these as being a substitute for real training – they are way below what should be seen as the minimum training level – but they do provide an additional resource for time-strapped farmers.

There is also a recording of a training seminar run by AD consultant Amaya Arias-Garcia and the Environment Agency’s Nick Green, which inspired the short films.

To view the videos, go to www.vimeo.com/severnwye

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Membership Matters Opportunities for AD despite tough outlook The first real sunshine of the year served as a counterpoint to discussions around some tough issues at ADBA’s spring Member’s Meeting, hosted by Bird & Bird in London on 18th April.

TEAM Chief Executive, Charlotte Morton T +44 (0)203 176 0503 E charlotte.morton@adbioresources.org PA to Chief Executive/Database Assistant, Priya Gathani T +44 (0)203 567 1041 E priya.gathani@adbioresources.org Strategic Adviser, Chris Huhne E chris.huhne@adbioresources.org

Bird & Bird’s Levent Gürdenli and ADBA’s Chris Huhne both discussed a political outlook dominated by Brexit and tight finances. With the costs of solar and wind falling, and technologies such as battery storage and hydrogen power competing with AD regarding baseload power and renewable fuel, the AD sector needs to focus on areas where its inherent strengths are in line with political ambitions. These include waste management (in particular food waste), decarbonising heat and BEIS’ Oliver Quast updated members on the latest with the RHI opportunities for farmers in a postCAP, post-Brexit world. “AD is in relatively good shape as it is one of the better options for decarbonising heat,” stressed Levent Gürdenli. He added: “We also need to focus on the solution that AD can provide to the growing waste problem in this country.”

Other good news came in the form of updates on the Renewable Heat Incentive.

Oliver Quast from BEIS detailed how the legislation was making its way through Parliament, while Luke Bailey of Ofgem explained how the new accreditation for those seeking tariff guarantees under the scheme will work. One key message was that operators will only have three weeks to supply evidence of financial close from receiving a Provisional Tariff Guarantee Notice (PTGN) or the application will be rejected, so projects will need to be ready to go.

For others, the Renewable Transport Fuels Obligation (RTFO) may be of more interest and Andrew Goodwin of Energy Census explained how recent changes to the scheme have not only increased the amount of fuel and certificates required, but also set targets for waste derived and advanced fuels.

With a continuing focus on increasing food waste collections across the country – something that will be necessary if we are to meet our own and EU targets on recycling and climate change – there are plenty of opportunities for operators in this sector to engage with local authorities. As Charlotte Morton commented, “We have to take advantage of any opportunities we see as they arise.”

Head of Policy, Ollie More T +44 (0)203 567 0751 E ollie.more@adbioresources.org Policy Manager, Dr Thom Koller T +44 (0)203 176 0592 E thom.koller@adbioresources.org Environment and Regulation Manager, Jess Allan T +44 (0)203 735 8380 E jessica.allan@adbioresources.org Market Analyst, Emiliano Lewis T +44 (0)203 567 0751 E emiliano.lewis@adbioresources.org External Affairs Manager, Jon Harrison T +44 (0)203 176 0591 E jon.harrison@adbioresources.org PR & Parliamentary Affairs Executive, Chris Noyce T +44 (0)203 176 5441 E chris.noyce@adbioresources.org Sales Manager, Roberta Bontempo T +44 (0)203 176 4414 E roberta.bontempo@adbioresources.org Senior Sales Executive, Ellis Owen T +44 (0)203 960 0774 E ellis.owen@adbioresources.org Senior Sales Executive, Cristina Martins T +44 (0)203 176 0592 E cristina.martins@adbioresources.org Senior Events Manager, Nigel Kay T +44 (0)203 176 5440 E nigel.kay@adbioresources.org Event Producer, Desiree De Cecchis T +44 (0)203 176 4415 E desiree.dececchis@adbioresources.org Events Admin & Production Assistant, Cheryl Murdoch T +44 (0)203 735 8118 E cheryl.murdoch@adbioresources.org Senior Marketing Manager, Jocelyne Bia T +44 (0)203 176 0590 E jocelyne.bia@adbioresources.org Marketing Manager, Jinna Sidhu T +44 (0)203 735 8117 E jinna.sidhu@adbioresources.org Finance Manager, Subi Nagendra T +44 (0)203 176 6962 E subi.nagendra@adbioresources.org Accounts Assistant, Anthony Olasoji T +44 (0)203 176 0503 E anthony.olasoji@adbioresources.org AD Finance, Bruce Nelson, Director of Compass Renewables T +44 (0)1732 464495 E bruce@compassbusinessfinance.co.uk Jelf Insurance Team T +44 (0)1905 892356 E adba@jelfgroup.com AD & Bioresources News Managing Editor, Kirsty Sharpe T +44 (0)1920 821873 E kirsty.sharpe@adbioresources.org AD & Bioresources News Editor, Kate O’Reilly T +44 (0)7894 039609 E kate.oreilly@adbioresources.org

Welcome Nigel Nigel Kay, Senior Events Manager “Taking over from Gayle Brandon-Kirby, I will be leading on the design and delivery of ADBA’s events portfolio. Excited about the future of AD not just in the UK but also globally, I am looking forward to driving agenda and platforms that generate debate and answers as the sector gains pace.”

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Welcome Ellis Ellis Owen, Senior Sales Executive “I am very excited to be part of the AD and biogas industry.

Please get in touch and I’ll be happy to help showcase your products to the wider industry.”

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