AD&BIORESOURCES News
THE UK ANAEROBIC DIGESTION & BIORESOURCES TRADE ASSOCIATION’S BI-MONTHLY MAGAZINE adbioresources.org
Issue 34 NOVember 2016
AD’s role in the future of UK energy
FIT & RHI updates
Sustainability criteria
ADBA National Conference 2016 Preview
Fire prevention
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AD & Bioresources News | November 2016
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Foreword Storing up the benefits of AD
Inside this issue > Foreword: View from the top: ADBA News: AD Map: Feature: AD in the energy mix:
3 4 7 8-12
Advice Clinic: Sustainability criteria:
14
Regions:
15
Technology Focus: Feedstock pre-treatment:
17-19
ADBA National Conference 2016 Preview: 20-21 ADBA National Conference 2016 Programme:
22-23
ADBA National Conference 2016 Exhibitor Preview:
24-25
Feature: Off-grid AD solutions:
26-27
Members’ News and Views:
29-31
R&I Update:
32
ADBA R&I Forum 2017 Preview:
33
Policy:
34-35
Best Practice Matters:
36
Operator & Working Groups:
36
Government & Agency News:
37
Upcoming Events:
39
Membership Matters:
By Mike Mason, Chairman, Tropical Power
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40-42
Sponsorship and advertising: T +44 (0)203 176 5461 E jules.martin@adbioresources.org
T
he UK is but a part of a small archipelago off the west coast of a small peninsular of Asia. Most of the world is not here – and nor is most of the world’s AD opportunity. If AD is to fulfil a globally significant role in the fight against climate change, the industry needs to look outwards – to Asia, Africa, and the Americas. Renewables in these areas rarely enjoy the privileged access to markets that we see in Europe. Generous feed-in tariffs are few and far between in poorer countries, or those more sceptical of climate change. If AD is to really deliver in those areas it needs to compete on cost with wind and solar – solar PV is achieving costs of £30-£50/MWh in places, with wind close behind. The first challenge for AD is therefore to drive down costs – not by 30 per cent but to one third or less of current levels. That means serious, fundamental research leading to the revolutionary progress that is needed if the industry is to catch up with the rapidly falling costs of other technologies. The clues that this might be achievable come from ruminants like cows, where the rate-limiting step of anaerobic digestion – hydrolysis of the cellulose – can take place up to 30 times faster than in an AD plant. Imitate this and the world of AD looks very different. It speaks of plants built in factories as affordable machines, rather than in fields as expensive civil engineering projects. But there is more to value than just cost. Storage is the energy world’s greatest challenge. Solar and wind cannot offer dispatchability, and batteries add perhaps £50-£60/MWh to the cost of delivering renewable electricity – doubling the cost of night-time solar. Storage is therefore AD’s ‘ace in the hole’. Biogas is cheap to store, and larger engines are little more expensive than smaller ones, so AD can back up solar or wind and help stabilise struggling grids. Perhaps the most important global role for low cost AD, therefore, is to be a key part of solving the critical storage and stability issues that future grids will face. As well as driving down costs, we should be arguing for greater recognition of the value of our technology in a low carbon world. www.tropicalpower.com
T +44 (0)203 567 0769 E yerma.parra@adbioresources.org
Our 2017 Features List “It’s been a year of change for the AD industry, and we’re changing the way we work here at AD & Bioresources News, too. From 2017, the magazine will be published quarterly, with larger issues being released in March, June, September and November. By increasing the size of the publication, there will be more opportunities to feature news, views, stories and opinions from a wider range of members than ever before – so make sure to get in touch by the relevant deadlines for a chance to see your company featured in the UK’s only dedicated AD and biogas publication.” Kate O’Reilly, Editor T +44 (0)7894 039609 E kate.oreilly@adbioresources.org
Spring (issue 35) Feature: Biomethane Technology Focus: Biogas upgrading Advice Clinic: Getting your gas grid-ready Plant Update: Please send in details of all new AD projects ADBA R&I Forum 2017 Preview Copy deadline: 9 December Summer (issue 36) Feature: Reaching the UK AD industry’s potential Technology Focus: CHP technology Advice Clinic: Operating well (additives, enzymes, process optimisation, lab services, etc) ADBA R&I Forum 2017 Review AD & Biogas Industry Awards 2017 Preview UK AD & Biogas 2017 Show and Exhibitor Preview Copy deadline: 7 April
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Autumn (issue 37) Feature: Separate food waste collections Technology Focus: Pumps, mixers and pre-treatment technology Advice Clinic: Health & safety and training AD & Biogas Industry Awards 2017 Review UK AD & Biogas 2017 Show and Exhibitor Review Copy deadline: 7 July Winter (issue 38) Feature: What is the future for on-site and on-farm AD? Technology Focus: Small scale and on-farm AD technology Advice Clinic: On-farm AD ADBA National Conference 2017 Preview Copy deadline: 8 September
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View from the top
Why we must shout louder about the global benefits of AD By Charlotte Morton, ADBA’s Chief Executive
A
D already delivers exceptional value but only a fraction of its potential. With further investment we can not only keep our own industry growing – meeting the UK’s energy security, food security and greenhouse gas goals – but also help the world deliver sustainable development. Global agreements like COP21 are only a start in terms of recognising the challenges we face. Climate change is hindering efforts to reduce poverty and hunger in the developing world. It could increase the number of malnourished children by 25m. In Bangladesh alone, it could displace an extra 6-8m people by flooding. As much as 40 per cent of the world’s population does not have access to clean cooking fuels, leading to the premature deaths of 4m people each year – and 15 per cent do not have access to electricity. There should be no limit on our aspiration to meet these challenges. AD could generate energy more cheaply than coal, and become one of the leading technologies for mitigating climate change, improving sanitation, ensuring energy and food security, and reducing poverty and hunger. The UK could be a global leader in what could become a £1 trillion biogas industry, exporting expertise and equipment worth billions of pounds and creating tens of thousands of jobs. We need to shout louder and clearer about this potential for the UK in a global biogas boom. The combination of Energy and Industrial Strategy in one department was not universally popular among groups representing the green economy. But for an industry like ours it represents an opportunity to show government what we can contribute, not only as a form of green 4
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gas and baseload power, but also as an important technology for the UK’s manufacturing sector and balance of payments. All of this helps us make the argument for domestic support, too. It raises our profile, when other forms of renewable energy tend to dominate public and political consciences, and it shows that the government’s investment will produce an exceptional return. It directs us to new opportunities, which are opening all the time as technology and markets develop. But as we look at the opportunities ahead, we also see barriers. Separate food waste collections – which Defra’s Chief Scientific Adviser told me were the best investment of £55m he could think of – are the norm in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, but not yet in England. The Renewable Heat Incentive budget is in place, but won’t deliver anything until the tariffs and rules are confirmed. The Feed-in Tariff has been squeezed almost out of existence, and with the Renewables Obligation closing in March the government is leaving a black hole where policy for renewable electricity used to be. Within the industry, we also have to keep challenging ourselves to do things better. Improving performance and compliance is vital for our reputation and reduces risks around insurance and regulation. Improving the AD process – for example, by looking at ways to match the digestion efficiency in nature – is just one focus for our world-leading academic researchers. Together with a more supportive policy environment, this could start to deliver our potential around the world. With all of these issues on the agenda, I look forward to meeting many of you and discussing how we shape that message at the ADBA National Conference in London on 8 December. See ADBA National Conference Preview, p20
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ADBA News Policy Report marks 540 UK AD plants but future growth uncertain ADBA’s latest Policy Report, published at our Members’ Meeting on 31 October, contained a milestone for the AD industry: over 540 plants are now operating in the UK. However, the report also sets out the challenges developers now face, with a heavily constrained Feed-in Tariff and no clarity on future RHI rules. From over 100 new plants commissioned in 2014 and 2015, we project that around 60 will come online during this year, with future growth from 2017 highly uncertain. Published copies of our fully updated AD Market Report will be available at the ADBA National Conference on 8 December.
ADBA pushes food waste action with Environment Committee
ADBA defends embedded benefits to Ofgem During the summer, Ofgem considered a proposal to reduce embedded benefits for electricity generators connected to the distribution network. This could result in an end to, or the reduction of, triad payments available to operators. In an open letter, Ofgem set out its concerns over Transmission Network Use of System (TNUoS) demand residual payment, which ‘has increased significantly and is due to rise even further’. Our response urged Ofgem to reject any proposals from the Connection and Use of System Code (CUSC) panel to reduce the value of embedded benefit. We called for a Significant Code Review, whereby network charging arrangements would be assessed holistically. We recommended this be accompanied by a comprehensive impact assessment, so that revenue losses for generators can be identified and consideration can be given to the factors that affect what proportion of embedded benefit generators receive, such as PPAs and geographical location.
The issue of food waste in England is under consideration by the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (EFRA) Committee, which is investigating its economic, social, and environmental impact. The Committee’s inquiry closed for written responses in September and will soon hear further oral evidence from industry experts.
Final recommendations from the CUSC panel are expected in late November. See feature, AD in the energy mix, p8
In our response, we stated that moving England’s local authorities towards consistent household waste and recycling collections is vital to reducing food waste. Such nationwide policies would simplify recycling practices for households, enabling simpler communications with national reach. Consistency across collections would also make it easier for authorities to sort waste and ensure that the food waste resource can be maximised. Our response also called for measures to oblige food waste-producing businesses in England to send their food waste to AD, adopting legislation that stipulates a duty ‘to take all reasonable steps to ensure the separate collection of food waste produced by the business’. In Scotland, such legislation led to a change in companies’ buying habits and a reduction in food waste. Similar legislation was introduced in Northern Ireland, first impacting businesses producing more than 50kg of food waste, and giving smaller firms further time to accommodate the change. To view our response in full, go to: http://adbioresources.org/docs/160913_EFRA_food_waste_in_England.pdf www.adbioresources.org adbioresources.org
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ADBA News Renewed call for biomethane transport support The Department for Transport’s (DfT) amendment to the Renewable Transport Fuels Obligation (RTFO) is still due at the time of writing, having been delayed following the UK referendum decision on EU membership. DfT does not regard the policy proposals to be impacted directly by the Brexit result and its possible implications: the push for biofuels is consistent with the Climate Change Act 2008 and UK carbon budgets, though the new regulations could retain elements of EU regulation going forward. Meanwhile, a consultation on changes to vehicle weights and dimensions to incentivise cleaner fuel technologies closes in early December. The proposals look to allow certain vehicles to operate at higher weights to ensure that vehicles with heavier powertrains, compared to conventionally-fuelled vehicles
such as diesel and petrol, are not disadvantaged by having to take smaller payloads. Two or three-axle buses and HGVs or buses running on biomethane, in both gaseous and liquefied form, would be eligible. The consultation also sought views on simplifying the authorisation of gas-fuelled vehicles. If approved, vehicles designed to operate using liquefied natural gas (LNG) would no longer require special authorisation. So long as they have relevant fuel system safety and emissions standards they would be deemed eligible for use. All compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles were authorised in this manner in 2003. ADBA’s response broadly supported the proposals, but drew attention to the need for the RTFO to be reformed to support the direct use of biomethane in transport.
Can you help update The Practical Guide to AD? ADBA's Practical Guide to AD is now three years old, and the time has come to update the industry's go-to reference document to reflect policy, regulatory and technological change. The Guide remains an invaluable tool for anyone in the industry, and underpins parts of the Best Practice Scheme, among other work. Members of our operator and working groups have already been engaged in the process for revising the Guide – see adbioresources.org for full details. However, we’re keen to get as many members as possible involved, so if you’d like to contribute please do get in touch. Contact jessica.allan@adbioresources.org See Jess’s Best Practice column on p36
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AD & Bioresources News | November 2016
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AD Map
ADBA launches interactive AD map of UK
ADBA's market-leading database is now even easier to access and use, following the launch of our interactive AD map, now live at adbioresources.org. The ADBA AD map is an interactive way of tracking every single AD plant in the country; from operational sites and plants under construction, to projects in the planning phase and even those that have only just submitted a planning application. We have produced two versions of the map: 1. The public map, which anyone can view – this contains only operational sites, and is a ‘view-only’ facility, with no search options. 2. The members’ map, only available to ADBA members – this contains details of every site and includes a range of search functionalities, such as location, plant name and feedstock. There is also a ‘find plant near me’ search option, which will become invaluable to feedstock producers looking to find a local AD facility, as well as filters which allow users to search by development phase, such as under construction, planning, etc. “We have been compiling detailed plant information for some time now, which we use to shape our quarterly Policy Reports. It’s important that we disseminate this information to our members and the wider public, and the interactive AD map is an excellent tool to enable us to do this,” says Emma Thomas, ADBA’s
Market Analyst, who has led the association’s work on this project. “We also hope that the map will generate publicity for AD plants around the country, leading to an increase in feedstock contracts. And as the map also contains details of technology suppliers for each facility, it should also raise awareness of suppliers’ brands and services.” The AD map will be updated at least four times per year, in line with ADBA’s quarterly Policy Reports, but amendments can be made at shorter notice if required. To view the map, go to: adbioresources.org
Get involved Whether you’re a plant developer, operator or equipment supplier, if you’re involved in an AD plant, we want to hear from you. Help keep our interactive map as accurate and up to date as possible by confirming if your plant’s details are correct, or supplying us with new information – contact Emma Thomas, Market Analyst. E emma.thomas@adbioresources.org T +44 (0)203 735 8118
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AD in the energy mix
Why AD must be at the heart of the UK’s future energy mix
I
t can be all too easy for plant operators and developers to think of their plants in isolation. On a day-to-day basis, feedstock goes in and gas, heat, power and digestate come out. However, plants producing electricity or upgraded gas which export some or all of their power form part of a much larger, highly complex energy infrastructure.
seasonal variation; what none of the current balancing tools address is the fact that the solar generation we have gives relatively little benefit in the winter in the UK. The real issue is how to cope with the winter months. How do we store power for weeks and cope with the differences between mid-summer and mid-winter demand and generation?”
The UK’s electricity grid has its roots in coal and gas generation; designed to carry the output of large, centralised generating plants throughout the country. But as our energy mix continues to change and the contribution from decentralised generation increases, what role can biogas play in supporting the development of a new, more responsive energy network? Whether it forms part of a leaner, greener electricity network or helps to facilitate the continued use of gas infrastructure in a low carbon economy, biogas has a number of unique properties which make it ideally placed to support energy distribution.
“Going forward, there should be more value on systems which are not only controllable over the short term, but also which don’t have this inter-seasonal problem – which would include AD,” continues Jon. “At the moment, this isn’t being fully recognised due to the level of renewable generation, but in the future, providing power in the winter may become much more of an issue.”
“Although more solar and wind power is being exported to the grid, our electricity system also needs to be able cope when it’s not windy or sunny,” explains ADBA’s Market Analyst, Ollie More. “AD, which currently provides baseload electricity and gas, is unique among renewables in that it can deliver energy 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We also need to consider the effect of policy objectives to add more electric cars and trucks to the electricity network, which would mean a sudden need for a great deal more power at certain periods of time.”
Ironically, just as momentum around the need to increase the value of power generated in the winter is starting to pick up, the regulator – responding to issues raised by three of the big energy companies – is looking to reduce certain embedded benefits, such as winter triad payments. “The embedded benefits that some small generators, including anaerobic digestion, receive puts them at a competitive advantage compared with larger generators,” explained a spokesperson for Ofgem. “We are currently waiting to see industry proposals on how to address this and will make a decision based on these proposals towards the end of 2016. The aim would be to give the AD industry time to adapt to the changes. Separately, this autumn, we will be considering other elements of embedded benefit and the allocation of network costs.”
Power for all seasons
Yet more income cuts?
“The speed of response is important,” agrees Jon Gibbins, Professor of Power Plant Engineering and Carbon Capture at the University of Sheffield. “A conventional power plant can respond to demand as fast as you like, as can an AD plant to a certain extent. However, what’s really causing problems now is 8
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Charles Ward of New Stream Renewables says that the regulator’s focus on this area is not unexpected, but is likely to have serious unintended consequences for the AD sector, which is already feeling battered by policy and tariff changes: “The concern we have is that the changes to embedded benefits
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AD in the energy mix BioG-UK is one of a number of generators looking for alternatives to traditional PPAs with the big six. The company sells its power to Limejump, a power purchaser which works closely with producers to make the export market more efficient. “One benefit for us is that we are sent automated information and forecasted outputs, allowing us to maximise our returns using a simple to use programme,” explains Robert. “There are many marketing options out there but we chose Limejump due to its simple to use interface for forecasting, which in turn increases the price we can achieve on a PPA.”
Seasonal variation in demand for power is the biggest crisis facing the UK energy network
will potentially affect the income that baseload generators receive if they are generating during triad periods; three half-hourly blocks of greatest demand during the winter months. The way triad payments are calculated is very complex, but there is a move to review them. As these embedded benefits are paid on a ‘pass through’ basis by National Grid, everyone will be affected if this proposal goes ahead.” In real terms, Charles estimates that an average 1 MW AD site could currently benefit from triad payments to the value of around £50,000 per year, but this could be cut by 50 per cent or more, depending on the outcome of the consultation.
BioG-UK’s Rob Greenow sells his power to Limejump, which works closely with producers to make the export market more efficient
Innovative energy management
As traditional power markets become less attractive, could the AD sector provide innovative solutions to help improve the future of UK energy management? Storing biogas for use during times of peak demand is one option – after all, the existing capacity and gas grid make it a better choice for low cost energy storage than the electricity network. However, there are mixed messages about whether this is a route the country wants to go down. “Issues at Centrica’s Rough gas storage facility – which, when shut down, caused a five per cent increase in the wholesale price of gas – illustrate how sensitive the market currently is,” warns Ollie More.
Charles adds: “There will be a Connection and Use of System Code (CUSC) Panel vote on 28 November and a recommendation put forward to Ofgem, which will hopefully give the sector some clarity. However, given the potential for unintended consequences in terms of security of supply as we enter some of the tightest winters on record, we expect Ofgem to conduct some sort of impact assessment. We have already seen a risk premium and higher forward pricing brought back into the power purchase agreements (PPAs) that we have been working on for clients.”
Another option is that AD sites could also accept electricity from excess wind and solar power in the summer and convert it into methane. Called ‘power-tomethane’, industry experts suggest that this could account for a third of the AD sector’s total potential of 78 TWh per year. Furthermore, Professor Jon Gibbins says that AD plants will be able to provide carbon capture and storage of the carbon that has been taken out of the atmosphere to make all of the feedstocks they use, providing ‘negative emissions’ that in the long term may be more valuable than their role as a source of renewable power.
The Association for Decentralised Energy has also criticised the plans, saying that the changes being considered could increase industrial manufacturers’ costs by more than £170m. Instead, like ADBA it has called for a full Significant Code Review on network charging. “A full, independent review is needed to ensure that changes are in the interest of energy consumers and the energy system as a whole,” states Dr Tim Rotheray, Director of the Association for Decentralised Energy. “Current proposals are being rushed through without sufficient analysis or review. Without a careful, independent review, these proposals could undermine the UK’s transition to a lower cost and lower carbon network system, as well as costing energy intensive UK manufacturers millions of pounds a year at a time when energy costs are a key concern for their ability to compete in global markets.”
Whatever the future holds, experts agree that a change of perception about how AD fits into the energy mix is required if it is to fulfil its full potential as part of a dynamic, future-proof energy network. “We need to start thinking of AD as a dispatchable source of power, not simply a baseload, ‘must run’ technology,” says Mike Mason, Chairman of Tropical Power, who agrees that it could play a key role in supporting other forms of generation. “AD can duck and dive around inter-day constraints, but can’t directly absorb excess power. However, there are developing ideas to use surplus power from other renewable technologies to produce hydrogen or methane. This technique has substantial potential as a grid management and constraint avoidance tool, although more R&D is needed.”
New-style PPAs
As well as power, there is also the issue of heat to consider. Private AD-supplied networks to deliver heat and power to specific users can be found, particularly in the food and drink industry, where there is a good synergy between feedstock provision and energy demand. But for general domestic and industrial purposes a different model is required. “Despite their popularity in Continued>>
If these proposals are adopted, the loss of embedded benefits will make it even more important for plant operators to secure the best price for their power. According to Robert Greenow of BioG-UK, power revenue is a significant contribution towards the financial security of AD projects, not least because of the high finance costs incurred during the first years of operation.
Feeling the heat
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Getting value from digestate
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AD in the energy mix some quarters, heat networks will not become the default method for delivering heat as the UK is not cold enough to make them economic, except in very specialised cases,” believes Mike Mason.
The Energy Networks Association’s Smarter Networks initiative has looked into using the gas grid to store energy
But that doesn’t mean there isn’t a place for AD as a renewable heat source. The Network Innovation Allowance supports various projects looking at decarbonising the UK's heat supply, including those at Bridgend and Cornwall. Steve Harding of Wales & West Utilities, who was involved in both projects, explains: “We didn’t think certain predictions that fossil fuels could be removed from the energy mix through the use of heat pumps and heat networks were credible. We wanted to conduct a bottom-up analysis of how the public would react to efforts to decarbonise their heat supply.” The Bridgend project was split into three main phases. Firstly, the project looked at current energy options, their effects on decarbonisation, and the cost to the consumer. The second phase examined the willingness of the consumer to pay. “We have quite a lot of experience of people changing from a particular energy source to gas; for example, putting new places on the gas grid,” points out Steve. “So we had lots of information about how much customers are willing to pay in reality. A lot of them will say, ‘I want to be green,’ until you tell them how much they will have to pay for it. From our study we have confirmed that 80 per cent of people in Bridgend could not afford to pay for these changes to their heating systems.”
Making use of the gas network
Phase 3 of the project tried to ascertain how the decarbonisation would actually take place. “One thing that was absent from the DECC pathway at the time was where anaerobic digestion and green gas fitted in,” continues Steve. “From our point of view, there was this huge resource of the gas transportation network but the plan as it stood was to invest in an upgrade to the electricity distribution network. We considered a number of options including AD, syngas and hydrogen. One of the biggest findings from Bridgend was that energy storage needed to be considered. For example, if we just converted current gas heat demand into electricity, which is what some people have suggested, the storage requirements would run into terawatts for the year.” Steve adds: “The Cornwall project looked at the options for using the gas grid to store energy, as well as the costs involved with moving to a low carbon energy system without the gas network. These costs are staggering, especially if we look at the storage of energy through batteries.”
Earlier this year, on behalf of the ENA, KPMG also looked at the possible role of the UK gas network in 2050 as part of a wider energy system. Their report considered four possible scenarios, all of which were designed to meet the UK’s 2050 carbon emission targets. Of the four scenarios, the one which envisaged an evolution of the gas network to facilitate the use of biogas and hydrogen, together with elements of underground carbon storage and a decarbonised transport sector, was not only the easiest to implement, but also had the lowest incremental costs of implementation, being around half the price of the scenario of a major switch to electricity. “While our analysis shows advantages for the ‘Evolution of Gas’ scenario, in reality the future of heat in 2050 is likely to be somewhere between all four scenarios,” the authors concluded. “Making use of the UK’s gas network infrastructure offers a practical and affordable solution to the future challenge of heat decarbonisation. Gas and electricity policies need to be firmed up ahead of the next RIIO network price controls, due to the long term nature of network assets.”
Restricted grid access
However, if AD plants cannot connect easily and efficiently to the electricity or gas grid, their ability to contribute to the various potential scenarios discussed above is academic. Gary Jones, Technical Director of Langage AD, is typical of many developers and operators whose plans are being constrained by grid access issues. “We have been generating renewable electricity for over five years and since commissioning, we have abated over two million tonnes of CO2 equivalent, comparable to taking over a Continued>>
Issues at Centrica’s Rough gas storage facility illustrate the market sensitivity
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AD in the energy mix Langage AD faced a restriction on power production, due to cabling linked to the Hinkley Point C project
There is a place for AD as a renewable heat source
period for an application for FITs/RO, before the expansion restriction took hold,” says Gary. million cars off the road,” he says. “However, the Hinkley Point C nuclear development project prevented us from securing a grid connection before restrictions on Feed-in Tariff extensions commenced.” When Langage AD applied to expand its plant, the greatest problem was a restriction on power production in the South West, due to cabling linked to the Hinkley Point C project. At first application to Southwest Power, Langage was informed that there were no more grid connections to be granted in the South West. After lengthy discussions, an allowance was made for some injection to the national grid but with the restriction that no power could be exported between 10am and 4pm throughout the summer months. Following further discussions, the plant has now been granted a connection without limitations, but the time taken to negotiate the deal means that the project fell foul of changes to support schemes. “Because of the time it took to get the go ahead for power increase and then time taken for planning, we fell behind the cut-off
Localism or nationalism?
In fact, Hinkley Point represents the dilemma facing the government and the energy industry as a whole. Does it want large, centralised generation or small, flexible, local energy solutions? Anaerobic digestion is unique in that it can be used to generate energy for supply to either the gas or electricity networks. Work is ongoing to minimise the costs and timescales associated with the connection of unconventional gas projects to the National Transmission System, with Project CLoCC aiming to reduce costs to less than £1m and timescales to less than one year. However, until those responsible for setting energy policy fully understand the future needs and limitations on our power distribution systems, and set a clear strategy for delivering heat, development will continue to be stifled. www.newstreamrenewables.com www.nationalgrid.com www.biog-uk.co.uk www.limejump.com www.tropicalpower.com
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Improving operational performance
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Advice Clinic: Sustainability criteria Sustainability Criteria – One Year On In our regular advice column, ADBA members provide answers to some common AD queries
Q A
How are AD operators performing with regards to sustainability criteria?
There is a range of understanding and the level of detail varies between operators. Those facilities that have been proactive in preparing for sustainability regulations are well placed for ongoing compliance. For sites where this is new, it can be a steep learning curve due to the nuances of GHG calculations and the level of evidence required to support data inputs. Most feedstocks currently used within the UK AD industry comply with GHG criteria but errors in calculations or misunderstanding are common due to the complexities. Some crops are at risk of non-compliance due to reliance on artificial fertilisers or low yields. The land criteria is sometimes overlooked but this is an important aspect that requires evidence of how the land used for growing a batch of feedstock has been used back to 2007. From the audits performed so far, the industry is working hard to comply, despite the challenges provided by the volume of information required on the supply chain and site operation. Going forward, a key risk is the proposed restrictions on support for crop use for new sites, which requires increased focus on the use of wastes and residues.
Q A
What has been the impact of sustainability criteria on the AD industry?
A significant number of operators are affected, with all RHI, RO and – in future – new FIT accredited AD plants required to comply. Sustainability criteria mean that operators have to pay close attention to the feedstocks they use, how these are produced, and where they are obtained from. Facilities also need to be run efficiently as downtime, methane loss and imported electricity can all push the site over the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions threshold, resulting in withheld subsidies. A substantial volume of data needs to be captured and recorded, so operators have to implement systems and processes to perform GHG calculations and report the results and supporting evidence to Ofgem. This first requires time and resources to be invested in understanding the data and evidence that is required. The legislation is complex so not all AD facilities have the required expertise. Operators often require additional support and need to allow time to get things right from the beginning to avoid issues later on. Sites over 1 MW require an annual sustainability audit which operators should also prepare for. Dr Paul Adams, Director of Synertree Ltd and post-doctoral researcher at the University of Bath T +44 (0)7815 152594 E paul@synertree.co.uk www.synertree.co.uk
Q A
How can I get my GHG emissions below the threshold in order to comply with the sustainability criteria?
This depends on the constraints on the AD plant. The quickest way to comply is to use waste derived feedstocks or those classified as by-products. However, this is often not a viable solution due to constrained availability of waste and site specific constraints. Where this is not an option, looking at means to capture CO2 in gas upgrading plants or from CHP exhausts is another quick fix but can be constrained by the capital required to deploy such technology. For the vast majority of plants relying on crop based feedstock, the biggest two contributors to GHG emissions are the use of fertilisers during cultivation and vehicle use associated with cultivation, harvesting and transport. If operators can substitute fertiliser use with digestate this can reduce emissions significantly. Similarly, reducing fuel used during cultivation, harvesting and feedstock transport will help in reducing emissions, as will more efficient farm machinery. Dual fuel farm vehicles are now available to the market from several suppliers. They dramatically reduce GHG emissions associated with vehicle use and may become necessary in future as the emissions thresholds for compliance become tighter. Nick Johnn, Director, Aardvark Certification T +44 (0)1984 624989 E nicholasjohnn@aardvarkcertification.com www.aardvarkcertification.com
Next issue: www.jonesmcgirr.com
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AD & Bioresources News | November 2016
Getting your gas grid-ready. Send your queries to: kate.oreilly@adbioresources.org
www.adbioresources.org adbioresources.org
Regions
News from the regions Scotch whisky set to benefit from AD
Welsh council revamps waste collections
The Scotch Whisky industry aims to generate 40 per cent of primary energy used to make whisky from non-fossil fuels by 2030. The Scotch Whisky Association said it had refreshed its Scotch Whisky Industry Environmental Strategy and would look for manufacturers of the spirit to use energy sources including AD. Currently, 17 per cent of energy used in the whisky industry is generated from non-fossil fuels, up from just three per cent in 2008. Julie Hesketh-Laird, the Scotch Whisky Association’s Deputy Chief Executive, said: “Strong support from governments and our supply chains will be needed to help deliver on our ambitions.”
A Gwent council will be sending household food waste to AD as part of its waste collection overhaul. Caerphilly County Borough Council currently bundles food and garden waste together but councillors voted to split them after a report revealed only 38 per cent of properties recycle food waste. A recent study showed food accounted for around 30 per cent of all residual waste collected in the county. The new scheme will start fully in early 2017 when new vehicles are in place to bring the plan to fruition. The Welsh Government’s recycling target is a minimum of 64 per cent of all collected waste by 2019/2020, which if not met could lead to a £1m fine.
SEPA unveils new waste to resources framework A new framework for tackling waste has been unveiled by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), focusing on how it will support Scotland’s circular economy. ‘One Planet Prosperity – A Waste to Resources Framework’ outlines how SEPA intends to drive down waste production and keep valuable materials circulating for as long as possible, whilst preventing and tackling the harms associated with waste management and waste crime. Terry A’hearn, SEPA’s Chief Executive, said: “Unlocking the value of material resources in our economy is crucial for bringing about the radical step change needed to build a more sustainable Scotland. We will work with forward thinking businesses to raise awareness of the value which waste materials have and ultimately help businesses turn waste into profit.” To read the framework in full, go to http://bit.ly/2d83WwB
t.evans@bts-biogas.com b.blankespoor@bts-biogas.com info@bts-biogas.com www.bts-biogas.com www.adbioresources.org adbioresources.org
november 2016 | AD & Bioresources News
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Technology Focus - Measuring & controls
www.schmack-biogas.co.uk info@schmack-biogas.com
BRYN GROUP
Gelliargwellt Farm, Gelligaer, Hengoed, Midglam, CF82 8FY
• Cat 3 and 2 ABP Approved AD • Material Resource Facility (MRF) For Inert Waste • Blue Penant Sandstone Quarry • Wrap Approved Recycled Hard Core • Top Soil • PAS100 Compost • BSL Accredited Biomass
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enquiries@greencrop.co.uk www.greencrop.co.uk
AD & Bioresources News | November 2016
Enquiries: 01443 838121 Email: admin@bryngroup.co.uk
www.adbioresources.org adbioresources.org
Technology Focus: Feedstock pre-treatment
Preventing indigestion
“The Bryn Group, which includes a large dairy farm and a recycling business, began in-vessel composting (IVC) of green waste and food waste (including material from doorstep collections) around ten years ago. When a new 500 kW AD plant to replace the IVC operation was commissioned at the end of March this year, we were tasked with exploring the feedstock treatment options on the market. The biggest piece of advice I can give is to know your feedstock, so you can anticipate the issues and problems your plant might face. We’ve always collected food waste for the local council and that was something we wanted to continue doing with the new AD plant, so we knew this would be at the heart of our feedstock mix, along with cattle slurry. Because we were aware right from the start of what our feedstock was going to be – and also how Bryn Power operates a 500 kW AD plant which treats food waste and cattle slurry
© Gemidan Ecogi
Whether you need to remove contamination and packaging from food waste or break up lignocellulosic materials, there are a range of options available. Jennifer Morgan, Plant Manager at Bryn Power, shares her experiences of selecting the right feedstock pre-treatment technology. much contamination we would be dealing with and the kinds of packaging we would encounter – we knew what we would need the machinery to get rid of and what it had to handle. When we were examining the different systems available, one of the things we were interested in was how much material the systems removed at the front end, as it is much easier to achieve PAS 110 certification with a cleaner end product. It’s important to find a balance, though – some systems will remove all of the contamination, but you may be losing a lot of the heavy organics as well. It’s also important to invest in a system which will enable future plant expansion – the front end of our plant was specified to cope with potential expansion up to the maximum capacity of the site. And make sure that the technology will cope consistently with your peak demand. For example, our permit means we cannot store food waste for more than 24 hours, so the system has to cope with a lot of volume. You should also think about how the pre-treatment technology you choose will affect the AD process itself. For example, some macerators and steam explosion systems will help improve the digestibility of certain feedstocks, potentially reducing the time required in the digester or improving gas output. The cleanliness of treated www.adbioresources.org adbioresources.org
materials is also important; pressing removed plastic can return liquids back to the plant, while settlement tanks can help to remove grit and small particles from the feedstock. In fact, one of the few things we could have improved upon would have been to specify a larger settling tank; some pieces of glass and ceramic still pass through the system and need to be removed later on in the overall process, and this could have prevented it.”
Pre-treatment solutions from ADBA members
Grit is a common problem in food waste AD plants and can result in downstream blockages, sedimentation and wear issues, in the worst case scenario causing plant shutdown. HUBER Technology recently installed a grit removal plant at an AD facility in Northern Ireland, fitting a HUBER Ro6 Bio system with aeration and grit washing between the hammer mills and the soup stock tank. “Retrofitting such a plant requires careful attention to the pumping, which we were able to advise on. The grit trap allows settlement of the heavy fraction and air circulation reduces the organics that settle in the tank,” explains Tony Clutten of HUBER. “This heavy fraction is augured to the inlet end of the trap from where it is elevated and drained. It is then washed and dewatered in a HUBER RoSF G4E Bio grit washer, with the washed out organics drained back to the grit trap.” Continued>> november 2016 | AD & Bioresources News
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Technology Focus: Feedstock pre-treatment HUBER's grit removal plant is in operation at an AD facility in Northern Ireland
Gemidan Ecogi’s system produces a pulp which is 99.6 per cent free of non-organic materials
Metamo’s two-stage approach first depackages the feedstock then removes grit and other particles
For Metamo Process Technology, food waste pre-treatment is about creating the best quality substrate to maximise gas yield and leave a high quality digestate suitable for further use. The company employs a two-stage approach. First, de-packaging is carried out by the compact and patented Hybag separation hammer mill to create a pumpable, soup-like substrate that is at least 99 per cent organic, with around 15 per cent dry matter and an average particle size of 3-4mm. Secondly, this substrate is passed through a hydrocyclone de-gritter from German maker Lohse, which removes eggshells and any remaining particles of glass, metal, bone and plastic. This leaves a fine-grained substrate that will yield more gas with less wear and tear on moving parts, and will also reduce the requirement to de-grit digester tanks. As well as supplying the machines, Metamo also provides a commissioning service and ongoing support for clients throughout the UK.
a glue between the fibres, is melted, before the feedstock mixture is treated in a pressure cooker. On releasing the pressure, flash steam is formed which rips apart the fibres, making lignified feedstocks very digestible and producing high gas yields. “The advantage of the process is that one tonne of processed straw can produce up to 2.5 times more biogas than a tonne of silage,” explains the company’s Chief Technology Officer, Hermann Dauser. “The processed product has a low retention time in the biogas plant, allowing operators to make use of previously untapped energy for a low operational cost.” “With competition for feedstock driving down gate fees and government subsidies being reduced, it is critical that operators of larger scale food waste facilities exploit all process revenue opportunities,”
Distributed in the UK by Future Biogas, Austrian-based Biogas Systems manufactures the Economizer SE, a steam explosion process that enables difficult-to-digest lignified feedstocks such as straw, manure or animal bedding, to be treated in an AD plant. The lignin, which acts as 18
AD & Bioresources News | November 2016
says Tony Pickess of Gemidan Ecogi. “A high performing food waste pre-treatment technology will deliver enhanced profitability; however, performance claims can be overstated, making decision-making difficult.” Ecogi has developed a robust and flexible food waste pre-treatment technology that has undergone extensive and independent process monitoring. The technology processes feedstock that contains up to 20 per cent contamination, thereby expanding feedstock sourcing opportunities, and extracts 95 per cent of the available organic content, thereby maximising energy production. Organic particle size is very fine (60 per cent < 100µ, 93 per cent < 1.3 mm), leading to faster gas conversion and increasing digester throughput and gate fee revenues. The pulp produced is 99.6 per cent free of non-organic materials and results in the production of a more marketable, virtually contamination free, digestate. PRM Waste Systems is another company which supplies equipment for treating AD feedstocks. The Runi dewatering/depackaging screw compactor has been proven in recent trails to be highly effective at separating food waste from its packaging. Trials have demonstrated that when processing 2.6 tonnes of food waste in plastic packaging, a weight reduction of 54.7 per cent was achieved – equivalent to nine Dolav-type bins of waste being reduced to just two. PRM also supplies the
Hermann Dauser of Biogas Systems, whose Economiser SE enables lignified feedstocks such as straw to be treated in an AD plant
www.adbioresources.org adbioresources.org
Technology Focus: Feedstock pre-treatment Andritz-MeWa Bio-QZ which is able to deal with a variety of waste, particularly energy crops, to optimise the fermentation process. The rotating chains inside the QZ break up the cell structure of the substrates, providing a larger surface area for bacteria to work on within the digester. This accelerates and intensifies gas formation measurably, greatly reducing process time and increasing efficiency by as much as 30 per cent. Supplying innovative technology for the processing of organic waste is the aim of Wackerbauer, which has successfully installed the patented TM 75 Separation Mill in more than 40 plants worldwide. The Separation Mill unifies different processes in one machine, including: mechanical depackaging; milling of the biowaste; separation and washing out of the extraneous materials; mechanical transport of heavy extraneous materials to the discharge chute; and air separation of light fractions. The depackaged organics are then milled with hammers and screened before flowing into substrate containers, from which they can be pumped off directly. Extraneous materials are ejected through a discharge chute which has an integrated screw press to separate any remaining liquids. The system has been successfully used with municipal and household organic waste, waste food and food production residues and can treat up to 25m3/hr.
significant savings to AD plants. The equipment can easily be retrofitted to operational AD plants and can achieve a typical payback of 1-4 years, depending on scale and application.
The Runi compactor from PRM Waste Systems separates food waste from its packaging
www.bryngroup.co.uk www.huber.co.uk www.metamo.org www.futurebiogas.com www.ecogi.dk www.prmwastesystems.com www.wackerbauer-maschinenbau.de www.rikabiofuels.com
Rika Biofuels is bringing the BioExtruder to the UK market: a simple, cost effective and commercially proven technology that processes straw and other lignocellulosic materials, such as low quality grass, for use as an AD feedstock. The equipment destroys the cell wall structure of the material, using mechanical compression and pressure release, allowing the bacteria access to organic matter which would otherwise be locked away. Biogas yields of 350-450m3/ fresh tonne of straw and up to 100m3/tonne of separated digestate solids are achievable, allowing substantial volumes of energy crops to be substituted for straw and other lower cost feedstocks, thereby presenting
sales@vogelsang.co.uk
www.vogelsang.co.uk
The Bioextruder from Rika Biofuels processes straw and other lignocellulosic materials www.adbioresources.org adbioresources.org
november 2016 | AD & Bioresources News
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ADBA National Conference 2016 Preview New opportunities in a changing world By Charlotte Morton, Chief Executive, ADBA The AD industry is not alone in facing a period of extreme uncertainty: the UK’s political and economic structures are in greater flux than at any time that most of us can remember. For an industry which relies on developers and investors having sufficient confidence to support new projects and renewed plants, that context could be debilitating. But, as the ADBA National Conference 2016 will show (8 December, One Great George St, London), a time of change can also be a time of opportunity. In the short term, a renewed RHI budget, potential support for biomethane in transport and changing regulation in the water market all offer possibilities for new investment. Our base of over 500 UK plants not only needs ongoing operational support, it is also a resource for improvement and investment in new technology. We are perfectly placed to develop new products and innovations as one of the early parts of the growing bioeconomy. Looking at the medium to long term, the opportunity in front of us is greater still. The Paris Agreement and the UK’s legally enforceable carbon budgets give our economy a clear direction:
Join our exhibitors
• Air Liquide • Atritor Ltd • AB Systems UK Ltd • Dorset Green Machines • Edina • NEWeco-tec Verfahrenstechnik GmbH • Orbital UK • Puregas Solutions Ltd • Thyson Technology • V ogelsang • Weltec Biopower (UK) Ltd Exhibitor opportunities still available. For information, contact: jules.martin@adbioresources.org yerma.parra@adbioresources.org
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AD & Bioresources News | November 2016
the future will be low carbon. The Committee on Climate Change has already made clear that on-farm AD and sustainable treatment for food waste are vital if we are to meet our targets, and I’m delighted that Matthew Bell, Chief Executive of the CCC, is joining us at the Conference once again to share the CCC’s latest assessments. This innovative industry is already developing technology, techniques and talent to export to the world. With our leading research base, that process will continue, meeting the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and providing growing markets for our products and services. The ADBA National Conference gives us the chance to discuss the challenges we face, the opportunities we can realise – and how we can work together to deliver everything AD has to offer.
Key speakers • Matthew Bell, Chief Executive, Committee on Climate Change •R t Hon Caroline Flint MP, Labour MP for Don Valley •R ichard Court, Head of Regulation & External Affairs, National Grid • Linda Crichton, Head of Resource Management, WRAP • Alison Fergusson, Principal Engineer, Water 2020 programme, Ofwat • Chris Huhne, former Secretary of State for Energy and Climate and Strategic Adviser, ADBA • Andrew Bird, Recycling Strategy and Commissioning Manager, Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council • Margaret Bates, Professor of Sustainable Wastes Management, University of Northampton •P rof Paul Ekins OBE, Professor of Resources and Environmental Policy, UCL Institute for Sustainable Resources • Ian Marshall, Non-conventional Gas Manager, Wales & West Utilities •D r Maxine Mayhew, Group Commercial Director, Northumbrian Water • Reed Landberg, Global Renewable Energy & Environment Team Leader at Bloomberg News, Bloomberg • Alexander Maddan, Chief Executive, Agrivert • J ulian O'Neill, Chief Executive, Biogen • Ryland Cairns, Environment Manager, Muntons • Fergus Healy, AD/Food Waste Director, Olleco • Phil Lowndes, Chief Executive, Gas Alliance And many more – to see the full programme turn to p22-23
www.adbioresources.org adbioresources.org
ADBA National Conference 2016 Preview What our attendees say “A brilliant cross-sectional view of the industry – from small scale AD to the big picture. Some very high level speakers really helped to put things into context.”
“A good overview of the current state of the AD industry and some thought-provoking discussions on how the future may look.” Steve Morris, Huber Technology
Angie Bywater, AD Network
“Excellent conference with valuable industry insights.” Taliesin Maynard, Welsh Government
Why attend? • Understand policy changes which may affect your business • Debate with leading political and industry figures about the future of our industry • Influence future policy favourable to the industry • Discover how the latest R&I and best practice developments can improve AD efficiency • Network with key industry players
“A fascinating event and something I would recommend to anyone interested in delivering AD solutions.”
“It was helpful to see things from the regulators’ perspective, and to meet people more deeply involved in the AD industry.”
Kevin Sharpe, Zero Carbon World Charity
Matthew Riddiford, Aether Energy
Interested in exhibiting or sponsoring? There’s still time for your company’s name to stand out from the crowd at the key AD conference of the year. Take advantage of one of our sponsorship or advertising packages and ensure your brand reaches a targeted, AD-specific audience. For more information, contact sales@adbioresources.org
Registration now open • ADBA member: £345 • Non-member: £495 • Local authority: £119 (all ex VAT and booking fee) Register online at adbioresources.org/adba-national-conference-2016/registration/
www.adbioresources.org adbioresources.org
november 2016 | AD & Bioresources News
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ADBA National Conference 2016 Programme
ADBA National Conference 2016 OPPORTUNITIES IN A CHANGING WORLD Date: 09.00 - 17.30, 8 December, 2016 Venue: One Great George Street, Westminster, London, SW1P 3AA Time Description 08.45 – 09.30
Exhibition and registration
09.30 – 09.35
Welcome and introduction Charlotte Morton, Chief Executive, ADBA 09.35 – 10.00
AD industry: a global player Chair: Charlotte Morton, Chief Executive, ADBA Matthew Bell, Chief Executive, The Committee on Climate Change Questions and comments from the floor
10.00 – 10.10
Opportunities in a changing world: ADBA’s strategy Charlotte Morton, Chief Executive, ADBA
10:10 – 10.50
Matching nature: can R&I help AD meet global challenges? Prof David C. Stuckey, Professor of Biochemical Engineering, Imperial College, London Prof Charles Banks, Professor of Water and Environmental Engineering, University of Southampton Prof Tom Curtis, Professor of Environmental Engineering, Newcastle University Questions and comments from the floor
10.50 – 11.00
Food waste – why the world needs to source segregate Dr Richard Swannell, Director of Sustainable Food Systems, WRAP
11.00 – 11.10
Sponsors' address
11.10 – 11.30
Exhibition and coffee break
11.30 – 13.00
Where should green gas fit in the UK’s energy strategy? Chair: Reed Landberg, Global Renewable Energy & Environment Team Leader, Bloomberg News Richard Court, Head of Regulation & External Affairs, National Grid Chris Huhne, Former Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change and Strategic Adviser, ADBA Richard Howard, Head of Environment and Energy, Policy Exchange Prof Paul Ekins OBE, Professor of Energy and Environment Policy, Bartlett School Env, Energy & Resources Questions and comments from the floor
13.00 – 14.00
Exhibition and lunch
14.00 – 15.30
Breakout session 1: What is the future for on-site and farm AD as incentives reduce? Chair: James Miles-Hobbs, Director, JMH Farming & Renewables Ryland Cairns, Environment Manager, Muntons Nick Johnn, Director, Aardvark Andrew Bull, Associate Project Manager, Asiantaeth Ynni Severn Wye Energy Agency Julian Marks, Managing Director, Barfoot Energy Questions and comments from the floor
14.00 – 15.30
Breakout session 2: Will the Consistency Framework lead to more food waste collection in England? Chair: Professor Margaret Bates, Northampton University Linda Crichton, Head of Resource Management, WRAP Fergus Healy, AD/Food Waste Director, Olleco Julian O'Neill, Chief Executive, Biogen Andrew Bird, Recycling Strategy and Commissioning Manager, Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council Iain Gulland, Chief Executive, Zero Waste Scotland Questions and comments from the floor
15.30 – 16.00
Exhibition and coffee break
For full programme including session descriptions, go to adbioresources.org 22
AD & Bioresources News | November 2016
www.adbioresources.org adbioresources.org
ADBA National Conference 2016 Programme
ADBA National Conference 2016 OPPORTUNITIES IN A CHANGING WORLD Date: 09.00 - 17.30, 8 December, 2016 Venue: One Great George Street, Westminster, London, SW1P 3AA Time Description 16.00 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 17.30 Breakout session 3: How is water sector deregulation changing organic waste markets? Chair: Graham Southall, V2B Consulting Ltd Ian Goddard, Group Business Development Director, Ham Baker Adams Alexander Maddan, Chief Executive, Agrivert Alison Fergusson, Principal Engineer, Water 2020 programme, Ofwat Dr. Maxine Mayhew, Group Commercial Director, NWL Questions and comments from the floor 16.00 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 17.30
Breakout session 4: Biomethane 2017-2021: how will the market develop? Chair: Chris Huhne, Former Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change and Strategic Adviser, ADBA Ollie More, Market Analyst, ADBA Ian Marshall, Non-conventional Gas Manager, Wales & West Utilities Phil Lowndes, Chief Executive, Gas Alliance John Scott Kerr, Head of Business Development, Future Biogas Grant Ashton, Green Gas Trading Alec Mason, Senior Commercial Analyst, Ecotricity Giacinto Patellaro, Head of Energy Supply and Risk, Marks and Spencer Anna C. Menezes, Head of Energy, Tesco
17.30 - 19.00
Drinks reception
For full programme including session descriptions, go to adbioresources.org Please note programme is subject to change.
www.adbioresources.org adbioresources.org
november 2016 | AD & Bioresources News
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ADBA National Conference 2016 Exhibitor Preview
Flexible grid entry design systems “Thyson Technology is again exhibiting at the ADBA National Conference, where our biogas-to-grid sales specialist, Andy Bidston, will be available to discuss our recent design development for grid entry units,” says Sales Manager, Glen Lancaster. “Our latest split house configurations have been installed and commissioned at the Severn Trent sites in Strongford and Derby. These new GEU designs give customers flexibility regarding the location of the network operators’ equipment, and help overcome possible pipeline adoption issues, whilst ensuring that all GSMR regulations are met.” www.thyson.com
Developing the international AD industry Edina is continuing to support and develop the AD sector both at home and abroad. Recent projects include Springvale Farm – winner of the ‘Best on-farm AD plant’ category at the UK AD & Biogas Industry Awards 2016 – which uses CHP heat to power the farm’s eco-system, including a fish farm and rental lodges. In Australia, Edina is looking to build upon the success of the AD project at organics processor, Richgro, which has gained a lot of media attention, as well as interest from agricultural and farming businesses. Tony Fenton, Joint Managing Director, comments: “ADBA’s National Conference will be of significant importance to Edina. As we look towards new international markets, ADBA’s new research proposal will provide us and our fellow ADBA members with an opportunity to position the UK as a platform from which to grow the international AD community.” www.edina.eu
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AD & Bioresources News | November 2016
www.adbioresources.org adbioresources.org
ADBA National Conference 2016 Exhibitor Preview Wetland AD trial a potential game-changer
The management of nature conservation areas for the benefit of biodiversity can be a challenge, but particularly in relation to the disposal of the resulting vegetation. However, AB Systems (UK) and the RSPB looked to turn this challenge into an opportunity by exploring the potential of this material as an AD feedstock. The area of the Ouse Washes, currently managed by the RSPB, produces more wetland material than the current large head of cattle can manage, so AB Systems (UK) brought in the PistenBully 300 and Softrak 120 machines to harvest over 100 tonnes of wetland material for trial in a local AD plant. With the harvest successfully completed and the AD trial now underway, there is real anticipation that the use of an existing feedstock, which does not take land out of food production and provides huge benefits for biodiversity, could also produce positive biogas yields. www.agbag.co.uk
CHP gas engine waste heat recovery by British Sugar British Sugar is contributing to the UK’s renewable energy generation by converting sugar beet pulp into biogas through anaerobic digestion, and then utilising the biogas in gas engines to generate electricity for export to the national grid system. Waste heat from the gas engines, in the form of hot water, is pumped from the CHP cooling system and passed through air heat exchangers. The resulting hot air is drawn through a series of Dorset belt dryers to dry the wet digestate arising from the digestion process. The complete drying process is carried out on site, ensuring minimised heat loss through insulated piping. On site drying significantly reduces the movement of vehicles in the local area, since the wet digestate is pumped directly from the digester to the dryer operation. The digestate is dried from around eight per cent DM up to a target of 85 per cent DM in the final dried digestate product. The drying plant is being installed by Dorset Green Machines and has a heat capacity usage of approximately 5 MW heat. www.dorset.nu
Surplus Christmas food waste?
Think Willen Biogas. If your business has excess Christmas food waste and your waste contractor is unable to help, call Willen Biogas on 01707 872930. ✔ Central location – A 1.5 MW AD plant just outside Enfield (North London) is an ideal location for all types of business with waste in London, Essex, Herts, Beds and Cambs ✔ Full depackaging and collection service – With exception of palletised goods, Willen handles all types of food waste and can arrange transportation/collection ✔ 24 hours’ notice – Willen can accept deliveries with as little as 24 hours’ notice
Send your Christmas food waste to Willen Last year, Willen Biogas helped numerous local businesses get rid of their surplus festive food waste. When their usual waste contractors were at full capacity or imposing high penalties for treating additional waste, Willen provided a speedy, cost-effective and green solution. “We accepted last-minute deliveries of mince pies, turkeys and other seasonal food waste and are pleased to offer the same service this year, at our state of the art AD plant just off jct25 of the M25.” Adrian Williams, Director, Willen Biogas Willen’s cost-competitive service can be used for one-off loads or longer term contracts, depending on your requirements. Contact Willen Biogas today ahead of the Christmas rush on 01707 872930
www.willenbiogas.uk www.adbioresources.org adbioresources.org
november 2016 | AD & Bioresources News
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Off-grid AD solutions
Going it alone
Future Biogas’ Rainworth Energy plant is supplying power and heat to to Center Parcs' Sherwood Forest village
Why off-grid developments may be the key to future AD growth
B
ritain’s AD industry has blossomed over the past six years. In the face of dwindling incentives, the honeymoon period may now be coming to an end, but that doesn’t mean the future for new development is completely bleak. As restricted grid connections and reduced subsidies mean there is less of an incentive for AD operators to export their power to the grid, some developers are looking closer to home to find uses for the energy and heat they produce – and are discovering that the sums add up in their favour...
Balancing the books
“Grid connection can be costly – often running into tens of thousands of pounds – and restrictive, both in terms of the time it takes to make the connection arrangements and also the capacity of the connection the operator is able to secure,” says Lucy Hopwood, Director, Lead Consultant – Bioenergy & Anaerobic Digestion, NNFCC. “The long lead time is a particularly significant factor for developers at the moment, given quarterly degressions and the FIT queue mechanism, so development delays need to be avoided wherever possible.” Relying on a timely, generous and affordable grid connection to make an AD project stack up financially is therefore a risk that not many funders are willing to take. Going ‘off-grid’ and finding a local use for the power and heat generated by an AD plant is fast becoming a more attractive option. “Finding an off-grid solution allows the developer to retain more control of the supply chain, which reduces risk and increases access to finance through more conventional funding channels, such as banks and private finance,” agrees Lucy. “It also enables the system to be scaled more appropriately – there is no pressure on the developer to build a bigger plant and source feedstock from third parties simply to justify a grid connection and power export. And this brings a further benefit in terms of planning permissions; typically, if a plant is appropriately scaled to both its inputs (ie available feedstock, without having to import from elsewhere) and outputs (ie heat or power demand on-site or locally), the local community, councillors and planners are more likely to be in favour of the development.”
developer would receive if connected to the grid. In this instance, the off-taker is receiving a reliable source of power, cheaper than their existing energy source, and cutting their carbon footprint,” concludes Matt.
A perfect partnership
This is the case for Center Parcs, which has entered into an off-grid arrangement with Future Biogas. The AD developer’s 2.2 MW Rainworth Energy plant, near Rufford in Nottinghamshire, supplies heat and power to Center Parcs’ Sherwood Forest village, via a two-kilometre gas pipe that runs from the plant to a CHP unit located in the village. This is connected to the private ring main, while a 1.5 MW district heating main has been installed to distribute the heat to the central areas of the village. “The power is used across the village and provides about 90 per cent of the total requirement,” says John Scott Kerr, Head of Business Development for Future Biogas. “The heat network provides most of the heat used in the indoor sports areas, the spas and the Subtropical Swimming Paradise. This arrangement has saved Center Parcs energy and reduced energy bills, and has also enabled the village to offset around 7,800 tonnes of CO2 per year.” Of course, it has also improved the returns for the plant, which would have failed to reach financial close without this arrangement – a win-win situation.
Where the site is right, there can be big advantages. “Off-grid sites are limited but, where they do work, they can be mutually beneficial for the developer and the site,” explains Matt Hindle, ADBA’s Head of Policy. “This can be because of particularly advantageous feedstock arrangements (for example, if a waste producer is currently paying high costs for disposal); or because a private buyer is agreeing to buy the energy produced, at a premium above what the 26
AD & Bioresources News | November 2016
www.adbioresources.org adbioresources.org
Center Parcs’ Subtropical Swimming Paradise at Sherwood Forest village is heated by the neighbouring Future Biogas AD plant
Off-grid AD solutions The Boxford Suffolk Farm plant provides heat and power for a neighbouring fruit juice factory and hotel and golf complex
But the partnership opportunities for Future Biogas’s Nottinghamshire-based plant don’t end there. The AD operator is also supplying around 200 kWh of electricity to a neighbouring chicken farm, owned by Noble Foods. In return, the farm provides chicken litter for the digester, which is combined with straw and energy crops to create an optimum AD feedstock mix.
Home-grown power
But could the heat and energy benefits of an AD plant be enjoyed a little closer to home? “Off-grid operation is particularly well-suited to sites which have access to feedstock, making themselves self-sufficient in both input and output terms, and enabling them to scale according to their own resources and requirements,” states Lucy Hopwood. “With the FIT and RHI degressing, a CHP facility really needs to be making use of its full heat output for the economics to stack up, and as heat can only be used fairly locally, an on-site or local demand is essential. However, as it’s easier to pipe gas than heat, if there isn’t an obvious on-site demand it’s worth looking within a few kilometres’ radius and considering piping biogas for conversion to heat and power at the point of need.” This was the case for Boxford Suffolk Farm, which supplies apples, pears and soft fruits to supermarkets and a neighbouring fruit juice company. Apple pomace is combined with maize as feedstock for the company’s 750 kW AD plant, built by Shaw Renewables, and a 500 kW CHP engine converts the biogas into electricity for the farm and fruit juice factory. In addition, an 1,800m pipe leads to a 250 kW CHP engine at the neighbouring Stoke-by-Nayland hotel, golf club and spa, which is also owned by the Boxford Group, providing heat and power for the facility. “This project brings real benefits and savings to the site owners,” says Andrew Shaw, Managing Director of Shaw Renewables. “Electricity is sold to the fruit juice factory, and the hotel complex is virtually self-sufficient in both heat and electricity. With the current issues around subsidies, more UK developers will need to adopt this kind of approach.”
Food for thought
As the Boxford plant’s relationship with the fruit juice factory illustrates, there is real potential for off-grid AD in the food and drink industry. “Off-grid plants are well suited to food manufacturing sites, where waste is generated during The Stoke-by-Nayland hotel complex is virtually self-sufficient in heat and electricity
the manufacturing process and can then be digested to produce heat and power for use within the process,” states Lucy Hopwood. Clearfleau’s Richard Gueterbock believes the government should be doing more to support the use of AD on such sites: “In the run-up to Brexit, it’s vital that Clearfleau’s on-site plant at Glendullan Distillery provides renewable heat for use in the whisky BEIS recognises the value of production process on-site, decentralised energy generation from renewables. Bioenergy, including on-site AD, has a key role to play in the decarbonisation of the agrifood sector,” he believes. Richard continues: “On-site plants generating energy from residues are an ideal way to deploy AD and can help develop a more circular approach to resource use. Our plants at Lake District Biogas and Glendullan Distillery are providing renewable heat for use in the cheese and whisky production process. Government should be encouraging British industry to invest in the circular economy and this should include supporting renewables on SME sites,” he adds. For distilleries the benefits are clear. Clearfleau has built two plants on Diageo sites. The first, at Dailuaine distillery, feeds biogas to a CHP/boiler combination with limited power exports. The more recent Glendullan plant just supplies biogas to a boiler on the distillery. Treating up to 1,000m3/day of dilute distillery co-products, it generates 1.2 MW thermal, replacing 25 per cent of the site’s fossil fuel consumption. It also delivers CO2 savings equivalent to over 1,000 tpa of carbon.
Just the beginning
This is a trend which seems to be growing in popularity. Clearfleau has a number of other off-grid projects in design and has just completed the first phase of a project for a vegetable processing site. Construction of the on-site AD plant is due to start in early 2017. Treating wash waters and vegetable processing residues, all power generated will be used on site, replacing some of the site’s electricity consumption and delivering CO2 savings equivalent to over 1,000 tpa of carbon. “The site was facing a constraint on its power supply due to lack of grid capacity and the AD plant will avoid the need for investment in grid capacity,” explains Richard Gueterbock. According to Lucy Hopwood, there are no real technical barriers to off-grid AD: “Sourcing appropriate, efficient, scalable technology has been difficult in the past, but there are now options available for most feedstock mixes across all scales. Private wire power supply and local heat distribution are also relatively straightforward, with significant technical improvements in district heating making this option more attractive.” However, Lucy has one note of caution: “This model only works if there is a continuous, stable and long-term demand for both the heat and power – intermittent uses are not suitable.” ADBA’s Matt Hindle agrees: “The main hurdles to off-grid AD are the counterpart risk (does the off-taker have a sustainable business?) and their demand profile (does it match the AD plant’s production?). It still needs government support – but where it can be made to work, off-grid AD is part of the solution to the pressures of falling revenue from renewable incentives.” www.futurebiogas.com www.shawrenewables.co.uk www.clearfleau.com
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UK AD & Biogas 2016 Exhibitor Preview
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Members’ News & Views Learning from experience Warwickshire farmers Channing and Sons turned to anaerobic digestion as a way of offsetting low cereal prices. Their 499 kW plant has been operating successfully for two years, but that hasn’t stopped the family from looking at ways to further improve its efficiency, as our reporter, Richard Crowhurst, recently found out...
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Channing Digester, at Brandon near Coventry, has been running successfully for two years
Channing and Sons farm around 350 hectares on the family farm at Brandon, near Coventry. Having given up dairy farming eight years ago, Alistair and Andrew Channing and their father, Jim, have since focused on arable cropping, although potato production ceased in 2014. Despite this, some of the infrastructure associated with both enterprises, such as silage and crop storage facilities, remained and it was these that first prompted the company to consider anaerobic digestion. The family contracted MT-Energie and building at Brandon began in March 2014. But in October, MT-Energie filed for insolvency, leaving the Channings with a half-finished plant and a lot of uncertainty. “One crumb of comfort was that the CHP engine, supplied by 2G, had been ordered separately and we’ve been very impressed with their maintenance and service,” says Alistair. The plant cost around £2m to develop but with the River Avon and a farm ditch both running close to the site, environmental protection was an important consideration. There is an automatic shut down system controlled
Alistair Channing believes operators can learn a lot from visiting other AD plants
via a turbidity sensor and the site had to be lowered by two metres so that the tanks would be less visible. Three additional gas boilers have been added for drying wood chip, allowing the plant to claim support under the RHI, and an additional 650 kW dryer has also been installed. This was chosen for its flexibility, as it can be used to dry digestate, allowing new markets to be explored, as well as other materials. The facility began as a 499 kW electricity plant, requiring approximately one acre of maize crop for each kW of capacity. Each of the three boilers needs an additional 80 acres of crop to power it. In total, around 800 acres of maize is grown each year, half on the farm and half by neighbouring farmers. As well as the maize silage, which forms the bulk of the 44-48 tonnes of feedstock required every day, seven tonnes of chicken manure, plus some pig slurry and grass silage, is used. “Every tonne of chicken muck saves us £25 a tonne on feedstock costs, but it does mean we need more ferric chloride and use more carbon filters. Despite that, it’s an ideal AD feedstock and accounts for around 20 per cent of our total gas output,” explains Alistair. The services of a consultant biologist are also used to ensure that optimal conditions are maintained in the digester. As well as the main digester, there is also a gas-proof digestate tank, which houses the 40m3 of digestate produced every day. Alistair points out that as some of the feedstock passes straight through the digester, being able to capture any remaining gas at this stage makes a big difference to total output. Despite having a plant which operates well, the Channings are always looking for ways to improve and tweak performance. “Ours runs very well, but I love visiting other AD plants,” says Alistair. “There’s always something new that you can consider for your own operation. For example, we may look at pasteurisation in the future and we haven’t got into recovering heat from the CHP exhaust yet, as when we started there was no incentive to use heat.” Alistair concludes: “AD technology is ever-changing and in the future we hope to be able to reduce our maize usage and increase the volume of chicken manure. Making existing plants more efficient is what it’s all about now.”
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Members’ News & Views Possible source of new antibiotics found in Muntons’ digestate
New AD plant for the West Midlands PlanET Biogas UK has been contracted as the technology provider for a 500 kW AD plant in Shropshire. The Bitterley Biogas plant near Ludlow will process around 9,000 tonnes of manure and 4,000 tons of crop-based feedstock. Plant Operator, Mark Gatehouse, said: “At full capacity the CHP plant will supply clean and renewable energy for about 1,000 households in the area. Besides this, I am really pleased to improve our farm’s fertiliser management by digesting existing agricultural residues and recycling nutrients.” The plant consists of a solid feeding container with advanced maceration technology to pre-treat longer straw fibres and a heated in-situ concrete digester. After solids separation, a pump recirculates liquids into the digester, meaning no additional water will be required. www.planet-biogas.com
Digestate could hold the key Could digestate hold the to combating the growth key to fighting superbugs? of so-called superbugs. As part of BBC Radio 4’s Inside Science programme, which aims to find sources of new antibiotics, a sample of digestate from Muntons’ AD plant was analysed. The results were enlightening, as Environment Manager, Ryland Cairns, explains: “We are committed to further advancing the knowledge surrounding the benefits of digestate and are keen to get a better understanding of its composition, whether this be related to nutrients, phytometabolites or in this particular case, novel antibiotic-producing bacteria. We were pleased to find out that our AD plant appears to produce antibiotics that could potentially be developed as a medicine in the future to combat Micrococcus and drug resistant E. coli. Due to the varying nature of AD plants and feedstock it would be great to know what is lurking inside other digesters.” www.muntons.com
GIB invests in Future Biogas project Edina awarded CHP contract at SSE Barkip Edina Group has been awarded the contract to supply and install an additional CHP biogas engine at the SSE Barkip biogas plant, one of the largest combined organic waste treatment and energy generating facilities in Scotland. The new MWM manufactured TCG 2016C V12 CHP engine will accompany the site’s existing two engines, providing an additional 600 kWe, totalling a plant power output of 2.8 MWe. The MWM CHP engine will be containerised within an acoustic enclosure at Edina’s manufacturing facility based in Lisburn, Northern Ireland and delivered in modular form to the site. Ian Farr, Sales Manager at Edina, says: “SSE Barkip makes a real difference in reducing community waste levels, which otherwise would have been sent to landfill. The plant has seeded a behavioural change in Scotland and in doing so, engaged local authorities, food manufacturers and farmers to make a real difference in combating waste and generating renewable energy.” www.edina.eu The SSE Barkip plant processes up to 75,000 tonnes of organic and food waste per year
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Future Biogas is to develop and operate a new multi-million pound AD plant in Nottinghamshire, generating 16,300 MWh of renewable electricity each year, enough to power nearly 4,000 households. The 2.2 MW facility at Stud Farm in Rufford will process poultry litter, straw and other agricultural feedstock from adjacent farms and will also generate 16,000 tpa of digestate for use on local land. The Foresight-managed Recycling and Waste LP (RAW) Fund, in which Green Investment Bank plc is a cornerstone investor, has committed £6.6m to the project, with SQN Asset Finance Income Fund matching that sum to take the total investment in the project to £13.2m. www.futurebiogas.com See feature, Off-grid AD, p26
Two new plants complete a busy year for Agrivert Agrivert has successfully completed G59 (first electricity supply to grid) at its two latest AD facilities, securing their tariffs for the next 20 years. The two new plants in South Wales and North London take the number of food waste facilities operated by Agrivert to five, increasing the company’s Agrivert’s operations now span total food waste recycling capacity to Hertfordshire, London and the South 250,000 tpa. This was a particularly East, Oxfordshire and South Wales complex year for Agrivert as the company simultaneously delivered the construction of these two facilities alongside the build of a second AD plant for Severn Trent Water (having built Severn Trent’s first food waste AD facility at Coleshill in 2014). Recent changes to government policy meant that all three facilities were under pressure to complete construction and achieve G59 in record time, in order to secure the Feed-in Tariff. www.agrivert.co.uk
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Members’ News & Views Biogen opens £13m Merevale plant Biogen has just opened its seventh plant, a 2.7 MW food waste facility at Merevale in Warwickshire. We sent our reporter, Ben Pike, along to the official opening. Biogen’s new 2.7 MW AD plant in Warwickshire is a microcosm of how the energy industry has changed in the past 150 years. Nestled in to the side of a valley near Atherstone, the Merevale facility produces electricity and biofertiliser from food waste where 600 men used to mine for coal. Touring the site, Biogen’s Chief Executive, Julian O’Neill, explained how the £13m investment not only replaced fossil fuel-derived electricity, but also how the company has designed the plant with flexibility in mind. “The two digesters we have can handle up to 45,000 tpa of food waste, from predominantly commercial sources with some domestic waste, but we have the capability to put in another digester, which would take us up to 70,000 tpa capacity,” he revealed. Inside the plant there’s a feeling of quiet efficiency. A high-tech control room is decorated with screens designed to feed information out to the site’s eight employees. Remote monitoring allows for headcount to be kept to a minimum, and for Biogen to spread resources across its six other sites. It’s a business that now produces 100 GW per year, diverting 250,000 tpa of food waste from landfill. About 20 trucks arrive every day to tip in the huge bay at the centre of the site. At the other end of the cycle there’s 25,000 tonnes of storage for
PAS 110-accredited digestate, which is predominantly spread on the Merevale Estate’s agricultural land within a five-mile radius. “We effectively give the digestate away at the moment. But in the past two years we’ve had farmers saying they want more of it. That’s just starting to move now and could be a useful addition to the business in the future,” added Julian.
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L-R: John Ibbett, Chairman of Biogen; Lord Plumb; and Julian O’Neill, Chief Executive of Biogen, at the opening of the Merevale plant
Lord Henry Plumb, former President of the European Parliament and National Farmers’ Union, officially opened the plant in September, and enthused: “It’s a thrill as a local lad who used to see the miners come out of the coal mines to see the change that has taken place here over all these years. It’s fascinating to think that 600 men were digging coal from under the site of the plant where eight men are now producing energy from the products of waste, which would otherwise be going to landfill.” www.biogen.co.uk
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R&I Update The future of gas storage
For information and advice on our R&I activities, contact our Market Analyst, Ollie More T +44 (0)203 567 0751 E ollie.more@adbioresources.org producers already suffer from restrictions on supplying biomethane to the low pressure networks in the winter months, and these restrictions are a microcosm of the issues the biomethane industry will collectively face as its scale increases. Initiatives such as National Gridâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Project CLoCC, which is focusing on low cost connections to the high pressure network, are an excellent start in this area but there appears to be little discussion of long term gas storage at national or regional level. The government believes that imports, and potentially domestic shale gas, will provide the diversity of supply that reduces the need for storage. But this solution will not allow the UK to decarbonise its gas network.
British Gas parent company, Centrica, has been forced to shut down its Rough gas storage facility, off the east coast of Yorkshire. This caused a single day, five per cent increase in the wholesale price of gas and highlighted the importance of the facility, which accounts for 70 per cent of UK gas storage capacity (35 TWh). It also demonstrated the growing importance of gas storage to the UK energy system, which could become even more important with falling North Sea gas reserves, or if methane for transport develops. Current UK gas use is highly related to the temperature, with gas demand in the first quarter of each year being 3-4 times that of the third quarter. With AD in most cases producing methane on a continuous basis, gas storage will be an important part of biomethane-to-grid reaching its full potential. Many biomethane
We need a renewed focus on the type of storage that is needed, whether it be under the sea bed or in underground salt caverns. Will there be times during the summer when solar will produce so much power that biomethane producers can use free midday electricity to compress or liquefy biomethane for storage? Or even to electrolyse water and use the hydrogen to create additional methane? Whatever the future holds, when government considers what new industries to develop, it should start from the assumption that it will need to decarbonise gas, rather than looking towards new fossil fuel industries that are incompatible with its long term commitments. See feature, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;AD in the energy mixâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, p8
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ADBA R&I Forum 2017 Preview from the big picture to the smallest microbe We’re busy finalising speakers for our annual ADBA Research and Innovation (R&I) Forum, taking place 28-29 March 2017 at The Building Centre, London. The event will bring together researchers, innovators and policy makers to discuss how research is transforming the sector and what future priorities should be. What made this year’s event in York so fantastic was the number of operators – including those operating single AD plants – engaging with the academic community and working together to develop new ideas and technologies. So, in line with feedback from last year, the 2017 event will leave plenty of time for panellist and audience debate at the end of each session, with each speaker also having at least twenty minutes to talk about their research. With the £1.5bn Global Challenges Research Fund now a five-year government programme, the role AD can play in supporting sustainable agricultural systems in developing countries will be one of the topics for discussion. Also on the agenda is what is the long term role of AD? Should it be an energy generation technology first, and a waste management technology second?
Or the other way around? Or, as many scientists believe, a bioproducts technology? What does the science tell us? We look forward to seeing you there and debating the answers to these questions and more. For the latest speaker information or to reserve your place, go to adbioresources.org/events
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Policy FIT and RHI degressions confirmed
The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) has confirmed Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) tariff degressions for biogas heat and biomethane, affecting plants commissioning from 1 October 2016. The table below shows the degression percentage and the new tariffs: 1 July-30 Sept tariff (p/kWh) Degression percentage 1 Oct-30 Dec tariff (p/kWh) Biomethane up to 40,000 MWh 4.55 5% 4.32 Biomethane 40-80,000 MWh 2.67 5% 2.54 Biomethane 80,000 MWh+ 2.06 5% 1.96 Biogas heat <200 kWth 5.90 25% 4.43 Biogas heat 200-599 kWth 4.63 25% 3.47 Biogas heat 600 kWth+ 1.73 25% 1.30 At the time of writing, the government’s response to the consultation on the future of the RHI, detailing scheme rules for 2017 onwards, has not been published. ADBA has continued to meet BEIS officials and push the case for renewed support for both biomethane and biogas heat, and supportive regulatory changes that will allow the industry to develop. Payments under the Feed-in Tariff (FIT) are continuing to fall as a result of the existing degression mechanism. For plants applying for preliminary accreditation or full accreditation, the tariffs are as follows:
1 July-30 Sept tariff (p/kWh) Degression percentage 1 Oct-31 Dec tariff (p/kWh) ≤250 kW 7.39 10% 6.65 >250-500 kW 6.82 10% 6.14 >500-5,000 kW 7.03 10% 6.33 In mid-October, the total capacity applied for (including preliminary and full applications) was 27.104 MW. This means that the first five tariff periods of FIT capacity have been applied for. However, most of these applications have not yet been approved and will not be confirmed until the quarter for which they qualify. New applications are still welcome but will be ‘queued’ for the start of the third 2017 tariff period, unless applicants in the queue withdraw their applications – something which BEIS and Ofgem encourage.
New framework calls for separate food waste collections
FWRAP work continues apace
In September, the Framework for Greater Consistency in Household Recycling for England was launched, encouraging a more consistent approach to goods and packaging recycling, and separate food waste collections. The Framework presents the case for consistent food waste collections for households and their role in improving recycling rates and providing a high quality service.
Following its launch at UK AD & Biogas 2016, work towards the Food Waste Recycling Action Plan continues. The Action Plan invites practical, industry-led actions that help operators of food waste treatment plants secure the future growth of feedstock. It aims to enable food waste collectors to maximise the amount of food waste collected so that collections can be delivered as cost effectively as possible.
Responding to the launch of the Framework, Charlotte Morton, ADBA’s Chief Executive, said: “Food waste in England is a hugely valuable resource and an opportunity which is still largely untapped. Separate collections help meet the aim of reducing waste arising, while making the most of unavoidable waste by recycling it through anaerobic digestion into much needed biogas and biofertiliser. ADBA is delighted to have participated in the steering group on the case for greater consistency in household recycling from its inception. The AD industry is particularly pleased that the value of food waste has been recognised by the inclusion of separate collections in all three options for councils going forward, and our members look forward to working with local authorities to turn this vision into reality. Defra, WRAP and the other organisations involved should all be congratulated for their part in bringing forward the Framework. As the business case makes clear, separate food waste collections require investment but are vital to improving recycling rates in a cost-effective way.” 34
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ADBA is leading on two actions to help support the food waste recycling sector, namely: 1. Promote food waste recycling and share practical tools, such as WRAP’s Business Waste Performance and Cost Calculator. 2. Provide food waste processors with practical industry guidance on contamination, and accepting and treating polyethylene (PE) and compostable liners as part of household food waste collections. This work will help ensure that the use of caddy liners (both PE and compostable) does not limit the ability of food waste processors to access existing end markets (eg agriculture), whilst exploring access to new ones. Working with partners, we will produce a document that can be downloaded and used by waste producers/councils, food waste collectors and AD plants.
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Policy Heat Network Investment Project launches pilot scheme Last November, the government announced over £300m of funding for heat networks over the next five years. A pilot scheme is now being launched for applications from local authorities and other public sector bodies, with a budget of £39m, split across 2016/17 and 2017/18. Over the summer, BEIS sought the views of current and potential heat network sponsors, investors, supply chain, and other stakeholders on how best to use the capital support funding to overcome barriers to investment in heat networks and increase heat network deployment rates. ADBA responded to make the case for support for networks based on CHP heat and private gas connections.
For up to the minute information and advice on regulations, consultations and government news, contact our Head of Policy, Matt Hindle T +44 (0)203 176 0591 E matt.hindle@adbioresources.org
Get involved To read BEIS’s response to the consultation, go to http://bit.ly/2efuzPi To read initial guidance for the scheme, go to http://bit.ly/2ekkov9 The registration portal for Salix Finance, who is administering the scheme, is available at https://hnip.salixfinance.co.uk/
Scheme eligibility Any networks providing heating and/or cooling, and those that also generate electricity and meet the definition set out in the Heat Networks (Metering and Billing) Regulations 2014, will be eligible to apply for Heat Network Investment Project (HNIP) pilot funding. The Regulations specify that networks must meet one of the following heat source requirements: • 75 per cent of heat from non-renewable fuelled CHP; • 50 per cent of heat from a renewable source; • 50 per cent recovered heat; or • 50 per cent of heat from any combination of renewable/recovered heat and non-renewable fuelled CHP. Eligible investment costs include the building of new heat networks (generation, distribution and customer supply), as well as heat network expansions, refurbishment, or the interconnection of existing networks where additional carbon savings can be demonstrated. Commercialisation phase costs that will be capitalised are also eligible, as are works to access recoverable heat and the upgrading of heating and hot water systems in some existing buildings. Importantly for AD operators, applicants will not be able to apply for RHI and HNIP funding for the same cost elements (ie generation). However, an applicant could apply for RHI to support their energy generation and HNIP to support the rest of the eligible heat network costs (ie delivery).
Additional pilot scheme eligibility Only public sector organisations in England and Wales, except central government Departments, are eligible to apply directly for capital support in the pilot scheme. It is, however, anticipated that in some circumstances this money will be invested into either a public sector controlled or private sector controlled entity; often referred to as a ‘Special Purpose Vehicle’ or SPV. Once set up, the SPV would be able to apply for a loan or grant to develop the heat network. Eligible commercial structures are: • Wholly public sector owned heat network, operated as part of the public entity – can apply directly for support. • Wholly public sector owned heat network, managed through a separate public sector special purpose vehicle (SPV) – the public sector owner of the SPV can apply directly for support. • Public sector controlled heat network, managed through a separate SPV in partnership with the private sector – the public sector partner can apply directly for support. • Private sector heat network – the public sector entity can apply directly for support and invest in a majority or wholly private sector owned heat network. • In each instance, the public element would need to function as the ‘initiator' (heat network sponsor).
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Best Practice Matters / Operator & Working Groups Full scheme ahead!
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
I am delighted to say that we are now proceeding to the second phase of our Best Practice Scheme project. This will involve building upon the checklist guides published in July 2016 to develop an independently accredited certification process, and we are looking forward to working with all industry stakeholders to achieve this. As we move forward, it is important to keep reminding ourselves of exactly what we are trying to achieve through this work. The overall aim is to support the whole AD industry to improve environmental, safety and operational performance, in such a manner that delivers increased operational efficiencies, lower insurance costs and practical help with navigating the complex regulatory framework. We are certainly not trying to create a ‘gold-plated’ scheme, as that would benefit no-one. Alongside industry partners, we are striving to create a scheme that benefits all operators, from smaller on-farm sites through to large scale food waste plants; to do this we must fully understand the needs and priorities of all stakeholders. To this end, there will be plenty of opportunities to contribute your views over the next year, including via our existing operator and working groups, and by attending stakeholder meetings and ADBA events. We will also be happy to speak to individuals or organisations directly – please do get in touch with me via the contact details above.
We are planning to define the scope of the certification scheme over the coming months and would particularly like to receive views on this. At present, we anticipate that the scheme will be targeted at individual plants but we will discuss this with operators and other stakeholders. We are hoping to be in a position to launch a pilot scheme by July 2017 – a challenging deadline, but with the support of the industry we believe this is achievable.
Operator & Working Groups Training and Safety Group to focus on odour As we announced last issue, our Training, Safety and Environment Working Group has a new chair in David Woolgar, Director of Technology at Biogen. The group met in late October to discuss priorities for the year ahead, including its role in supporting ADBA’s Best Practice Scheme and the revision of the Practical Guide to AD.
The Food Waste, Crop and Farm Operator Groups, supported by ADBA, are continuing to play a key role in supporting the development of our Best Practice Scheme. Following the publication of three checklists, the steering group has continued the development of the scheme by exploring the options for certification (see Jess’s column above).
Having produced the industry-led guidance on secondary containment earlier this year, the group’s next focus is to support the industry on issues around odour control. The Environment Agency continues to focus on odour and emissions to air, which are responsible for a high proportion of the environmental incidents recorded against AD plants, and this has also been an important area of debate during the revision of the Waste Treatment BREF. It is therefore important that the industry has a common, agreed approach, as well as the tools to challenge requirements where necessary. The group will take a similar approach to developing odour control guidance as it took to secondary containment. It will look to signpost existing standards and guidance, and help operators by providing a simple risk assessment tool to assess and demonstrate what is appropriate on a particular site. Once finalised and tested, the guidance will ultimately be another tool to use under ADBA’s wider Best Practice Scheme. For more information, or to get involved, please contact jessica.allan@adbioresources.org
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Operator Groups support ADBA’s Best Practice Scheme
At this stage, it is crucial that we understand how the Scheme can be most effective in supporting operators to reduce the regulatory burden, manage risks and reduce insurance premiums. Feedback from plant operators has been essential, both through discussions at meetings and from information shared by email. Getting involved in Best Practice Scheme development also helps to manage industry-wide risks, including the risk of greater regulatory attention in general, and the public perception of anaerobic digestion.
Get involved We will continue to use the groups to share developments on the scheme and get your feedback – so if you’re not currently involved, please get in touch. All operator groups are open to both ADBA members and non-members. For more information about ADBA’s Best Practice Scheme, please contact jessica.allan@adbioresources.org For more information about the operator groups, please contact alex.monks@adbioresources.org
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Government & Agency News WRAP explores impact of herbicides in digestate The detection of herbicides in digestate is the subject of new research published by WRAP. The report ‘Detecting persistent herbicides in anaerobic digestion’ examines what happens to persistent herbicides in wet, mesophilic anaerobic digestion systems and suggests that the risk of herbicide residues in crops and manures being transferred via AD to sensitive crops is none-to-low. Nonetheless, the research highlights the importance of agricultural herbicide users following product instructions for the disposal of treated plant residues and manures. To read the full report go to http://bit.ly/2cKn5TK www.wrap.org.uk
UK funding available for overseas agri-tech innovations
Waste in Westminster Our Head of Policy, Matt Hindle, reports on the latest waste news from Parliament
The issue of food waste is back on the table Waste has been back ADBA members are continuing to host local on the agenda in MP visits. In October, Liz Truss MP visited the Westminster. WRAP’s Future Biogas site at Methwold, Suffolk Framework for Greater Consistency in Household Recycling for England (see ADBA News, p5) was launched in September, despite the work’s originator – former Defra Resources Minister Rory Stewart MP – being replaced by Thérèse Coffey MP in the new government. The opposition, too, has spotted the opportunity that food waste provides: shadow Environment Secretary Rachael Maskell MP called for legislation to require councils to offer separate collections. While the Framework does not go as far as Maskell or ADBA would like in terms of setting clear regulatory requirements and providing more support for councils and businesses to separate food, it is an important step for an issue which has been ignored for too long. It is important that we now build on this – and the Food Waste Recycling Action Plan published earlier in the year – to get the support we need for existing operators and future development.
Funding opportunities are available from the government’s Agri-Tech programme, which could be suitable for UK-based AD developers and operators. The aim of the competition is to increase the pace and uptake of agricultural innovation by farmers in developing countries to create: • a sustained reduction of poverty and hunger for smallholder farmers; • a sustainable intensification in developing country agriculture; • improvements in human health and diversity in diets and nutrition; • a positive impact on rural income and food security; • opportunities for trade in agricultural products. The project costs should fall into the following categories: • £150,000 to £400,000 for early-stage technical feasibility studies, lasting 12-18 months; • up to £1.5m for industrial research, lasting up to three years; • up to £800,000 for late-stage experimental development, lasting 12-18 months. The deadline for the expression of interest stage of the industrial research award category has now passed, but interested parties still have until 25 January 2017 for the full-stage registration deadline for the early and late-stage awards. For further information, go to http://bit.ly/29PdVrf
Public attention around food waste has been increasing, too – not least with the London Evening Standard’s campaign on food waste in the capital. We were delighted to be able to invite the paper’s Campaigns Editor, David Cohen, to see the AD process for himself, and understand how recycling, reduction and redistribution go hand in hand.
Digestate use in horticulture Reports looking at trialling the use of digestate in horticultural applications and an accompanying literature review have recently been published on the WRAP website. Four trials of the use of digestate in a range of applications in protected horticulture along with a separate literature review, ‘Digestate use in protected horticulture’, were conducted. These included: • as an addition to wood/bark chips to create viable growing media blends; • as a liquid feed for containerised strawberry production; • in soil-less hydroponic trials; • use of the fibre in container composts. The results show that there is early promise for the continued investigation of the use of quality digestate in horticultural applications. For more information, go to www.wrap.org.uk/content/quality-compost-0
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Upcoming Events
8 dec 2016
ADBA National Conference 2016: New Opportunities in a Changing World One Great George Street, London
15 feb 2017
28-29 Mar 2017
ADBA Scottish National Conference Radisson Blu Hotel Glasgow
ADBA Research & Innovation Forum 2017 The Building Centre, London
5 Jul 2017
The first ever ADBA Scottish National Conference will demonstrate the potential of AD in Scotland and its contribution to Scottish business and farming, discuss the implications of policy and regulatory changes, Brexit and Scottish Independence, as well as opportunities to grow Scottish AD and improve efficiency through Best Practice. adbioresources.org
Our seventh Research & Innovation Forum will bring together the AD industry, academia and the public sector to learn and discuss the latest developments in AD research and innovation, and discover how R&I can help deliver the global potential of AD. adbioresources.org See p33 for full R&I Forum preview.
UK AD & Biogas returns in 2017 to showcase the latest AD technology and services from exhibitors from across the globe, all under one roof. This free event includes a two-day exhibition, two-day conference, seminar sessions, one-to-one advice clinics and R&I Hub. adbioresources.org
UK AD & Biogas 2017 5-6 Jul 2017
In light of the UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s changing relationship with the world and the priorities of a new government, the ADBA National Conference is perfectly timed to review the progress of the AD industry and assess future opportunities. It is a chance for the industry to meet and discuss the drivers for change with politicians, policy makers and business leaders, and see how these will impact the sector. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also where you can hear about new research and innovation proposals which aim to put the UK at the heart of a global AD industry, providing opportunities for existing plants and expanding the potential of the industry around the world. adbioresources.org See p20 for full National Conference preview.
NEC Birmingham
AD & Biogas Industry Awards 2017 The Vox Conference Centre, Birmingham
Our annual black-tie industry awards ceremony will once again reward AD innovation and achievement from the past 12 months and simultaneously raise the profile and highlight the benefits of AD, both in the UK and globally. Including a drinks reception, three-course dinner with wine and entertainment, this event is also an excellent networking opportunity. adbioresources.org
Third Party Events 9-10 Nov 2016
Farm Business Innovation 2016 NEC Birmingham
Energy Now Expo 2017 8-9 Feb 2017
Farm Business Innovation is designed to provide you with the inspiration, advice and resources you need to innovate, diversify and make more money from your land. www.farmbusinessshow.co.uk
Telford International Centre, Shropshire
The Energy Now Expo provides visitors with the knowledge they need to diversify into renewable energy and maximise the returns from the resources at their disposal, such as land, waterways, wood, crops or waste streams. www.energynowexpo.co.uk
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Membership Matters Stronger together We are now a month into the 2016/17 membership year, which started on 1 October. The renewals period has been busy for the membership department and I would like to thank every single one of our members for their continued support of ADBA. No matter where you fit in the AD industry, every member is important and we rely on your membership to keep providing our services and events throughout the year. This next year is likely to be one of the most difficult for the industry and I would like to remind all members that the ADBA team is always available to help with any issues or questions you may have. Carrying on my usual theme of member visits, I was lucky enough to be invited to the official opening of the Biogen plant at Merevale. It was great to see how experience had influenced the design of their newest plant, which you can read more about on p31. I have also spent a day visiting members in my native East Anglia and was really pleased to see how many new projects have been commissioned since I moved to London – and I’m sure the fresh air did me the world of good! One of plants I visited was the Ellough gas to grid facility, to which I was invited by members Privilege Finance to be part of the official opening ceremony (pictured right).
Our Membership Development Manager, Alex Monks, reports on the front-line issues affecting ADBA members. To invite Alex to visit your business or find out how to make the most of your membership, contact: T +44 (0)203 176 5418 E alex.monks@adbioresources.org
Official opening of Ellough gas to grid plant
I’ve been visiting as many members as I can but I know there are some of you I am yet to meet. As usual, we will be holding our National Conference in Westminster on 8 December and with lots to discuss I am looking forward to catching up with many of you there. This year, we will also be holding a Scottish National Conference and a Northern Ireland Conference, so do come and say hello if you see me at these, any ADBA or any external events.
Top 5 Reasons to Join ADBA: 1. Access top market research 2. Get support from the ADBA Policy Team 3. Receive regular updates on policy & regulatory news
4. Get noticed through member-only promotional opportunities 5. Network at AD-specific member-only events
Join Now
If you are interested in finding out more about ADBA membership, please contact Alex Monks +44 (0)203 176 5418 alex.monks@adbioresources.org 40
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Membership Matters
Safety First Plan ahead to reduce AD fire risks On 1 September 2016, we attended a fire at an AD plant in West Yorkshire. The fire involved one building; the engine shed, which measured approximately 15mx10m, with block walls and a corrugated sheet roof. The building and associated equipment were substantially damaged by fire, resulting in a large monetary loss. An in-depth fire investigation found that the fire started in the activated carbon filtration cylinder that was external, but adjacent to, the engine shed. (Devon Fire and Rescue Service attended a fire at an AD plant in August 2017, which also started within the activated carbon filter.) Contractors had removed the inlet and outlet pipework to the filter the previous day, allowing the ingress of fresh oxygenated air into the carbon filter. CCTV footage showed smoke issuing from the outlet of the filter at approximately 18:00 on 31 August, meaning the fire started in the carbon filter due to self-heating of the activated carbon. The upper section of the brick walls was timber clad and the fire spread to the timber cladding and then involved the whole building. West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service has a proactive risk information gathering policy, and local fire crews had visited the plant two weeks before the fire to gather relevant risk information. This process serves two purposes: firstly, it assists the first attending crews, protecting the safety of the on scene firefighters. Secondly, the attending fire crews have an understanding of
By Lee Miller, Watch Manager, Fire Investigation Unit, West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service the processes within the plant and the consequences of any actions. In this instance, crews were aware of the location of the gasbag and quickly put firefighting jets in place to protect that structure. The on-site manager provided valuable information about potential hazards relating to the engine shed and surrounding buildings. If a responsible person had not been on site and a local fire crew had not visited prior to the incident, then firefighters would have had very little knowledge of the risks and processes involved with an AD plant. I would encourage site operators to have a detailed operation response plan available for attending emergency services, and to communicate with their local fire service and ensure that it has visited the site, so that any potential incidents are dealt with in the safest way possible.
sales@acp-concrete.co.uk www.acp-concrete.co.uk www.adbioresources.org adbioresources.org
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Membership Matters Welcome new ADBA members! Biogas Group Ltd Byosis Group BV ENER-G Bio Ltd R J Upton Trading Snowdon Energy Ltd Technical Control Solutions Tropical Power
Huesker
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
Regulatory Forum Review: Compliance matters
Strategic Adviser, Chris Huhne E chris.huhne@adbioresources.org Head of Policy, Matt Hindle T +44 (0)203 176 0591 E matt.hindle@adbioresources.org Policy Officer, Thom Koller T +44 (0)203 176 0592 E thom.koller@adbioresources.org Market Analyst, Ollie More T +44 (0)203 567 0751 E ollie.more@adbioresources.org Market Analyst, Emma Thomas T +44 (0)203 735 8118 E emma.thomas@adbioresources.org Environment and Regulation Manager, Jess Allan T +44 (0)203 735 8380 E jessica.allan@adbioresources.org Director of Membership Services, Huw Harries T +44 (0)203 176 5441 E huw.harries@adbioresources.org Membership Development Manager, Alex Monks T +44 (0)203 176 5418 E alex.monks@adbioresources.org Sales Executive, Yerma Parra T +44 (0)203 567 0769 E yerma.parra@adbioresources.org Sales Executive, Jules Martin T +44 (0)203 176 5416 E jules.martin@adbioresources.org Senior Events Manager, Gayle Brandon Kirby T +44 (0)203 176 5440 E gayle.brandonkirby@adbioresources.org Marketing Manager, Vera Gerson T +44 (0)203 176 0590 E vera.gerson@adbioresources.org Marketing Manager, Christopher Tapp T +44 (0)203 176 5417 E christopher.tapp@adbioresources.org
We were delighted to see so many of our members at our most recent Regulatory Forum, which took place on 4 October at the offices of Walker Morris, where the latest compliance, safety and environmental management issues were discussed. We heard from the Environment Agency’s Nick Green, who gave an overview of a project he has recently been involved in that audited the environmental management systems in place at AD plants. We were also pleased to welcome Fiona Donaldson from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency; Fiona provided an update on SEPA’s proposed changes to the end of waste position for digestate in Scotland, which involves introducing stricter limits on plastic contamination. It was great to hear both Nick and Fiona emphasise the importance of regulators working positively with industry to achieve the ultimate aim: environmental protection. The programme included two hot topics – lightning and fire. Robin Earl from DEHN UK (pictured) shared his knowledge of lightning protection, and Lee Miller from the West Yorkshire Fire Service spoke about fire prevention and response. Lee encouraged AD operators to engage with their local fire service to ensure that they are aware of the site’s activities and therefore able to respond to any incidents effectively (see p41 for Lee’s Safety First column). We also heard from Biogen’s David Woolgar, the new chair of our Training, Safety and Environment Working Group. David began by paying tribute to the excellent leadership of the group’s previous chair, Terry Brownhill, before 42
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Event Producer, Desiree De Cecchis T +44 (0)203 176 4415 E desiree.dececchis@adbioresources.org Market Research Analyst, Sarika Jain E sarika.jain@adbioresources.org Accountant, Amy Pritchard T +44 (0)203 176 6962 E amy.pritchard@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 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
outlining the priorities going forward. And Ben Sheppard of Walker Morris presented his take on the UK’s exit from the European Union, as well as considering the challenges and opportunities that may arise regarding food waste policy and regulation in the UK. Attendees also participated in a group discussion about the Best Practice Scheme – see Jess’ column on p36 for the latest on this project. The next Regulatory Forum will be held in spring 2017; please keep an eye on our website (adbioresources.org) for the latest venue and speaker details.
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Exhibitor Profiles
info@hrs-he.com www.adbioresources.org adbioresources.org
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