Anaerobic digestion central to Scottish circular economy – ADBA

• AD powering 130,000 Scottish homes, according to trade association ADBA
• AD converts organic wastes and crops into renewable energy and natural fertiliser
• ADBA to host conference on AD in Scotland on 28^th February in Glasgow

A thriving Scottish anaerobic digestion (AD) industry is vital for the development of a truly circular economy in Scotland, according to the Chief Executive of the UK’s Anaerobic Digestion & Bioresources Association (ADBA).

Speaking ahead of the ADBA Scottish National Conference 2019, taking place on 28^th February in Glasgow, ADBA Chief Executive Charlotte Morton said:

“The Scottish AD industry is already delivering a huge amount: there are now almost 60 operational AD plants spread across Scotland, converting a range of wastes and crops into renewable heat and power, clean transport fuel, and soil-restoring natural fertiliser. AD is currently delivering 530 GWh of output in Scotland, enough to power 130,000 homes, and is mitigating around 300,000 tonnes of CO₂-equivalent emissions each year.

“A thriving Scottish AD industry is vital for the development of a truly circular economy in Scotland. We were pleased to hear just last week that the Scottish Government will be developing a ‘Local Energy Policy Statement’ this year in which it will set out measures it can take to further support AD. Like any other industry, AD in Scotland needs the right policies and regulations in place to support its continued growth, as well as innovation in new technologies to improve plant performance and create new value chains.

“Good practice is also integral to ensure the industry has strong support from government, regulators, and the general public, and we’re looking forward to seeing which AD operator will be the first in Scotland to certify under the AD Certification Scheme, which ADBA has created along with the Scottish Environment Protection Agency and other stakeholders to recognise good practice in what is such an important industry for the UK’s green economy.”

AD converts organic wastes such as slurries, manures, food waste, and sewage into renewable biogas and digestate, a natural fertiliser than can be spread straight to land.

Scotland has been successful in rolling out separate food waste collections over the past two years, an essential step towards meeting its target to divert all biodegradable waste from landfill by 2021. The Scottish Government has confirmed its commitment to encouraging the growth of renewable technologies such as AD, recognising the role it can play in reducing emissions from waste, energy, agriculture, and transport and in improving energy and food security.

The ADBA Scottish National Conference 2019 will bring together the Scottish AD community to drive forward commercial opportunities and support the industry by providing a platform to discuss pressing issues and policy changes. A programme of panel debates and speeches from leading industry experts will cover a range of topics from Brexit and waste targets through to emerging technologies and farming.