Issue 4 NOVemBER 2010

A D&B iogas News

The UK Trade Association for the Anaerobic Digestion and Biogas Industries

Your opinion
has never
mattered more

Inside this issue >

Conference preview
in the know or
on your own? page 8 >

DBA is delighted to be working

alongside Government

PAS110 Certification
huge ADBA member
discount!
page 11 >

departments DECC and Defra to

form the AD Action Plan, a strategy which

will determine the future framework for
the AD and biogas industries. But time
is of the essence, as the plans deadline

Biomethane fuel
still just a green
dream for UK
motorists? page 14 >

of April 2011 looms, and it is now more

crucial than ever that our members make
their voice heard. Only with valuable input
from across our entire wide-ranging
membership base can we ensure that this
Action Plan delivers a future for AD that

ADBAs 11 working
groups press for
change
page 18 >

really benefits the whole industry.

Contd page 3 >

Waste get it right

Members
Meeting
find out what
ADBA is
doing for you page 21 >

coherent waste strategy, including doorstep collection and source

segregation, will have a major impact on the availability of feedstock and
thus the business plans of plants in the pipeline. With estimates indicating

that around 80% of available feedstock in the UK could come from municipal
solid and commercial and industrial waste sources, ADBA has been clear that
the industry, and the country, will see the greatest benefit if this resource is
source-segregated and prioritised for AD.
Contd page 4 >

Circulation list

Managing Director

Finance Director

Sales/Business Development

Operations/Technical

Marketing Manager

Welcome
Inside this issue >
Cover Story: 1
ADBA calls for members to get involved
Welcome: 2
Chairmans foreword, Publication details
ADBA News: 3
The true voice of the industry
Feature Waste get it right: 4-7
Conference Preview: 8-9
Members News & Views: 10-12
Government & Agency News: 13
Feature Biomethane as a
transport fuel: 14-15
Policy Update: 16-17
A guide to ABPR, Working with the decision makers
Membership Matters: 18-21
Working Group updates, diary dates, new ADBA director
Events - UK & AD BIOGAS 2011: 22

AD & Biogas News Features

A bi-monthly publication to raise industry
awareness and report on the activities of the
Association and its members.
Add Editor Kirsty Sharpe to your press list and send
us your news and views on a regular basis. Features
for the January issue include (members comments
welcome): Members reaction to the publication of DECC/
Defras draft AD Action Plan and the level of RHI
Does the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) help
or hinder AD?
EA standard permit for AD sites members to
comment before the consultation closes end of January

Building a brighter future for AD

Now that the Government has finally confirmed that the
Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) will become a reality in
2010/2011 with a budget of 850 million being set aside, ADBA
will continue the fight to try and secure a level of funding that
makes gas to grid injection economically viable.
The future of the industry is also in the balance through a number of consultations.
The Waste Review, a comprehensive review of all household and commercial
waste collection in the UK, and the 2050 Pathways Review, which looks at how
Britain will generate the energy it needs and meet its greenhouse gas targets by
2050, have both recently closed.
ADBA is making sure that ADs role to 2050 is clearly set out and that a coherent
waste strategy, including doorstep collection and source segregation, is valued
correctly so that all the costs and benefits to UK plc are factored in. It is important
that we get waste policy right as it will have a major impact on the availability of
feedstock and thus the business plans of plants in the pipeline. With estimates
indicating that around 80% of available feedstock in the UK could come from
municipal solid and commercial and industrial waste sources, ADBA has been
clear that the industry, and the country, will see the greatest benefit if this
resource is source-segregated and prioritised for AD. Although part of the waste
review, Defra must also ensure that this is tied in with the AD Action Plan that is
being drawn up with DECC, aided by ADBA. To this end, this issue of AD & Biogas
News is firmly centred on the importance of waste collection, and the focus at
ADBAs National Conference in December will be to discuss the strategy for waste
and food collection as well. Ultimately though, the eventual success of changes
in waste collection policies, and of the AD Action Plan, will be measured by the
number of plants which come on stream.
Looking ahead at the next six months, we will be working hard with Government
on waste issues, the crafting of a workable AD Action Plan and the prioritisation
of funding for AD via the Renewable Heat Incentive, the Feed-in Tariff and the
Renewable Transport Fuels Obligation. Formed for the benefit of its members, it is
the knowledge, advice and experience that our members are well placed to provide
that will enable us to maximise ADs potential - ADBA welcomes your input, so
please get in touch.

Lord Rupert Redesdale, ADBA Chairman

Copy deadline 12 December 2010

Sponsorship & Advertising:
Louise Wallace T +44 (0) 203 1760 592
E louise.wallace@adbiogas.co.uk
Editorial:
Kirsty Sharpe T +44 (0)1920 821873
E kirsty.sharpe@adbiogas.co.uk
www.adbiogas.co.uk

02

AD & Biogas News | NovemBER 2010

www.adbiogas.co.uk

ADBA News

ADBA the true voice of the industry

By Charlotte Morton, ADBAs Chief Executive

he past two months have been exceedingly

busy for ADBA. Weve held meetings with
Scottish Government, Scottish Renewables
Association, Ofwat, Ofgem and Water UK; weve
held seminars on plant costings for DECC officials;
weve lobbied extensively on the RHI; weve been named by
Government as leading the work needed to ensure the availability
of appropriate training standards for AD and finance for smaller
scale AD plants; weve liaised with banks and VCs to look at how
we can help to speed up the lending processes for AD plants. And
perhaps most significantly, weve met with DECC and Defra to
discuss the forthcoming AD Action Plan.
Uniquely, this will be a joint Government and industry plan,
developed together to ensure the best possible framework for the
future of our sector. Therefore, your voice as an ADBA member
has never been more important - we need you to proactively feed
into the development of the plan.
The main purposes of the AD Action Plan are to ensure that
Government delivers its commitment to a huge increase in
energy from AD, fulfils its promise of being the Greenest
Government ever and furthers its move towards a culture of zero
waste. DECC and Defra are finalising the first draft of a Skeleton
Plan which they want industry to feed into so that all parties can
work together to produce a coherent, intelligent and achievable
AD Action Plan, to be agreed by April 2011.

ADBA has a clear strategy for the AD industry to ensure it

maximises the value of its contribution to Government targets
and ultimately the value of the AD industry as a whole. The
board of directors and chairs of the working groups would like
to invite all members to a special event, to be held on December
14, where we can explain in detail what that strategy is, what
ADBA is working towards on your behalf and why your input is so
invaluable see Diary Dates on p21 for further details.
Its clear that there are many areas where our members can
contribute and we really do need your input to ensure that the
future of our industry stays in our own hands. We have been given
a golden opportunity to shape the future of AD and its up to all
of us to ensure that we make the most of it. We look forward to
debating the key issues with you in more detail in the coming
weeks on December 14 & 15.

Its clear that there are many areas

where our members can contribute and
we really do need your input to ensure
that the future of our industry stays in
our own hands.

www.adbiogas.co.uk

NOVemBER 2010 | AD & Biogas News

03

Waste get it right

Waste management
the key to ADs
future success?
When the Coalition Government announced
its plans for a waste collection consultation,
ADBA was at the forefront of the debate. The
Defra waste review called for evidence on a
wide range of questions on the future of
waste collection and ADBAs submission
reinforced the importance of collecting
and prioritising food waste feedstock
for anaerobic digestion (AD),
vital to achieving the
expansion in AD to which
the Coalition committed.
The AD industry is capable of generating
more than 30TWh of energy, enough to heat
a city larger than Birmingham, with 24TWh
coming from Municipal Solid Waste (MSW)
and Commercial and Industrial Waste (C&I).
With the current energy target standing
at just 7TWh from all organic arisings, its
clear that ADs future success will be hugely
dependent on the waste industry.
According to a 2009 study by WRAP, UK
households throw away 8.3 million tonnes
of food and drink every year, responsible for
the equivalent of 20 million tonnes of carbon
dioxide emissions. AD can play a vital role in
reducing the environmental impact created
by this organic waste, breaking it down
to produce a combination of biogas and
digestate, contributing to renewable energy
production and climate change mitigation.
The digestate creates a biofertiliser,
preserving and returning to land critical
resources such as phosphorus, nitrogen
and sodium, which would otherwise be
lost in landfill or incineration. But the huge
potential for AD can only be realised if waste
is collected and managed intelligently,
necessitating an overhaul of current waste
collection policy.
04

AD & Biogas News | NovemBER 2010

Get the
Local
Authorities
on side!
One major stumbling
block to such a change
in policy could be local
authorities (LA) resistance to
introducing separate food waste
collections. Waste segregation leads
to a better quality and higher quantity of
produce for the AD process, thus improving
the quality and quantity of energy
produced - put simply, if food waste is
www.adbiogas.co.uk

Supply may drop due to the increase in home composting

and the rise in convenience food after all, you dont have
any potato peel if you only cook oven chips!
Tony Hitchens, Head of Marketing at Premier Waste Management Ltd
source-segregated, more energy can be
created and more nutrients recycled.
Frequent collection is also important; if
delays occur, waste can start to digest
before it reaches the digester, releasing
greenhouse gases and reducing the gas
yield of the waste.
Therefore, a short-term saving in
the form of commingled waste
collection is seen as counterproductive. Despite Eric
Pickles attempts to liberate
them into making their
own decisions on waste
collection, LAs should be
encouraged by central
Government to take into
account the contribution
that waste from their
area can make to a
wide range of targets,
including landfill
reduction and climate
change mitigation,
as well as the huge
benefits to critical
resource preservation.

Phosphorous
nearing peak
consumption
The value of phosphorus,
one such critical resource,
cannot be underestimated.
A recent briefing paper from
Premier Waste Management
Ltd, an independent waste
management company, claims that
farming in the UK is not sustainable
without phosphorus, a finite, nonrenewable resource for which there is
no substitute. Phosphorus is essential for
the growth of all living organisms and we
are expected to reach peak consumption
by 2030. In direct contrast to landfill and
incineration, AD maintains almost all the
available phosphorus from the feedstock
into the digestate while also saving the
immense carbon cost of manufacturing
artificial fertiliser from fossil fuels.
www.adbiogas.co.uk

Community involvement
a vital step to success
However, switching to separate household
food waste collection is not as simple as
just getting the LAs on side, according
to Tony Hitchens, Head of Marketing at
Premier Waste Management Ltd: It is
a balancing act between the greenhouse
gases created during the collection,
transportation and treatment and the
energy that can be produced. Additionally,
material collected from households will
come with a greater risk of contamination
- is someone going to unwrap the out of
date bacon before putting it in the food
waste container? Tony continues: Supply
may drop due to the increase in home
composting and the rise in convenience
food after all, you dont have any potato
peel if you only cook oven chips!
Therefore, involving local communities
in decisions over how their waste is
contributing to climate change will be
key to the success of any scheme. To this
end, industry has a strong responsibility
to engage with communities when
planning, building and operating an AD
plant, holding open meetings and site
visits, and publishing written information
for local residents. David Palmer-Jones,
CEO of SITA UK, a recycling and resource
management company, explains: As
service providers, our job is to give
communities what they want. But more
often than not, we are faced with outright
rejection of any type of facility. We need
to turn that around by looking at new and
innovative ways with which to connect
with communities.
This view is echoed by Hugh Vaughan, UK
& Eire Director for Landia, manufacturer of
chopper pumps and mixing equipment for
biogas plants: LAs and waste companies
need to encourage the public to sourcesegregate their own household waste.
In Denmark, for instance, people have
embraced the joined-up thinking around
farms, food waste and AD plants, and
Contd >
NOVemBER 2010 | AD & Biogas News

05

Waste get it right

Somerset Waste
Partnership is
successfully source-segregating
food waste in a rural area
recycling and
fortnightly refuse
collections.
David Mansell,
Strategy &
Communications
One issue with C&I
Team Leader of
waste is having space
Somerset Waste
for bins at premises
Partnership
(SWP) explains:
Our collection contractor, May Gurney,
because communities have a stake in their
provides cost-effective food waste
local biogas plant, its no surprise that they
collections by combining food waste
get the best out of them through cheaper
and recycling collections on a single
utility bills.
pass vehicle with kerbside sorting. We
serve over 125,000 households, boosting
Source-segregation
recycling rates to 50%, with a quarter of
who pays?
this contributed by food waste. Somersets
Another potential hurdle is the cost of any
Sort It collections are also carbon
new collection policy. It is envisaged that
efficient, says David. Lighter, more fuelmost AD plants will take waste from a
efficient vehicles are used for recycling
relatively small local area and distribute
collections, which do not have heavy
digestate fertiliser to land as close as
compaction or bin-lifting equipment.
possible. This will minimise transport costs
Consequently, the carbon savings
in both financial and carbon terms. Where
achieved by recycling greatly exceed the
LAs already collect green waste for free, a
carbon emissions from collections. As
charge on this would allow most to collect
for the future, SWP are keen to capitalise
food waste at no extra cost. LAs moving
on their success: Working with our
from weekly black bag to weekly food and
treatment contractor, Viridor, we are
fortnightly black bag collection should
partway through awarding a contract next
find this close to cost-neutral. However,
year for a new AD plant in Somerset to
those opposed to source-segregation often
process all the food waste we collect - up
cite the prohibitive cost of running such
to 25,000 tonnes from households and a
a scheme in rural areas as a reason why
further 20,000 tonnes from commercial
it could never work on a national scale.
sources. By using AD to produce both
Somerset, a rural county with a mix of
biogas and biofertiliser, and by recycling
urban and rural areas including part of the
all our separated food waste within
Exmoor National Park, is proving those
Somerset, the new AD plant
critics wrong, being the first to introduce
should offer significant environmental,
large-scale separate food waste collections
carbon-saving and financial benefits,
back in 2004, as part of an integrated
enthuses David.
package of services that includes weekly
06

AD & Biogas News | NovemBER 2010

www.adbiogas.co.uk

C&I waste brings a new

set of challenges
But as competition for waste increases,
the price that waste treatment
companies can charge is likely to fall,
possibly to a position where they would
have to pay for feedstock. Any change in
waste collection policy could therefore
have a negative financial impact on the
smaller waste companies. Dr Stephen
Wise, Technical Director of Shanks
Waste Management, believes this is
unlikely, however, at least for MSW:
Within the municipal waste market,
collections are driven by the Waste
Collection Authorities, who award a
contract to the company that meets
their requirements in terms of cost,
environmental specification, etc. More
contracts are being won by smaller or
charitable organisations and because of
the tendering process, I do not see this
area becoming monopolised. However,
the commercial market is more generally
driven by price. Therefore, it will be those
companies that have access to costcompetitive solutions that will take the
lead in the C&I sector. C&I waste brings
a different set of issues from MSW, as
Dr Wise explains: The challenges likely
to arise from source-segregation and
separate collection of C&I waste include
having space for bins at premises, staff
engagement and volume of material
generated. Different solutions are
required I do not see a problem with
commingling certain materials for
C&I waste and then sorting them at
the treatment plant, with food waste
going to biogas production. The latest
generation of material recovery facilities
is highly advanced and able to do this and

organisations such as supermarkets will

not separate everything.
Encouragingly, one supermarket is
bucking this trend, making carbon savings
equivalent to taking a thousand cars off
the road all by stopping its food waste
from going to landfill. Waitroses food
waste is collected and processed by
specialist AD operators BiogenGreenfinch.
Arthur Sayer, Waitrose Recycling & Waste
Manager comments: AD is the preferred
route for us to correctly dispose of food
waste. We were the first UK food retailer
to begin using AD back in 2008 and are
delighted that its now used by 100 of our
shops. Richard Barker, Chief Executive
of BiogenGreenfinch, adds: We hope that
other food producers will take inspiration
from what Waitrose are doing. We are
beginning to see what a vital role AD could
play in fulfilling the UKs energy supply and
combating climate change.

Why Government must

take action NOW!
While it is hoped that others will soon
follow Waitroses lead, unless Government
steps in its feared the wait will be too
long. Placing AD above composting in the
EU waste hierarchy due to its superior

energy recovery and climate change

benefits, and setting landfill targets based
on greenhouse gas emissions rather
than tonnes of waste, would allow AD to
flourish. The generation of biogas from
waste could also be promoted if the Gas
Safety (Management) Regulations were
relaxed to the level of other EU countries.
Additionally, a ban on sending organic
waste to landfill is viable by the year 2020
- but only if Government takes action now.
ADBA firmly believes that Government
should promote the source-segregation,
collection and prioritisation of MSW and
C&I waste for AD and set incentives at a
level which encourages growth. The lack of
uptake of the Feed-in Tariff has shown that
it was set too low to properly stimulate the
industry and the Renewable Heat Incentive
(RHI) needs to be significantly higher to
achieve the expansion of AD to which
Government has committed.
However, it is up to the AD industry as a
whole, led by ADBA, to offer Government
its intellectual capacity and ensure the
best use of the available waste resources.
For its part, Government needs to harness
the knowledge and experience of the AD
industry, something it is already working
towards with the advent of the AD Action
www.adbiogas.co.uk

Plan in which ADBA is heavily involved.

As ADBA Chairman, Lord Redesdale,
concludes: It is up to ADBA and the
industry to convince the financiers, the
waste management companies and the
local authorities that AD is one of the most
important renewables in the UK.
www.premierwaste.com/pages/home/
briefing-papers.php
www.wrap.org.uk/retail/case_studies_
research/report_household.html
www.sita.co.uk
www.landia.co.uk
www.shanks.co.uk
www.biogengreenfinch.co.uk
www.somersetwaste.gov.uk

Get involved >

Have your say on the future of waste at
ADBAs members meeting on 14 December
and at ADBAs National Conference on
15 December, where SITA UKs Technical
Director, Stuart Hayward-Higham,
will debate the hot topic - Waste
collection; can it be cheaper to
source-segregate organic waste?
See p8 for details.

NOVemBER 2010 | AD & Biogas News

07

Conference Preview

AD: Maximising
the value

DECC and Defra need your input into the AD

Action Plan NOW!

Meet and network with

high quality AD specific contacts
Hear the latest updates and
innovations from across the industry
Contribute your views at the industry event

DBAs National Conference, 15 December 2010 at One

Great George Street Westminster (London), could
not have come at a better time, as this is the moment
the industry has been building up to over the last few years.
There is no time like the present to enlist the help from our
members to shape the future of AD, and if you think your
opinion doesnt count then think again.
Government departments DECC and Defra are writing the AD Action
Plan NOW and are looking for input from the Association and its
members, whose sector-diverse support, resource and experience
have a vital part to play in mapping out the reality of AD from all
industry angles.
The Conference will not only be industrys opportunity to
demonstrate the impact AD can make on the sectors key drivers
of meeting climate change, renewable energy and landfill targets,
as well as critical resource management, but it will also be your
chance to feed into the debate on the biggest issues affecting the
industrys potential. Through an afternoon of informal breakout
sessions covering topics such as MSW and C&I waste collection,
the use of biomethane as a transport fuel, gas injection to grid
and digestate as a valuable product, delegates will get the
opportunity to both question industry experts and raise the
issues that they feel need addressing. Plus, guest speaker Goran
Nylin, of GG Eco Solutions, will be at the event to discuss what he
believes is the solution for making digestate a seriously valuable
commodity. Guests will also have the opportunity to mingle
amongst a table-top exhibition showcasing some of the most
prominent businesses in AD commerce.
08

AD & Biogas News | NovemBER 2010

Dont miss the very latest hot

topics up for debate: Deputy Strategy Director, DECC (tbc) AD in context: the
place for AD in the UKs energy mix up to 2050 and beyond
ADBA Chief Executive, Charlotte Morton ADBA and the AD
Industry: the key drivers, ADs role in the UK energy mix and
the principal challenges for the next 12 months
Stuart Hayward-Higham, SITA Waste collection; can it be
cheaper to source-segregate organic waste?
Martin Brown or Diane Broomhall, Germanischer Lloyd
The issues surrounding gas injection into the grid
Mike Orr, NOFCO (Natural Organic Fertiliser Company):
Digestate as a valuable product
Catherine Crouch, Tenens Environmental The barriers to
using biomethane as a transport fuel

Who should attend?

ADBA members, end-users, farmers, academics, suppliers,
local authorities and AD, waste, water, food, transport and
energy professionals. For exceptional visitor rates, sponsorship
or advertising packages and further information, contact
annika.herter@adbiogas.co.uk www.adbiogas.co.uk

Calling all members >

Your participation is vital!
The day before ADBAs second National Conference,
ADBA will be holding its first general members
meeting. An opportunity to meet ADBAs team, board
of directors and working groups chairs, find out
what the Association is doing on behalf of its members and have your
say on ADBAs strategy. See Diary Dates on p21 for more details and to
book your place.

www.adbiogas.co.uk

C o n f e r e n ce

Edina Stand 12
Highly efficient MWM gas engines
Showcasing the very latest highly efficient MWM gas
engines, Edina UK has been a renewable power generation
specialist since 1985, with bases in Dublin, Lisburn, Cork
and Manchester. Known as the EUs leader for durability and
reliability, the latest MWM gas generators provide electrical
efficiencies of up to 43% and overall efficiencies of up to
90%. Giving excellent performance on all forms of gas,
including natural gas, LPG and biogas, the MWM range, for
which Edina are sole distributors in the UK and Ireland, is
the undisputed gas engine choice for AD customers. From
gas to diesel powered generation, sales to hire, and small
generators to full turnkey projects, Edinas mission is to
deliver tailored solutions efficiently and on time.
www.edinauk.com

p r eview

Kirk Environmental Stand 5

30 years experience in AD tanks

Kirk Environmental is the UKs leading specialist in

the manufacture of large storage tanks, AD tanks and
BIODOME Double Membrane Biogas Holders. We
specialise in the successful delivery of projects with
internationally recognised AD process designers. With over
30 years of worldwide installation experience, earning an
unrivalled reputation through years of successful project
completions, Kirk Environmentals in-house dedicated
team offers the highest levels of support from design to
construction, whilst meeting all UK standards for health &
safety, quality and environmental controls. KIRK is also the
only company operating within this specialist area to have
consistently maintained UVDB Verify Approval and is proud to
be a founder member of ADBA. Visit us at Stand number 5 at
the ADBA National Conference.
www.kirk-environmental.com

PlanET Stand 9
Biogas plants of all sizes

Landia Stand 10
More than just mixers and pumps
Mixer and pump manufacturer Landia says it wants to round
off a highly successful 2010 with a key message at the ADBA
National Conference. A year on from what was an excellent
first event, we are looking forward to seeing what has been
learned, says Landias Hugh Vaughan. Some companies
investing in AD have already discovered to their cost that
there is virtually no back-up service for the pumps and
mixers theyve purchased or that when buying from a onestop shop, the all-important equipment has been seriously
under-specified in order to keep to the fixed price contract.
Hugh adds: We
look forward to
sharing first-hand
experience in
providing mixers
and pumps that
help make biogas
plants perform
properly.
www.landia.co.uk

PlanET Biogastechnik GmbH ranks amongst the leading

biogas plant builders in Germany and Europe. The
companys portfolio of service covers all fields of biogas
technology, from design, planning and plant construction all
the way to the refinement of biogas to natural gas quality,
maintenance and biological support by our own laboratory.
PlanET has already successfully designed and built nearly
200 biogas power plants worldwide with sizes from 40 kW
to several Megawatts. With our network of sales and service
partners in different parts of the UK PlanET can maintain
good customer proximity and availability countrywide.
The first PlanET biogas plant in the UK is currently under
construction and will be fully operational in spring 2011.
The farm-based plant will have an electrical capacity of 220kW
and digest broiler manure, maize silage and cattle slurry.
T Jerry Engelbrecht +44(0) 1425 656466 /+44(0)7966 065583
www.planet-biogas.com

www.adbiogas.co.uk

NOVemBER 2010 | AD & Biogas News

09

Members News & Views

Avoid getting a
shock from your
AD electrics

Before beginning an AD project, Steven recommends

operators take note of these inside tips:
1. Get your electrical work and connection to
the grid checked out early, preferably before
planning is submitted.
2. Insist on having a single contract for your
external high voltage and internal low voltage
work. Projects can be delayed unnecessarily
by responsibility being passed between
different suppliers.

Many AD projects come in late and

over budget because of a lack of
understanding in the power supply
industry, something that ADBA
member Robinson & Lawlor, AD Connection
Delivery Specialists, are looking to change.
According to Managing Director Steven
Robinson, two of the biggest electrical
hurdles an AD operator can face are getting
the connection to the main electrical grid
organised and co-ordinating the internal,
lower voltage electrics with the various
external, higher voltage works. As Steven
explains: Unless early discussions are held
with the local distribution company (usually
known as Distribution Network Operators
or DNOs) the various needs of all types of
developers cant be balanced. Regional
wire connections can be affected by wind,
biomass, solar and other various small
scale projects all trying to get on to the
system, competing for physical connection
capacity, time, attention, and modelling.

3. Seek to obtain attractive stage payments from

all your suppliers - you dont need to make
large upfront payments. However each DNO is a
separate company, so be prepared for different
agreements across the UK.
4. Be prepared to challenge the DNOs using an
independent specialist, if they say that the
electrical network needs upgrading in your
area. Also, determine if a different routing or
connection point could be possible. Network
re-enforcement might be as a result of other
projects, so early engagement and willingness
to negotiate are necessary.
5. The quote you obtain from the DNO should
be split into non-contestable and contestable
works. The non-contestable element can only be
carried out by the DNO. The contestable works
are open to independent specialists. These
specialists can help you to seriously keep down
both your time and costs, in addition to giving
you more control over this part of your project.

To receive a FREE written Grid

Viability Assessment for your project go to www.connectiondeliveryspecialists.co.uk

AD upgrade for
Welsh Water plant

he Eign sewage treatment works at Hereford is one of a

flurry of new AD plants installed by Edina UK this year.
The Welsh Water (Dwr Cymru) plant previously operated a
standard sewage digestion plant with two small generation units
but as part of an upgrade, an Advanced AD plant has been installed
and the original generation plant has been decommissioned. This
new plant will produce more gas and as part of the project, two
717kW units were installed, plus a waste heat boiler which uses
engine exhaust heat to produce steam. These units were supplied by
Edina to Imtech, the process contractor, with Monsal providing the
Enhanced Enzymic Hydrolysis (EEH) high rate hydrolysis AD unit.

Its already been a fantastic year for ADBA member Edina, on-site
power generation specialists for over 25 years, who have so far
installed almost 39MWe of environmentally friendly generation
equipment using gas powered engines from MWM of Mannheim,
Germany, for whom Edina are the sole authorised distributor in the

10

AD & Biogas News | NovemBER 2010

The Eign AD
plant is now up
and running
UK and Ireland. Currently under construction are new generation,
household waste AD projects for Anglian Water, Lancashire Waste,
Greater Manchester Waste and Biffa Waste Management, as well
as further projects including food waste for Branston Potatoes,
CHP units for Cranfield University, Vital Energy at Blackpools
Victoria hospital and a commission for the new BBC TV studios
at Media City, Manchester. Although impressive, this is just the
beginning as the drive for greener and more economic sources of
energy gathers momentum in both the public and private sectors.
www.edinauk.com

www.adbiogas.co.uk

Biofertiliser certification
discount for ADBA members!
The Organic Farmers & Growers (OF&G) have recently joined
the growing ranks of ADBA members and, as such, are offering
a huge 55% discount to fellow members off the cost of the vital
PAS 110 certification for biofertiliser.
The organisation already offers a 50%
discount for the first two years for any AD
plants registering with them before the end
of 2010, but will be providing an extra 5%
discount for ADBA members only.
OF&G provide the inspection and
certification of biofertiliser to PAS (Publicly
Available Specification) 110 and the Quality
Digestate Protocol under the Biofertiliser
Certification Scheme (BCS), on behalf
of Renewable Energy Assurance Ltd,
a subsidiary of the Renewable Energy
Association. To achieve successful
certification, facilities producing digestate
will need to meet the requirements of the
BCS with regard to inputs, processes and
the biofertiliser produced.

Where digestate is produced to this quality

standard, everyone can have confidence
that its use as biofertiliser is safe and has
been checked by an approved body. The
benefits of going through this process
are that the digestate resulting from AD
can safely be used by farmers as a good
source of sustainable fertiliser, as detailed
in the BCS website: If a biogas plant
meets the standard, its digestate will be
regarded as having been fully recovered
and to have ceased to be waste, and it can
be despatched to the customer under the
symbol biofertiliser.
Andigestions Devon-based Holsworthy
plant will be among the first to complete
certification and Operations Director,

The PAS110 certification will ensure

public trust in digestate
Jake Prior, comments: Were hopeful
that we will soon achieve our certification
to PAS 110 and the Quality Digestate
Protocol, which benefits us in terms of
reducing administration and providing
an independent approval of the quality of
our processes and the safety of the end
digestate. Its an important step for the
public trust in digestate output.
www.organicfarmers.org.uk

Cellruptor technology set to boost water industry

he first commercial installation

of cell-disintegration technology
Cellruptor will soon be evaluated
at Yorkshire Waters Esholt WWTW near
Bradford. A potentially large increase
in gas generation will be analysed, with
the technology expected to increase
gas yield by up to 40% from surplus
activated sludge, or 12% from the total
sludge stream.
Cellruptor is a discreet treatment process
that is low on energy, simple to install and

operate and can be retrofitted into existing

digestion facilities, as well as green
field sites. It makes Secondary Activated
Sludge more receptive to digestion
and dramatically improves the process
economics of AD - the reduction of volatile
solids increases overall gas generation
without the need for large energy
requirements or complex equipment. It
also means there is less digested sludge
to be stored, transported and disposed of,
enabling additional operational savings and
efficiencies to be made.

The international rights to the Cellruptor

technology are held by ADBA member
Eco-Solids International, whose
Managing Director, Clive Rigden,
enthuses: Water companies and AD
operators will soon see results that
are impossible to ignore results that
we believe will be very beneficial to the
bottom line of their businesses. We are
looking forward to seeing the data from
our first UK Cellruptor installation and
the wider roll-out of this technology.
www.ecosolids.com

Yorkshire Waters
Esholt WWTW

www.adbiogas.co.uk

NOVemBER 2010 | AD & Biogas News

11

Members News & Views

Swedish technology aims to
revolutionise digestate management
The management of digestate from AD plants presents a real
challenge to many projects. While digestate offers a nutrient rich
fertiliser of benefit to agriculture, it is expensive to handle and
manage, often requiring investment in expensive bulk storage and
distribution infrastructure.
However, according to Greg Hilton of
Bidwells a new technology has been
developed which converts the digestate
into valuable, easily marketed products:
biomass fuel and fertiliser. This patented
technology, known as the GG Eco Box, is
delivered by Anglo-Swedish company GG
Eco, who are partnered by ADBA founder
member Bidwells Agribusiness to
introduce the technology to the UK. Two
valuable outputs are derived from the
digestate - a granulated biofertiliser with
consistent levels of nitrogen, phosphate

12

AD & Biogas News | NovemBER 2010

Digestate storage

and potassium (which can be sold as

a compound blend or as a straight
nitrogen and PK fertiliser separately),
and a pelletised biomass fuel. The
biofertiliser can be used as a substitute
for conventional synthetic fertilisers in
agriculture and horticulture, while the
biomass fuel can be used in biomass
boilers for heat and/or power production.

advantages. Firstly, it reduces the transport

time, cost and environmental impact of
moving waste materials over long distances
and secondly, it allows the technology to
be installed in a number of locations in
a relatively short timeframe, as it does
not involve the lengthy planning and
implementation processes associated with
major waste processing facilities.

The GG Eco Box technology can be

located close to the source of the waste
to be processed, bringing a number of

To find out more contact Greg Hilton

T +44 (0)1223 559466
E greg.hilton@bidwells.co.uk

www.adbiogas.co.uk

Government & Agency News

HSE supports biomethane to

grid plant
The UKs first biomethane to
grid plant started injecting
gas into the local distribution
network at Didcot, Oxfordshire,
last month.
Jim Stancliffe, Acting HM Principal
Inspector, comments: HSE worked closely
with the project developers to ensure that
the technology was safely enabled and
that local gas consumers can benefit from
locally produced gas, from renewable
sources. The plant is a joint venture
between Scotia Gas Networks, Thames
Water and Centrica and will deliver gas
manufactured by the AD of sewage.
Although the biomethane produced at
Didcot may have an oxygen content of up to
2% (compared with the limit of 0.2% set by
the Gas Safety Management Regulations),
HSE is satisfied that there is no increased

The Didcot
biomethane to grid
plant, installed by
Chesterfield Biogas

risk to either gas consumers or the public.

As a result, explains Jim, HSE issued an
exemption to Scotia Gas Networks to allow
biomethane to be conveyed in a limited area
around the plant.
HSE has also commissioned GL Noble
Denton to undertake a review of the risks
arising from the conveyance and use of
biomethane and other non-conventional
sources of gas, which will be made publicly
available after completion in December.
www.hse.gov.uk/gas/supply/
information.htm

EA takes positive
steps for AD
Until 29 November, the Environment Agency
(EA) is consulting on amending its standard
permit for on-farm AD so that the distance
criteria from dwellings is measured from
the biogas engine stack, rather than the
AD activities. The Agency welcomes clear
evidence from industry on whether the
distance criteria can be reduced further. The
EA has also produced a regulatory position
statement on burning biogas which occurs
naturally from slurry stores, stating that it
does not consider utilisation of such gas
to be a fuel manufactured from waste.
The biogas combustion appliance does
not therefore require an environmental
permit unless it has a net rated thermal
input of 20MW or more. The Agency is also
finalising a regulatory position statement
allowing the seeding of AD plants with waste
without additional permitting requirements,
particularly relevant where the feed
materials to the AD are all non-wastes.
https://consult.environment-agency.
gov.uk/portal/

WRAP to examine attitudes to digestate

RAP has joined forces

with Defra to implement
a nationwide set of field
experiments, to examine the impact
of digestate use in agriculture. A
range of soil types, crop rotations and
geographical locations have been built
into the programme and measurements
will include nitrogen release

characteristics, crop yield and quality,

crop safety, soil quality and greenhouse
gas emissions from receiving soils. The
work is scheduled for completion in
March 2014 and also includes a detailed
dissemination plan, which will provide
information on agronomic benefits
directly to industry. Ten agricultural
colleges will take part, with course
materials and other tools being provided
to train the next generation of farmers
and growers in digestate use.
WRAP is also looking to understand and
assess perceived risks from the use of
digestates and to develop clear tools for
managing any such risks via a Steering
Group and consultation. Based on the

A free biofertiliser guide, covering all aspects of digestate use, has been produced by the
International Energy Association, with support from the CLA:
www.iea-biogas.net/Dokumente/Task37_Digestate_brochure9-2010.pdf

www.adbiogas.co.uk

understanding of any risk and feedback

from industry partners, a Biofertiliser
Matrix will be developed that clearly
presents how different digestates can be
used in different sectors, with the final
output being a series of sector-specific
guidance notes. For further information,
or to participate in the Steering Group or
consultation process, please contact David
Tompkins, Agriculture Delivery Manager.
E david.tompkins@wrap.org.uk

Ofgem improves
incentives
application process
To accelerate its application process, Ofgem
has published a template for AD generators
accessing the RO/FiT schemes, which aims to
speed up the application process for AD stations.
www.ofgem.gov.uk

NOVemBER 2010 | AD & Biogas News

13

Biomethane as a transport fuel

Will the UK finally get the

Bug for biomethane?

Biomethane fuel - still just a green

dream for UK motorists?

iomethane, the gas made by

degrading organic materials, is
the most environmentally friendly
fuel in the world. Chemically identical to
natural gas, the only difference between
the two fuel sources is that biomethane
is a renewable natural gas. Across the
world an average of three new natural
gas filling stations are opened every
day yet there are barely a handful in the
UK. Compare this to other European
countries, such as Germany where there
are over 1100 and Italy where there are
more than 700, or to Pakistan, where
over half of all vehicles run on natural
gas and there are in excess of 3000 filling
stations, and its clear that Britain has a
lot of catching up to do.
Biomethane is created by capturing the
methane given off by decaying organic
materials which would otherwise turn into
harmful greenhouse gasses significantly
more environmentally damaging than
carbon dioxide. While this is reason
14

AD & Biogas News | NovemBER 2010

enough to persuade most of us to switch

from more traditional fuel sources, the
gas also reduces exhaust emissions and
noise pollution, particularly for urban
areas - gas powered buses are 50% less
noisy than those which run on diesel. Its
also a cheaper source of fuel, renewable
and sustainable.
So why arent we all rushing to fill up at
our local biomethane station? For many
within the industry, the fault lies with
Governments lack of encouragement
or incentive. According to Organic
Powers Christopher Maltin, chairman
of this years Global Biogas Congress, in
countries where biomethane and natural
gas as a fuel source have really taken
off, Government has been at the heart
of the revolution: Many countries have
banned petrol and diesel-powered buses
from city centres, making significant
improvements to air quality, whilst the
air quality in many UK cities is worsening
and actually exceeds legal limits.
www.adbiogas.co.uk

Yet Stuart Hayward-Higham, Technical

Director of SITA UK Ltd, a recycling and
resource management company, believes
that Government is aware of the benefits
of biomethane as a transport fuel but is
struggling over how best to integrate fuel
production and incentivise its use, which
is far more complex and difficult than
the relatively simple green electricity to
grid. The UK has historically lagged in
the development of green energy and has
thus far focused on the easy win green
electricity schemes, explains Stuart.
Much of our biological waste goes to
landfill and we have developed a significant
landfill gas to electricity sector on the back
of this. This is to the detriment of green
gas and although Government is seeking to
address this through the Renewable Heat
Incentive (RHI) and Renewable Transport
Fuels Obligation (RTFO), the production
of electricity is still favoured. The Carbon
Trust has recently stated that biomethane
could produce double the contribution to
climate change targets by 2020 compared

The Bio-Bug is believed to be the UKs first

car to run on methane gas generated from
human waste. Waste flushed down the
toilets of just 70 homes is enough to power
the adapted VW Beetle for year, based on an
annual mileage of 10,000 miles. Mohammed
Saddiq of sustainable firm GENeco says:
At the moment we are using waste flushed
down the toilets in homes in Bristol to power
the Bio-Bug, but it wont be long before
the energy will also be generated through
the treatment of food waste when we start
recycling it at our sewage works. ADBA
chief executive Charlotte Morton adds: This
is a very exciting and forward-thinking
project demonstrating the myriad benefits
of anaerobic digestion. Using biomethane
in transport is one of the most efficient uses
of biogas generated through AD. Processing
food waste and sewage sludge in this way also
preserves valuable nutrients such as nitrogen
and phosphorus. We are delighted to see such
ingenuity and commitment to maximising
the potential of AD from the water industry.

to electricity generation. Or as Christopher

Maltin puts it: If Government is really
serious about reducing greenhouse
gas emissions and improving urban air
quality, encouraging the use of biogas
for generating electricity is not the most
effective policy to bring this about.
Many critics of the Governments
attitude towards biomethane for
vehicle fuel blame the RTFO for, in
effect, disincentivising its use. While
Stuart Hayward-Higham disagrees, he
does concede that it certainly hasnt
incentivised the process. Stuart explains:
The RTFO has a direct link from the
sustainability of production to the value of
the incentive paid. For example, under an
RTFO contract, a farmer growing maize
for an AD plant would need to take care
of the environmental cost of production
or else he, or the AD plant gas producer,
may suffer a lower incentive. However,
under the Renewables Obligation, Feed-in
Tariff or RHI, the sustainability tests have
little if any financial impact and, as such,
the farmer and fuel user take no risk on
the sustainability of production.
A clear solution to the confusion
surrounding the various incentives

Britains biomethane pioneers...

Ray Collington, Fleet Engineer for John Lewis
and Waitrose, visited BiogenGreenfinchs
Milton Ernest site recently, to witness a lorry
being refuelled with biomethane from food waste
processed at the AD plant. Using biomethane
from food waste
to fuel vehicles is
Food waste is
something that
now fuelling John
were already
Lewis vehicles
trialling at John
Lewis and well
shortly be using
at Waitrose too,
comments Ray.
The biomethane
produced is from
food waste from
Waitrose, Whitbread,
Sainsburys and
local restaurants
and authorities.

BiogenGreenfinch Chief Executive, Richard

Barker, enthuses: Soon, the lorries which bring
food waste here can refuel on the biomethane
we produce before they leave. It would be a
wonderful virtuous circle for our customers.

In Yorkshire, Chesterfield BioGas has

supplied the biomethane gas filling station and
associated equipment to enable Sheffield City
Council and Veolia Environmental Services
to launch the UKs largest fleet of gas-fuelled

vehicles. The recycling and waste collection

lorries run on CNG but are intending to
run on biomethane in the near future. It is
estimated that the vans have cut CO2 emissions
by around 80% and saved 35% on the cost of
refueling compared
to conventional diesel
equivalents. Council
Leader, Paul Scriven,
explains: Our vans
have done the same
jobs as the diesel
vehicles over the last six
months, but without
the emissions that spoil
the environment.
Camden Council is
also investigating the
possibility of using
biomethane to power
their vehicles.
Sheffield Council launch the UKs largest gas-fuelled fleet

would be to ensure that each form

of energy production is incentivised
according to its environmental impact
and sustainability of production. In this
way, being the most environmentally
friendly fuel and one of the most
sustainable sources of renewable
www.adbiogas.co.uk

energy, biomethane as a transport fuel

would receive a higher level of support
and would be actively promoted by
Government. Until that time arrives,
its left to champions such as SITA and
Organic Power to try and educate the UK
Government as to what can be achieved.
NOVemBER 2010 | AD & Biogas News

15

Policy Update

A plant operators guide to ABPR

AD operators who use animal by-products in
their feedstock should be aware of the current
Animal By-Products Regulations (ABPR),
according to Dave Auty of environmental and
engineering consultancy AMEC Entec.
These regulations cover the use and/or disposal of any wastes
that contain meat or animal by-products that are not intended for
human consumption. Their intention is to protect human health
from the threat posed by such materials and they are of particular
interest to AD operators because they contain the national
standards for AD plants that treat such materials, explains Dave.
Animal by-products (ABP) are classified into three categories
under the ABPR 2005 (SI 2005 No. 2347):
Category 1 Highest risk materials and international catering
waste. This material cannot be treated using AD and needs to be
incinerated or rendered.
Category 2 High risk ABP. This material cannot be treated using
AD unless it has been pressure cooked to the European Standard
(133oC/3 bar/20 minutes).
Category 3 Low risk ABP. This material can be treated via
a number of routes including AD. This material includes raw
meat that had been intended for human consumption, certain
abattoir waste, eggs and other by-products that show no signs
of transmissible disease. All UK-derived catering waste from
kitchens where meat and non meat fractions are combined
is also covered as Category 3 material, as are former foods
and certain cooked waste from food factories. Catering waste
may be treated according to national rather than EU rules (see
ABPR 2005 Schedule 1 part ll paras 1 and 4). There are a few
anomalies, for example milk, that have specific requirements
detailed in the regulations.

However, in order to treat Category 3 material, an AD facility must be

approved by Animal Health and meet the following requirements:
1. Pasteurisation: the ABP waste must have a maximum particle
size of 12mm and be held at 70oC for 1 hour. Alternatively, the
pasteurisation can take place in the digester if it is held at 57oC
for 5 hours and has a particle size of less than 50mm
2. Treat materials immediately
3. Have cleanable and lockable reception areas
4. The pasteurisation stage must be included within the plant
and must be of the non-bypass type, unless the time and
temperature requirement can be met within the AD reactor
5. Incorporate procedures based on Hazard Analysis and Critical
Control Points (HACCP) in order to identify and evaluate critical
control points
6. Operate strict hygiene conditions including for vehicle
movement and physical separation of clean and dirty areas or
any sensitive adjacent land uses
7. Record and demonstrate pathogen kill procedures, pest control
measures, cleaning procedures and have hygiene inspections
documented
8.  Monitor, sample, record and check Critical Control Points
9.  Ensure that all equipment is in good working order and that all
measurement equipment is calibrated annually
10.  Carry out microbiological sampling
11.  The AD plant handling ABP material should not be located on
the same premises as livestock
When plants have been approved, digestate can be spread on
land as regulated by the ABPR. Where that land is pastureland,
livestock must not be allowed access to land on which digestate
has been applied, or fed anything cropped from such land, for three
weeks, eight weeks in the case of pigs, advises Brenda Foster,
ABP Veterinary Services Manager of Animal Health. This is in
conjunction with the requirements for land spreading of digestate
under the Environmental Permitting Regulations and the PAS 110.
AD developers should be aware that as well as the regulations, the
precise requirements under ABPR are site-specific and therefore
early discussions with Animal Health are essential.
For further information, and to find out the implications of the new
Domestic ABP Enforcement Regulations which come into effect
from 4 March 2011, contact your local Animal Health office
www2.defra.gov.uk/food-farm/byproducts/
or E: Dave.Auty@ENTECUK.CO.UK

The ABPR are of particular interest to

AD operators because they contain the
national standards for AD plants that
treat such materials.
Dave Auty, AMEC Entec
16

AD & Biogas News | NovemBER 2010

www.adbiogas.co.uk

ADBA lobbies Agencies

to safeguard ADs future
POLICY UPDATE: ADBAs Matt Hindle
gives you the lowdown on latest
Government policy
DECC During a series of meetings with key players in DECC, the
Association continued to push Government to recognise the unique
role that AD will play in meeting UK targets from renewable energy
for climate change and resource preservation. ADBA is calling
for higher tariff levels than originally proposed and an extra 25%
premium for early adopters, to facilitate the funding process. In
other news, DECC is continuing a project to model future energy
use and production; the 2050 Pathways Analysis. The initial
model contained very little detail on the assumptions made for
bioenergy and ADBA has requested that the Department adds more
information about how they see specific industries developing. ADBA
will meet with officials to explore the assumptions for AD.
Defra In response to Defras waste collection consultation, ADBA
submitted a response calling for separated collection of food waste,
and for organic waste to be banned from landfill and prioritised
for AD. Water regulator Ofwat is under review at Defra, which
could have important implications for the future of AD in the water
industry. The regulator itself will be going to consultation in April
2011 to seek comments on, among other things, the deregulation of
the water industrys use of its AD assets.
Health and Safety Executive (HSE) ADBA is working with the HSE
to look at changes to Schedule 3 of the Gas Safety (Management)
Regulations, which governs the quality and composition of gas which

ADBA submitted a response calling

for separated collection of food waste,
and for organic waste to be banned
from landfill and prioritised for AD.

Spending Review
leaves questions
unanswered

he biggest recent political news

for AD has been the outcome of
the Spending Review. Although AD
bucked the general trend by
coming out with a good news story, there is
still frustration that the tariff levels have
not yet been set. In the announcement, the
Chancellor confirmed that a Renewable
Heat Incentive will be brought in next
year, although DECC have told ADBA
that they hope to announce the level of
the tariff paid to heat producers by the
end of 2010.

can be injected into the gas grid. These regulations were written in
1996 and were based entirely on the composition of North Sea gas.
For example, the oxygen content of pipeline gas has to be less than
0.2% - much lower than the 3% limit in Germany, which has the
highest biomethane gas to grid capacity in Europe. National Grid has
already stated that it is in favour of amending the regulations. The
importance of making this change should not be underestimated.
A European directive requires that biogas and gas from biomass
or other types of gas are granted non-discriminatory access to the
gas system, provided such access is permanently compatible with
the relevant technical rules and safety standards. This simple
amendment could be vitally important in bringing more gas to grid
AD plants online.
European Commission - The European Commission is expected
to bring forward a communication on the future of the Common
Agricultural Policy after 2013, which will be a key opportunity to
change farming policy across the continent. ADBA will lobby for a
new green focus and support for farms to embrace AD technology.

Get involved now! >

Government consultations remain open on issues including
Environmental Permitting and waste to land regulations.
Members wishing contribute to ADBAs response should contact
Matt Hindle, ADBAs Policy and Information Advisor,
T +44 (0)203 176 0591 E matt.hindle@adbiogas.co.uk
To read more about ADBAs response to Defras waste collection
consultation, see our feature on p4.
Maize was given zero value
in the FiT calculations

All of the Associations consultation responses are available at

www.adbiogas.co.uk

www.adbiogas.co.uk

NOVemBER 2010 | AD & Biogas News

17

Membership Matters

Working groups press for real change

ow numbering 11, ADBAs influential working groups

represent every aspect of the AD sector and are able
to make a real difference where it matters most. Be
it liaising with Government Agencies to shape future policy or
lobbying banks to encourage lending within the sector, their
activities as a collective afford them greater power than would
otherwise have been achieved and enables them to drive the
industry forward. At a time when great strides are being taken
within the sector, it is vitally important that every member has
their say and members from companies of all sizes are therefore
encouraged to contact the relevant Chair for more details of the
next meeting.

Planning and Permitting

The Environment Agency provided the Group with an update on
consultations regarding Environmental Permitting Regulations,
supporting changes that would mean biogas from AD plants
is no longer regulated as a waste derived fuel. If adopted,
this will increase the AD threshold for permitting of CHP
(combined heat & power) from 3 MW to 20MW thermal input.
The Group proposed that a wider definition of AD be included
in the Regulations, so that all AD plants would benefit from
exclusion from regulation under section 1.2 (production of gas),
not just those that recover digestate. The Group also discussed
providing evidence to the EA to support a reduction in the
distance to receptors for AD Standard Rules. The next meeting
is scheduled for early 2011.
Chair Mark Bedford, Wardell Armstrong
T +44 (0)845 111 7777
E mbedford@wardell-armstrong.com

Process and Technical

Members of the Process and Technical Group have a shared
and common interest in UK legislation and policy affecting the
development, construction and operation of AD plants. The
Group has two primary functions; firstly, to feed back into ADBA
members concerns and thoughts on market influences and
secondly, to lobby and influence new and existing Government
policy. The Group also provides a forum for designers and
process engineers to discuss issues of mutual interest and
provides support to members for all technical queries. It covers
many areas of interest, from legislation affecting the design of
a plant to an unbiased view of technologies currently available
and in development. The Groups next meeting is due to take
place early next year.
Chair Dorian Harrison, Monsal
T +44 (0)1623 412108
E dharrison@monsal.co.uk

18

AD & Biogas News | NovemBER 2010

Agriculture
Following a WRAP update, the Group agreed that ADBA must
work closely with supermarkets to implement strategies for
the use of digestate on land where fresh produce is grown.
Meetings with banks confirmed that all are keen to lend within
the AD sector, although uncertainty over changes to subsidies
is of concern. Equally, banks need to build a knowledge base
in the sector. The Environment Agency outlined the status of
operational permits within the UK 11 have been issued this
year, with a further 17 within the application process and 37 in
the pre-application stage. It is hoped that, given DECCs recent
announcement, a solution can be found for the compatibility of
RDPE grants with FiT/ROCs. The next meeting will take place in
early December.
Chair Greg Hilton, Bidwells
T +44 (0)1223 841841
E Greg.Hilton@bidwells.co.uk

Training and Safety

The Training and Safety Working Group will consider the
first drafts of the Competence Decision Tree, currently being
reviewed by WAMITAB and EuSkills, together with the training
availability mapping exercise being undertaken by WRAP
and CIWM. The Group, who were due to meet as we went
to press, will start to identify the integrity of current safety
guidance associated with acquiring, developing and operating
AD facilities. This work will draw on existing and pending
standards and experience developed in the UK and abroad.
All aspects of site operations will be considered, from receipt
of wastes, fixed and mobile plant operation and maintenance,
through to the storage of biomethane, generation of electricity
and application of digestate to land.
Chair Terry Brownhill, AMEC Entec
T + 44(0)1606 354816
E terry.brownhill@entecuk.co.uk

It is vitally important that every

member has their say and members
from companies of all sizes are
therefore encouraged to contact the
relevant Chair for more details of the
next meeting.

www.adbiogas.co.uk

Water & Food

Following a successful meeting with representatives from
Water UK, it was confirmed that AD continues to be of major
interest to the water companies, particularly the opportunities
surrounding co-digestion of food waste. It was agreed that
because of the benefit in co-ordinated communication between
associations, a Water UK representative would attend future
W&F Group meetings while ADBAs Charlotte Morton would be
involved with Water UKs Task & Finish Group. A meeting with
Ofwat revealed that it was concerned about the impact on the
rest of the marketplace, were any barriers preventing the water
industry from increasing its AD investment to be removed.
Ofwat propose a consultation in April 2011 and have asked
ADBA for assistance in composing appropriate questions. The
Group plan to meet again in January.
Chair Patrick Pierrepont, Hyder Consulting
T +44 (0)1453 731231 / +44 (0)7809 594523
E patrick.pierrepont@hyderconsulting.com

Biosolids and Digestate

ADBA are delighted to announce the introduction of the new
Biosolids and Digestate Working Group (BDWG). With digestate
forming such a huge element of the output of an AD plant
the Groups work will be invaluable, covering issues such as
the use of digestate in food production, managing digestate
placement around Nitrate-Vulnerable Zones (NVZ), extracting
a value for the nutrient element within digestate based on the
NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium) values and tackling
perception issues from food assurance schemes. The Groups
first meeting is due to take place early next year and members
with a particular interest or expertise in digestate and biosolids
are encouraged to join by contacting either the Chair or ADBAs
Charlotte Morton.

As an emerging industry, it is
imperative that AD-specific guidelines
are established regarding policy,
processing, biogas, equipment testing,
plant construction or any other aspect
within the sector, which in turn will
lead to Government Agency-approved
accreditation.
Standards and Accreditation
In order to ensure best practice within the AD and biogas
industries, a new Working Group has been established. The
Standards and Accreditation Working Group aims to support the
industry, identifying and attending to the needs and problems of
every other Working Group, giving guidance through standardised
working practices. As an emerging industry, it is imperative
that AD-specific guidelines are established regarding policy,
processing, biogas, equipment testing, plant construction or
any other aspect within the sector, which in turn will lead to
Government Agency-approved accreditation. ADBA would like to
invite those with the relevant experience or interest to contact the
Chair for details of the Groups first meeting.
Chair Amaya Arias Garcia, TEG
T +44 (0)7584 470732
E amaya.arias-garcia@theteggroup.plc.uk

In addition to the above, ADBA has recently established four new

Working Groups:

Biogas to Electricity
Biomethane/Gas to Grid
Biofuels
Feedstock

Chair Mike Orr, NOFCO (Natural Organic Fertiliser Company Ltd)

T +44 (0)1750 725736 / +44 (0)7976 132975
E mike.orr@theteggroup.plc.uk

Once the AD Action Plan has been drafted, ADBA will be working
with DECC, Defra, Environmental Services Association (ESA),
Energy Networks Association (ENA) and the Renewable Energy
Association (REA) to determine the remit of these groups and
how they can contribute to the growth of the AD industry.

www.adbiogas.co.uk

NOVemBER 2010 | AD & Biogas News

19

Membership Matters

ADBA membership reaches new heights

With the start of ADBAs new membership year the total number of
members has now reached an impressive 170!
New members
Aardvark EM Ltd
AeroThermal Group
Agrico
Air Quality Consultants Ltd
Anteli Energy
BD Agro Renewables
BioConstruct
BioG Uk
Biogas Hochreiter UK Ltd
Briggs and Forrester
Buchan Power
CH4 Power Ltd
CSO Technik Ltd
Deadalus Capital Limited
Donaldson Filtration
Dresser-Rand Company Ltd CHP Solutions
Eco-Prospect Ltd
FM Bioenergy

Forest Bio
GG Eco Solutions
Greenwatt Technology
Haigh Engineering Company Ltd
Heat and Power Services Ltd
Hitech Instrument
Howard Kennedy
Huttons North East Ltd
Imtech Process Ltd
InSource Energy
Interserve
IPS Flow Systems
Laurence Gould Partnership Ltd
Mayer Brown International LLP
Micron Bio Systems Ltd
Motherwell Bridge Ltd
New Generation Biogas Ltd
Organic Farmers & Growers Ltd
Organic Power
Paques BV

Members Luncheon is
a networking success!

Welcome new
ADBA director

ichard Barker, Chief

Executive Officer of
BiogenGreenfinch, has
recently joined the ADBA board
of directors and brings with him
a wealth of plant building and
financial experience:

he October Members Luncheon was another great

success from both a business and pleasure point of view.
As Stephen McCulloch, Business Development Manager
at Chesterfield Biogas commented: The luncheon was of real
benefit, offering great opportunities to meet high quality clients
and to network. The speech by DECCs Dr Liz McDonnell gave
everybody a positive perspective for the future of AD and the RHI.
Dr Liz McDonnells engaging speech on the AD action plan
explained the key structure of the plan, where they were looking
for industry involvement and how ADBA members could feed into
this. Grant Ashton, an expert carbon trader on the opportunities in
green gas trading, also presented a proposal for a Biogas Credit
scheme, consisting
of a tradable credit
for gas injected
to the grid which
would emphasise
the industrys green
credentials and
provide an extra
revenue stream for
biogas producers.

20

AD & Biogas News | NovemBER 2010

Patrick Nolan Consulting

Pick Everard
Progen
ReFood UK (PDM Group)
Robinson & Lawlor
Rowan House Ltd
RUR3 Environmental
Schmack Biogas Ltd
Seepex UK Ltd
Spirax Sarco
Sustainable Resources Solutions
Swancote Energy Ltd
Tenens Environmental
The Environment Agency
The Pall Ring Company
University of Northampton
W2 Green Energy Limited
Walker Resource Management
Wehrle Environmental
WELtec Biopower

As the CEO of BiogenGreenfinch

I can bring the unparalleled
experience of the UKs leading AD builder and operator to
ADBA and its members. BiogenGreenfinch has built 13 AD
plants for both the farm and food waste AD sectors. It also
operates three dedicated food waste AD plants which count a
range of local authorities and food retailers as its customers.
Furthermore, BiogenGreenfinch has been at the forefront of
defining the PAS110 specifications for AD digestate. Having
previously worked, inter alia, in investment banking and
having raised both equity and debt finance, I have a strong
understanding of the challenges of funding AD and hope
that I can help establish a financially robust sector that will
contribute to the UKs renewable energy targets.

www.adbiogas.co.uk

Diary Dates
14 Dec

ADBA Members General Meeting (MGM)

Mayer Brown, 201 Bishopsgate, London

What is ADBA doing for you? Come and find out at ADBAs very
first Members General Meeting, the day before the ADBA National
Conference. ADBAs Chief Executive and her team, ADBAs board
of directors and its working groups chairs will present ADBAs
strategy for the industry and the work that ADBA is doing on
behalf of its members. It will be the perfect opportunity for you
to give your feedback, find out how to get the most out of your
membership and network with fellow members. This membersonly event is free of charge and includes a light lunch and
refreshments. Please note that until 1st December places are
limited to one place per member company.
Book online at: www.adbamgm2010.eventbrite.com

15 Dec

ADBA National Conference 2010

Westminster (London)

The highlight at the end of an eventful and hopeful year for the
British biogas industry will be the ADBA National Conference 2010.
Packed with information, networking and opportunities for feed-in
and discussion, ADBAs December Conference will debate and
review the topics which are pivotal to the AD industry reaching its
potential, including waste collection, biomethane as a transport
fuel, gas injection into the grid, and digestate as a valuable product.
Not only will delegates get to hear about the latest developments
and innovations in these fields from top industry experts, but they
will also receive the chance to contribute their experience and
views and to question top speakers and raise the issues that they
feel need addressing in focused breakout sessions. To round off the
day attendees are invited to join the team for Christmas drinks at
the post Conference drinks reception. For further info or to book
delegate places please contact: annika.herter@adbiogas.co.uk

16-17
Feb

Energy Now Expo 2011

Malvern Showground, Worcestershire

The Energy Now Expo is a two day exhibition and conference

showcasing the latest renewable energy technologies and services
available to farmers and landowners. For further info please visit
www.energynowexpo.co.uk

24 Feb

Members Luncheon
North of England
The next ADBA members luncheon
will be held in the North of England.
This is a great opportunity for
members to network with each other
over a delicious three course meal
and wine. Further details will be
announced shortly.

Team

Chairman, Lord Rupert Redesdale

T + 44 (0)203 176 0503 E rupert.redesdale@adbiogas.co.uk
Chief Executive, Charlotte Morton
T + 44 (0)203 176 0503 E charlotte.morton@adbiogas.co.uk
Sales & Marketing Manager, Louise Wallace
T +44 (0)203 176 0592 E louise.wallace@adbiogas.co.uk
Marketing Executive, Annika Herter
T +44 (0)203 176 0590 E annika.herter@adbiogas.co.uk
PA to Chairman and Chief Executive, Rosaline Hulse
T +44 (0)203 176 0503 E rosaline.hulse@adbiogas.co.uk
Policy and Information Advisor, Matt Hindle
T +44 (0)203 176 0591 E matt.hindle@adbiogas.co.uk
Finance, Bruce Nelson Director of Compass Renewables
T +44 (0)1732 464495 E bruce@compassbusinessfinance.co.uk
Finance, Susanne Thomas Founding Partner of Ennismore
Partners LLP T +44 (0)1732 464495
AD & Biogas News Editor, Kirsty Sharpe
T +44 (0)1920 821873 E kirsty.sharpe@adbiogas.co.uk

New Team Member

Having undertaken a Biological Enterprise module in
his third year at Durham University, where he studied
Zoology, Matt developed an interest in marketing.
Apart from supporting Louise in copy writing, event
organisation and provision of member services, Matts natural design
flair will be put to good use to create ADBAs print and web based
marketing materials.
Marketing Executive, Matthew Ireland
T +44 (0)203 176 4415 E matthew.ireland@adbiogas.co.uk

6-7
July

UK AD & BIOGAS 2011

Bigger and Better! NEC (Birmingham)

Eight months to go and exhibition space for the follow-up show

of UK AD & Biogas 2010 is selling fast! After UK AD & Biogas
2010 rose to the top of biogas events in the UK, ADBAs annual
trade show and conference in 2011 is going to be even bigger
and better than this years inaugural event. Due to the high
interest from both exhibitors and visitors the show floor in 2011
will be bigger and better with a greater variety of top locations
available for you to promote your business to a completely
targeted audience. With preferential exhibition rates for ADBA
members and marketing opportunities in the newsletter and
show guide, the opportunity to learn more, sell more and
influence more should not be missed. For an up to date floor
plan contact louise.wallace@adbiogas.co.uk. For conference
booking attendees should contact annika.herter@adbiogas.co.uk

www.adbiogas.co.uk

NOVemBER 2010 | AD & Biogas News

21

Events

Bigger and Better!

ast becoming the UKs premier AD and biogas annual

event, UK AD & BIOGAS 2011 is on course to be even
bigger and better than this years inaugural event. Taking
place at the NEC the two day show and conference aims to
both address the needs of those working in the industry supply
chain and to establish AD as the waste and energy solution
of the future. Over the course of the two day event, waste
managers, farmers, food manufacturers, food retailers and
fleet companies are drawn to see the very latest technology
and business solutions from equipment suppliers, consultants,
financiers, plant operators, utility companies and supporting
service providers. Alongside the exhibition, which houses more
sector specific suppliers than any other UK event, a two-day
conference and seminar programme with high profile speakers
and industry experts will debate the latest legislation, key issues
and Government policy affecting the AD industry.

Sell more

Make your name synonymous

with AD & Biogas by sponsoring
the industry event of the year!
UK AD & Biogas 2011 is the most exciting, informative and
topical show of the year. ADBAs ability to deliver high profile
speakers, cutting edge programmes and market leading
exhibitors guarantees an event with opportunities abound. By
taking advantage of our sponsorship and advertising opportunities
you will not only guarantee your organisations place within this
sector but will put your company head and shoulders above the
competition. For more information on sponsorship and advertising
opportunities please contact louise.wallace@adbiogas.co.uk

In terms of appointment quality, I can

honestly say that the UK AD & Biogas
2010 Show is the best weve ever
done, it was exceptional! We had 22
solid leads on the first day, which
in our experience of other shows is
almost impossible to achieve.

opportunity to express opinions,

ideas and solutions to help mould
this nascent industry which, in turn,
will set the direction and strategy
of the Associations activities.

If youre in the AD and biogas

business, add this show to
your exhibition diary! UK AD &
Biogas 2011 is a vital marketing
tool for suppliers wishing to
create international contacts
Learn more
and meet sector-specific visitors
Whether you are interested in how
with live projects including
an AD plant works, want to find out
biogas developers, farmers, land
about different types, performance
management representatives,
and sizes of plant, or are in the
John Dodds, Head of Renewables for Inenco
local authorities and individuals
planning stage and looking for advice
from the food, water, waste and energy industries. If you missed
on funding, the procurement of reputable suppliers, biocrops,
out last year make sure your sales team is as busy as your
feedstocks, biofuels, outlets for digestate, district heating systems
competitors and join past exhibitors who experienced an amazing
or grid connection, free seminars and workshops will give
2010 show, including: AMEC Entec, Bidwells, Chesterfield Biogas,
practical and detailed guidance on every aspect of AD.
Ecosolids International, Edina, Enpure, Environment Agency,
Gas Data, HSE, HydroThane UK, Inenco, Kirk Environmental
Ltd, Landia, Monsal, Netzsch Pumps, Pioneer, Ramboll, Rehau,
Schmack, Seepex, Syngenta, WRAP and Xergi.

Book Now! >

Influence more
High profile speakers, topical issues, and the chance to join
some incredible debates with those who make the decisions on
industry policy have proven to be a winning formula. Its not just
about listening, the conference will provide attendees with an
22

AD & Biogas News | NovemBER 2010

UK AD & BIOGAS, 6-7 July 2011,

NEC (Birmingham)
For the latest exhibitor floor plan and visitor information go to:
www.adbiogas.co.uk Email: louise.wallace@adbiogas.co.uk

www.adbiogas.co.uk