Applications open for global anaerobic digestion industry awards

• Gala ceremony to recognise greatest AD innovators from UK and around the world
• AD converts organic wastes and crops into renewable energy and natural fertiliser
• Deadline for applications to awards is Friday 26^th April

Applications are now open for the AD & Biogas Industry Awards 2019, taking place on 3^rd July at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham, UK.

The awards, which include prizes across 14 categories, will be presented at a black-tie ceremony featuring a three-course dinner, a renowned host, after-dinner entertainment, and an opportunity for attendees to network with industry leaders.

Anaerobic digestion (AD) and biogas technologies convert organic wastes and crops into renewable heat and power, clean transport fuel, and nutrient-rich natural fertiliser. AD has been recognised globally as a key technology for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, restoring soils, improving sanitation, and improving air quality worldwide.

The ceremony, now in its eighth year, will take place on the first night of UK AD & World Biogas Expo 2019 and the World Biogas Summit 2019, two-located events that will bring together industry, policymakers, politicians, academics, and AD operators from the UK and across the globe to discuss the most pressing topics and showcase the most innovative products and services in the AD and biogas industry. All three events are being co-organised by the UK’s Anaerobic Digestion & Bioresources Association (ADBA) and the World Biogas Association (WBA).

This year’s award categories include a range of new prizes for Clever Use of Outputs, Best Food Waste Collection System, Most Improved Plant, Best Microdigester, Best Biogas Plant equal to or above/below 1MW electrical-equivalent respectively, Best Biogas Marketing Campaign, and Most Circular City. Applicants from both the UK and abroad can apply to all categories.

The judging panel for the awards includes experts from both the UK and abroad with expertise in a wide range of sectors related to AD and biogas. The deadline for applications to the awards is Friday 26^th April.

The full awards categories for the 2019 ceremony are:

1. Clever Use of Outputs (NEW)
   2.           Best Food Waste Collection System (NEW)
   3.           Best R&D Innovation Award
   4.           AD Hero of the Year
   5.           AD Rising Star
   6.           Best AD/Biogas Support
   7.           Most Improved Plant (NEW)
   8.           Best Export
   9.           International Knowledge Exchange & Collaboration
   10.         Best Microdigester (NEW)
   11.         Best Biogas Plant equal to or below 1MWe-equivalent (NEW)
   12.         Best Biogas Plant equal to or above 1MWe-equivalent  (NEW)
   13.         Best Biogas Marketing Campaign (NEW)
   14.         Most Circular City (NEW)

ADBA Chief Executive Charlotte Morton said:

“The AD & Biogas Industry Awards Ceremony will celebrate those who are making an exceptional contribution to the AD and biogas industry both in the UK and globally. The 14 award categories are designed to showcase achievement and innovation and recognise excellence in each sector of the industry.

“With recent positive announcements from government on rollout of universal food waste collections in England and support for the injection of more green gas into the gas grid, the outlook for the UK AD industry is extremely bright – and this ceremony will be the perfect place to celebrate these achievements and look forward to an exciting future.”

WBA President David Newman said:

“These awards are the highlight of the global AD and biogas industry event calendar and offer a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the companies that are really making strides in best practice in this sector across the globe. The will give those working in biogas in every country in the world the chance to learn from each other and work together to promote this great technology, which has such a vital role to play in tackling climate change and meeting the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.”

Amaya Arias-Garcia, member of the judging panel and Engineering Design Manager in Water Technologies & Solutions at Suez, said:

“The Awards are a great opportunity to evaluate achievements across the industry over the last year. It is always a pleasure to attend the Awards Ceremony as everyone celebrates the results of all their hard work. It is also a great opportunity to meet colleagues and discuss progress in a relaxed and happy environment.”

Harmen Dekker, member of the judging panel and Business Development Manager at DMT International, said:

“Being closely involved in assisting the development of biogas projects, I see in the industry not only an increasingly professional attitude, but also many exciting techniques that will propel it forward for years to come. Biogas is not only here to stay but will play an increasingly important role in the future renewable energy mix. I am therefore delighted to be asked to judge the AD & Biogas Industry Awards 2019 and look forward to reading the applications.”

Dr Sarika Jain, member of the judging panel and Independent Environmental Consultant at Focus Sustainability, said:

“I’m hugely excited to read the applications for the awards to see the latest innovations in the industry and how operators around the world are creatively implementing existing biogas technologies based on local feedstock, needs, and regulations.”

David Tompkins, member of the judging panel and Head of Knowledge Exchange & Innovation at Aqua Enviro, said:

“The AD and biogas sectors continue to prove dynamic and resourceful in the face of severe political uncertainty. The annual AD & Biogas Industry Awards Ceremony highlights the diversity of good practice and innovation that underpin the long-term viability of this market – and I particularly hope to see applications from those who are pushing the envelope of product development beyond biomethane and biofertiliser.”

Those interested in applying can do so here.