ad&bioresources news the uk anaerobic digestion...

www.adbioresources.org

News THE UK ANAEROBIC DIGESTION & BIORESOURCES

TRADE ASSOCIATION’S BI-MONTHLY MAGAZINE

ADBA loBBies for Better fit support

oDour coNtrol

uK AD & BiogAs 2016 highlights

lightNiNg protectioN

Issue 33 SEpTEMBER 2016

AD&BIORESOURCESadbioresources.org

the wAter compANies gettiNg A Boost

from BiogAs

www.adbioresources.orgadbioresources.org2 AD & Bioresources News | septemBer 2016

www.balmoraltanks.com

[email protected]

www.adbioresources.orgadbioresources.org 3september 2016 | AD & bioresources News

Foreword

i t is eight years since the government ministries responsible for business and energy were one and the same. The old Department for Business, enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BeRR) had its responsibility for energy policy removed on the creation of DeCC in 2008. Now it has returned, with ‘energy’ promoted

to the Department’s title alongside ‘Business’ and a previously unfashionable phrase, ‘Industrial strategy’ – all of which have been hived together as BeIs.

The loss of the words ‘Climate Change’ from the title of a government department was received cautiously by most environmental and renewable energy groups. It is difficult to see it as a positive sign, and perhaps more impactful still is the loss of an institutional voice for environmental and climate issues alongside Defra at the Cabinet table.

Departmental changes cause uncertainty but, like a new government in general, they also offer opportunities. We know that as the uK develops a world class AD industry, global opportunities will follow. ADBA members now have access to international market reports alongside our uK market information, which showcase some of the most interesting places for AD development.

Our job now is to work together to show the scale of the opportunity in the uK and abroad, and how that can be delivered. Providing up to 30 per cent of the uK’s domestic gas demand is a huge contribution – and KPMG showed earlier this year that delivering heat through biomethane and ‘continuing to use the gas network, offers significant savings versus alternative heating sources’. Combine that with the need for on-farm AD and food waste collections to meet our carbon budgets and it’s clear that AD is a necessity, not a nice-to-have.

While it will take some time for the uK’s relationship with europe, and therefore european directives, to become clear we know that our own Climate Change Act remains a guiding piece of legislation. For our sector, the RHI should provide opportunities for future growth, and the RTFO may, too. But with electricity incentives heavily degressed and constrained, it’s up to us all to campaign for AD support – whatever the departments are called.

leArNiNg ABout the Berrs AND the Beis

iNsiDe this issue >Foreword: 3

ADBA News: 4-5

Operator & Working Groups: 6

Best practice Matters: 7

Regions: 8

Feature: AD in the water industry: 10-14

Advice Clinic: Feedstock procurement: 16

Technology Focus: Odour control: 19-21

AD & Biogas Industry Awards 2016 Review: 23-25

UK AD & Biogas 2016 Review: 26-27

UK AD & Biogas 2016 Exhibitor Highlights: 28-29

Green Gas Trading: 31

Members’ News and Views: 32-33

policy: 34-35

R&I Update: 36

Government & Agency News: 37

Upcoming Events: 39

Membership Matters: 40-42

By Charlotte Morton, Chief Executive, ADBA

eDitoriAl: To be considered for inclusion in a future issue contact: editor: Kate O’Reilly T +44 (0)7894 039609 e [email protected]

AD&Bioresources News feAturesFeatures planned for Issue 34 (November) include:• AD as part of the community energy mix• Technology Focus: pre-treatment technology• ADBA National Conference 2016 previewCopy deadline: 16 Sept

spoNsorship AND ADvertisiNg: Neill Wightman, events and sponsorship Manager T +44 (0)203 176 4414 e [email protected]

adbioresources.org

Cover image: Northumbrian Water Group


ADBA News

whAt A DiffereNce A yeAr mAKesBy Matt Hindle, ADBA’s Head of policy

fooD wAste recycliNg ActioN plAN is lAuNcheDuK AD & Biogas 2016 saw the launch of the Food Waste Recycling Action Plan, a collaborative project between government, WRAP, trade associations, AD operators and local authorities. It sets out a series of practical actions to help increase the capture and recycling of food waste which cannot be eaten and offers 16 practical steps industry can take to ‘make food waste recycling easier and more cost effective’. We will continue to work with partners to deliver the actions it sets out.

To download the Action Plan go to: http://bit.ly/2b6mrke

sluDge BustersWe have joined an Ofwat working group on the regulator's Water 2020 vision, a large part of which centres on the development of 'new markets in bioresources', including changes to sludge treatment regimes. Ofwat aims to encourage third parties to provide sludge treatment services on behalf of water companies, and to encourage trading in bioresources.

The initial meeting highlighted some of the differences between the regulation of the water and waste industries, with waste generally having a lighter touch approach. There seemed to be consensus that having different regulation does present significant challenges for the co-treatment of sludge with other organic wastes. However, as well as regulatory challenges, there are practical ones too, such as differences in grit levels.

The environment Agency facilitated several parts of the meeting and they will be taking away the points raised. We will keep members updated with developments and with any opportunities for industry to provide input.See feature, ‘AD in the water industry’, p10

Twelve months ago, both the uK’s political landscape and the AD industry looked very different. summer 2016 was a rumoured date for a referendum on membership of the eu, but would not be confirmed until February. The shock of the removal of pre-accreditation to the Feed-in Tariff had hit us, but the full scale of restrictions to support was not yet clear. And the Renewable Heat Incentive budget would not be announced until later in the autumn.

The industry’s progress, as set out in the latest ADBA Market Report, has continued to astound given the challenges involved in developing new sites. Those challenges sometimes make it feel like our industry is fighting a lone battle – but there has been some important progress over the past year:

• A new RHI budget, and a commitment within it to biomethane as a strategically important technology;

• The Food Waste Recycling Action Plan, and increased interest from Westminster in food waste policy;

• The restoration of FIT pre-accreditation, albeit against a heavily constrained budget;

• An ‘optional harmonisation’ approach to digestate legislation from the european Commission, which would safeguard uK operators’ use of PAs 110 irrespective of our relationship with the eu.

As the industry has continued to grow, this has also been a year when we have matured – demonstrating what we can do when we work together and take responsibility for ourselves. ADBA’s Best Practice scheme (BPs) was widely welcomed by the regulators, but is really designed to help operators demonstrate compliance and reduce costs and risks. As we continue to develop the scheme over the next year we’ll be looking for input and feedback from members to make sure it works for you.

Our leading AD Market Report – which like the Food Waste Recycling Action Plan and the BPs checklists was launched at uK AD & Biogas 2016 – provides all the information you need about plants operating in the uK and

those in development. We are making our detailed database of operational and planned AD plants even more accessible, making it easier to find the information you need.

showing the scale of our industry, what we’re already doing, and what we can achieve with the right support remains vital. Building on our hugely successful Parliamentary Reception in March, we will continue to work with members to ensure that politicians across the country understand what AD is doing in their constituency, across the uK and around the world.

As the industry trade association, we see supporting innovation and improvement as core goals. Through our events and publications, we aim to connect industry and academia as closely as possible, and help operators unlock the research and support that will help you make the most of your assets. expanding our potential and impact helps win support, too – in the new political world we need to shout louder and clearer than ever about everything we can do.


ADBA News

ADBA pushes for greAter oN-fArm AD supportADBA is continuing to campaign for better support for on-farm AD. In a meeting with the Defra minister in July, we set out what had been achieved to date: over 200 plants on farms, supporting the agricultural sector and delivering carbon savings, recycling nutrients, and helping with manure management, alongside delivering clean energy. We emphasised that this has largely been delivered by the Feed-in Tariff, which is now heavily reduced and constrained. Representatives from the NFu and CLA provided the minister with clear context around the role of AD in farming and what it can deliver, and ourselves and ReA urged the need to join up policy across different sectors to deliver further growth in AD.

Following the european union referendum and subsequent ministerial changes, Thérèse Coffey MP has now assumed the position of Parliamentary under secretary of state for Defra. The new minister will clearly come with her own set of priorities, but is aware of the AD industry, having attended ADBA’s Parliamentary Reception in March 2016. For the industry to flourish, we need better recognition of the non-energy benefits of on-farm and on-site biogas, and we will continue to make this case to government.

sustAiNABility criteriA reportiNg coNcerNs rAiseD with ofgemFollowing discussions with operators, ADBA met with Ofgem to raise issues with the RHI sustainability criteria and discuss how compliance is reported and audited. Issues included:• Flaring during commissioning and the different

methodologies and calculators that can be used to account for this gas;

• Carbon capture and accounting for the negative GHG emissions when carbon dioxide produced in the AD process is used in a commercial process, replacing a fossil-derived CO

2 source; and,

• How administrative burdens of having different sustainability criteria reporting periods for the RHI and RO could be aligned.

We aim to get a clearer sense of Ofgem’s position over the next few months, including areas where they may be able to change interpretations or offer more clarification. However, we do not envisage them implementing new broad guidance. If you have any concerns regarding sustainability criteria reporting, please get in touch with our policy team via [email protected]

mArKet report shows 30% growth But chAlleNges AheADAt uK AD & Biogas 2016, we launched our latest comprehensive AD Market Report. Analysis shows that the uK has 617 MWe of biogas capacity, enough to power the equivalent of 800,000 homes. The report also shows that the biogas industry has grown 30 per cent in just one year – and there are still over 400 plants with planning permission granted or applied for, illustrating the strength of the pipeline which could be delivered with the right support. subject to final decisions from government this autumn, the Renewable Heat Incentive is expected to fund 10-20 new biomethane to grid plants from 2017, slightly down on 2015 and 2016.

The government’s annual Digest of uK energy statistics (DuKes) confirms the continuing growth of the AD industry, which has been integral to the rise of renewable energy sources contributing to electricity generation by 40 per cent. use of waste and on-farm AD for heat (on-site biogas or biomethane to grid) has more than doubled from 42.9ttoe to 95.5ttoe from 2014 to 2015.

Our AD Market Report warns that growth in the industry has slowed, however, and will slow further in each of the coming four years due to government policy decisions and investment uncertainty. In particular, small scale farm AD deployment is expected to reduce to just a handful of new plants each year, despite the Committee on Climate Change recommending that it should be used to meet carbon budgets.

ADBA members can download our latest AD Market Report from our website, adbioresources.org

To order a printed copy contact [email protected]

sluDge Busters


[email protected] www.fmbioenergy.co.uk

Operator & Working Groups

secoNDAry coNtAiNmeNt tool AND guiDe lAuNcheDOur Training, safety and environment Working Group has published a tool and guide to secondary containment, to help operators and developers navigate the regulatory requirements and ensure they are managing environmental risks appropriately.

The tool and guide were developed by a number of members of the group and finalised in a seminar session at uK AD & Biogas 2016. The environment Agency (eA) was consulted throughout the work and has been extremely supportive, stating: “The eA welcomes this industry-led guidance and risk assessment tool for secondary containment. As outlined within the guide, early discussion with the eA is strongly recommended to ensure that both the location and design of your plant and secondary containment is suitable.”

New chAir for trAiNiNg, sAfety AND eNviroNmeNt groupAfter seven years’ service, Terry Brownhill has stepped down as chair of the group. everyone at ADBA would like to thank Terry for leading and driving the group, which during his tenure has produced a number of outputs to support the industry, as well as coordinating the Practical Guide to AD and contributing to the development of the Best Practice scheme. We are delighted to announce that David Woolgar of Biogen will be taking the group forward.

Terry Brownhill is stepping down after seven years as chair

Are you receiviNg operAtor group upDAtes?ADBA supports Crop Operator and Food Waste Operator groups to ensure plant operators have a forum to discuss the issues that matter most to them, and to help direct the association’s activities. As well as facilitating the administration of the groups and organising meetings, we also send regular tailored email updates to both group lists – to make sure you’re receiving the right information, contact [email protected]

www.adbioresources.orgadbioresources.org 7september 2016 | AD & bioresources News [email protected] www.pumpmix.co.uk

Best practice Matters

In July, we reached a milestone in our Best Practice scheme project – the launch of our three Best Practice Checklists at uK AD & Biogas 2016. It was fantastic to see so many of our members at the launch and extremely rewarding to see how popular the checklists were; we hope that you find

them useful and informative. Many people and organisations contributed to the development of these documents and for that we are extremely grateful.

We are now looking ahead and planning the next steps of the project in more detail. Firstly, we intend to test the checklists and obtain further feedback from the industry, particularly from operators, about how useful and accurate they are. This will involve engagement with individual operators as well as discussions with our operator groups and the Training, safety and environment Working Group. If you would like to discuss the checklists with us, please get in touch and we will make suitable arrangements.

Alongside reviewing the checklists, we are beginning to work with the uK Accreditation service (uKAs) more closely to better understand the process of creating an accredited certification scheme and to begin devising our ‘scheme rules’. We are mindful that the certification scheme must not add unnecessary burden to operators and we will work closely with the industry to deliver a scheme that meets the project’s objectives and provides cost savings to operators; for example, through improved operational efficiency and lower insurance costs. The certification scheme will be based to some extent around

Best prActice checKlists lAuNcheDFor 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 [email protected]

the themes and content of the three checklists, so please do take the time to read them and provide us with your thoughts.

Please visit our website to find out more – there is a brand new section on the Best Practice scheme from which you can download the Best Practice Checklists free of charge: adbioresources.org/our-work/best-practice-scheme


www.xergi.com

Regions

Biogas plant provides solution to NI chicken litter problemWork has begun on a £23m biogas facility at Ballymena in Northern Ireland. The plant will process 40,000 tpa of locally sourced chicken litter and produce 3 MW of renewable electricity, enough to provide power for up to 4,000 homes.

“Where excessive nutrients from animal slurries or chicken litter are spread on land they can cause pollution of our watercourses and have a negative impact

on the environment,” said Kevin Fitzduff, Managing Director of plant developer stream Bioenergy. “A more sustainable way

of managing chicken litter is urgently needed and the Ballymena plant will help achieve that

at a local level.”

Northern Ireland’s first bio-LNG plant

A project to set up Northern Ireland’s first bio-LNG plant is underway. Greenville Dairies already produces biogas from waste from the family’s dairy farm, as well as from food manufacturers and retailers, and now this will be upgraded into liquefied biomethane. The facility, planned for 2017, will have the capacity to produce three tonnes of bio-LNG per day, or 10 GWh per year.

News from the regioNsADBA responds to Scottish waste consultation

ADBA has submitted a response to the scottish environment Protection Agency’s (sePA) consultation on food waste management and digestate quality in scotland. Following discussion with members, we requested that the guidance should clearly state that AD should be considered to be higher up the waste hierarchy than composting. We called for further justification regarding the proposed physical contaminant limits; however, we welcomed the proposed phased implementation to allow operators time to make any changes. There are also concerns that the lowest proposed limits equate to such small quantities that it may be unfeasible to test in a commercial laboratory due to the possible limits of detection and sensitivities associated with the available testing methods. Members can view our full response to sePA here: http://bit.ly/2aLmi4I


[email protected] www.bts-biogas.com

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

www.xergi.com


AD in the water industry

f igures from ADBA’s latest Anaerobic Digestion Market Report and the 2016 Digest of uK energy statistics show that between 2010 and 2015 the installed capacity for the anaerobic digestion of sewage sludge

rose twelve per cent to 216 MWe. Yet those plants – now numbering 159 – generated over 25 per cent more power, rising from 697 GWh in 2010 to 888 GWh in 2015. What is driving this increase and is there more untapped capacity for power production from AD in the water sector?

Energy matters“I think a lot of the increased energy generation seen in the water sector comes from efficiency improvements and a desire to be more sustainable,” says Maxine Mayhew, Group Commercial Director of Northumbrian Water Group and an ADBA board member. “The water industry uses about three per cent of the electricity generated in the uK, as getting clean water to people’s taps and taking away and treating wastewater is very energy intensive. There is a need for the industry to be efficient because otherwise we can’t deliver an affordable service.” Maxine adds that most water companies will have a very similar strategy when it comes to energy. “For

Northumbrian Water Group it comes down to three things: procuring energy intelligently; efficient energy use; and generating our own energy to reduce reliance on the grid and increase sustainability. It you take these things together, anaerobic digestion is a real cornerstone of meeting our energy strategy.”

At the start of the year, the Institution of Mechanical engineers (IMeche) warned that the uK faced an unprecedented ‘energy gap’. One company which believes that at least part of that potential shortfall could be met by increasing the production of gas for the grid from human waste is Veolia. According to the firm, newer, more advanced technology means that the 11 billion litres of human sewage produced in the uK every day1 could deliver 1,697 GWh – enough electricity to power over half a million homes. A Defra report states that as much as two thirds of sewage is currently being treated through AD2, but there is the potential to extract even more gas from this. John Abraham, Chief Operating Officer for Water at Veolia uK, comments: “Investment in new facilities will boost our renewable infrastructure and create jobs while reducing our carbon footprint. We need to stop relying on fossil fuels, as human sewage could make a significant contribution to meeting our renewable energy targets, while keeping the lights on and taking pressure off the National Grid.”

Existing infrastructureDifferent companies have adopted different approaches to sludge treatment, but Ofwat data shows a trend towards anaerobic digestion and away from incineration. “At Northumbrian Water we are a little different as we underwent a wholesale change in strategy a few years ago and built two brand new, industrial scale AD plants (at Howdon and Bran sands),” stresses Maxine Mayhew. “We are the only water company that uses 100 per cent of our sewage sludge to create energy, using our own AD plants. Because of their size, having just two large plants gives us a synergy of scale and a high level of efficiency.” As a result, the company now has one of the largest gas-to-grid units in the country, at Howdon. “The two plants represent a total investment of £70m and we are treating two million m3 of sludge, generating 96 GWh of energy,” Maxine adds. “We are also looking at developing a farm-based plant in Leeds as a joint venture, to help grow our renewable base and deliver baseload power.”

how AD is giviNg wAter compANies A competitive eDge

Northumbrian Water recently replaced four pumps at its Howdon Sewage Treatment Works with new Börger rotary lobe units

1Waste water treatment in the UK, Gov.uk 2Anaerobic Digestion Strategy and Action plan, Gov.uk



has included anaerobic digestion. Many of these assets are close to areas of population, making them potential hubs for the treatment of organic waste. even if the existing assets cannot be directly used there is the opportunity for additional investment on these sites, such as in pre-treatment technology. This makes water companies well placed for developing partnerships with food waste collection organisations. This would provide additional and well-located opportunities for the collection of both municipal and commercial food waste.”

Doing AD wellBut as the statistics in the opening paragraph demonstrate, it’s in the area of research and innovation where AD in the water sector is really making strides. Peter Winter, Principal Research engineer at Thames Water Utilities, comments: “unlike the emerging commercial AD sector, the uK water sector has a mature AD industry with a large asset base. However, good quality biogas can only come from a well-run digester. At Thames Water, our research aims to drive innovation throughout the business to significantly reduce our operational costs whilst improving our customer service. Doing AD well means asking fundamental questions to understand if better operational parameters – such as digester temperature, organic load and the proportion of waste-activated sludge in the system – can be optimised to get the most from our assets. We also need to assess if we can go beyond established technology, such as assessing second generation thermal hydrolysis (intermediate THP).”

Another company which agrees that continued innovation is essential for the sector to remain viable is GeNeco, the AD arm of Wessex Water group. “As an operator, it’s important to think about all your end products, whether that be biogas, biomethane, electricity or digestate, and consider how to make them most suitable for the end consumer or market,” says Mohamed saddiq, GeNeco’s Managing Director. “Having an R&D resource allows us to focus on achieving our ultimate objectives, such as how we process our digestate to make it an appropriate product for farmers. As an operator, we are also understandably interested in how different waste products behave inside the tank; whether certain things have inhibitory effects or are readily biodegradable material, and how this affects the overall process; and what management practices we need to be using to manage our feedstocks.”

An alternative approach to using AD in the water sector involves treating food waste, as well as sewage sludge, to provide energy. An example can be found at Severn Trent Water’s Coleshill plant on the outskirts of Birmingham where, since 2015, a dedicated food waste treatment plant, which has a capacity of 48,500 tonnes a year, has processed waste from a number of local sources, including the NeC. As well as saving some 8,000 tonnes of CO

2, the £13m

plant produces 17,000 MWh of power each year, making the adjacent Coleshill sewage treatment works completely self sufficient in terms of its electricity requirement. severn Trent points out that with a 50 per cent increase in the real term cost of energy between 2010 and 2020, such schemes are vital if it is to remain competitive and offset its carbon emissions. As a result, the Coleshill scheme is just part of severn Trent’s £190m renewable energy programme, which is designed to increase the proportion of its energy generated in-house from 28 per cent to 50 per cent by 2020. As well as a number of food waste AD plants – including the Roundhill biomethane food waste AD plant near stourbidge, which is currently under construction and due to open in early 2017 – the company will also increase the energy generated from sewage sludge by a further 20 per cent.

“The water sector is ideally placed with infrastructure for the treatment of food and other similar organic waste,” points out Dr stephen Wise, Associate Director at Amec Foster Wheeler Environment & Infrastructure Europe. “Over the last two decades, significant investment has been made to develop treatment infrastructure, which

Continued>>

Veolia is investing to boost its renewable infrastructure and create jobs while reducing its carbon footprint

Severn Trent’s Coleshill plant treats 48,500 tonnes of local food waste a year

R&I is at the heart of Thames Water’s AD operations

www.adbioresources.orgadbioresources.org12 AD & Bioresources News | septemBer 2016 [email protected]

www.biodome-asia.com

Getting value from digestate



However, Mohamed warns against a ‘one size fits all’ approach – while water companies are setting the standard for operational efficiency, their approach may not be suitable for all AD facilities. “While there is an established R&D base for AD in the water sector, and there has been much effort and investment in understanding the wastewater treatment process in AD, it is important that we do not assume that what we know from one sector transposes directly to another. Fundamentally, even though many principles at the heart of food waste and wastewater treatment are similar, they are still very different – despite the knowledge from the water industry’s research we do not have all the answers when it comes to different AD processes.”

Increasing efficiency through development and innovationVeolia has recently reported on an innovative new system which reduces the costs and increases the gas production of anaerobic digestion. Its team has developed an existing technology, used in the processing of food waste, to increase biogas quality and generate more renewable electricity and heat. The fully automated system accurately tracks biogas quality parameters to treat sludge, resulting in an 80 per cent reduction in hydrogen sulphide (H

2s),

and thereby helping to increase biogas output and maintain plant efficiency. The company’s pilot project has now demonstrated a 14 per cent increase in renewable electricity generation. With an estimated payback on investment of less than two years, Veolia claims it is a better commercial option than biological or chemical dosing systems.

Commenting on the development, Veolia’s John Abraham said: “Recent estimates indicate that the water industry could be self-sustaining for electricity by harnessing the 11 billion litre annual flow of wastewater. Our technology demonstrates how we can help deliver greater sustainability for the industry using wastewater to energy systems, and also meet water industry carbon reduction targets. By providing an additional 14 per cent of renewable energy from an existing resource it also takes us a step closer to the circular economy objectives recently agreed at the World economic Forum in Davos.”

While large scale R&D and novel processing frequently attract the headlines, small-scale process improvements have been no less important in helping to boost energy output. Northumbrian Water recently replaced four pumps at its Howdon sewage Treatment Works with new Börger rotary lobe units. According to Colin Davison, Mechanical Maintenance Team Leader at Northumbrian Water, the big advantage is the ability of the pumps to cope with the tough conditions associated with moving sludge from a holding tank to the AD plant. “We wanted to improve this part of our process with a pump that would perform with suitable effectiveness, but also be far more reliable

and easier to service than what we were already using,” he explained. “Over a sustained six-month period, the Börger FL776 proved conclusively that it is more than capable of handling this tough application, with the added bonus that its maintenance-in-place design makes it much easier and far less time consuming to service than other pumps.”

Maintenance and monitoring to maximise returns“The latest innovations are linked to the improvement and enhancement of the digestion process, and the use of the gas; be it to generate electricity and heat, injection into the gas grid and now the use of elements such as CO

2

from within the gas,” explains Dr stephen Wise. “Operators are looking at how they can maximise every pound spent to generate additional revenue or reduce operating costs.”

Monitoring output is a key part of such performance improvement and Geotech has extensive experience in supplying gas monitoring equipment that aids water companies in the treatment and management of wastewater sludge through AD. Geotech’s BIOGAs 5000 is used by southern Water in digesters on 18 sites across Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, sussex and Kent. Treating and recycling 1.4m litres of wastewater from nearly two million households, southern Water needs to ensure that its sewage sludge digesters are secured and working at optimum levels.

By using Geotech’s equipment as their field instrument, southern Water is able to measure the concentration levels for methane (CH

4), carbon dioxide

(CO2), oxygen (O

2) and H

2s. The equipment also enables southern Water to

monitor the temperature of these gases, providing consistent data collection for improved analysis and accurate reporting. Having better data means it is able to produce the optimal amount of biogas to power its CHP engines; generating its power needs internally. As a result of reducing its energy dependency on the grid, southern Water has managed to reduce its operational costs and increase its revenue. The company now aims to enhance its power generating capacity through AD, in order to become fully self-sufficient in the near future.

Water 2020The recent Water 2020 report, published by the regulator Ofwat, is designed to kick-start a market for treated sewage sludge, also referred to as biosolids. Many in the AD sector hope the proposed changes could provide opportunities for the AD supply chain, as well as for research and innovation. speaking at the conference at uK AD & Biogas 2016, Ofwat’s Principal engineer, Alison Fergusson, explained the thinking behind the new programme: “We have a duty to protect consumers by promoting effective competition, and that is what we’re getting at with our proposals on sludge. It is very much our vision that there is trust in this sector and also in what this sector does with its resources, including sewage sludge.”

Continued>>Geotech's BIOGAS 5000 analyser is used by Southern Water

GENeco, the AD arm of Wessex Water group, operates a food waste plant at Avonmouth


[email protected]


While Ms Fergusson acknowledged that doing nothing may still see incremental improvements in sludge processing, handling and marketing, she stressed that Ofwat was hoping to see a “different paradigm in the sludge agenda.” Consequently, the regulator hopes to encourage markets between operators and also develop synergies with the wider organic waste market. “Why wouldn’t you move sludge from a company where it’s relatively expensive to treat, to one that is cheaper?” she asked, pointing out that this does not seem to happen currently. Ofwat modelling suggests that if its proposed changes are implemented, around 30 per cent of all sludge could move between different water companies.

supporters of the plans hope that markets will open up for the treatment of sludge, potentially enabling partnerships between water companies and firms developing new treatment methodologies. “The water companies would be looking for organisations that could supply the required equipment to offer the extra services, but importantly, they may also be looking for organisations that could provide secure and consistent sources of suitable municipal and commercial food waste,” comments Dr stephen Wise. “The water companies have extensive experience of AD but have traditionally operated in a generally lower risk environment. There may need to be education on both sides to understand the risk profiles.”

The effects of deregulationHowever, James Lloyd of BioWatt warns that deregulation of the sewage sludge market may not benefit the commercial AD sector as much as some operators and developers might hope. “In recent times we’ve held discussions with a number of water companies about the possibility of either co-locating anaerobic digestion, refurbishing existing spare capacity or reviewing the

At UK AD & Biogas 2016, Ofwat’s Alison Fergusson outlined plans for Water 2020

opportunities for co-digesting regulated waste at sewage treatment works.” He reveals that, “the wastewater industry needs new sources of revenue, such as from gate fees and increased biogas yields, to compensate for narrowing margins. Going forward, there are only so many efficiency savings that can be made, so in recent years wastewater treatment companies have increased revenue by developing associated non-regulated businesses.” James continues: “The impact of this competition is not unfamiliar though, as businesses such as Kelda Organic energy Ltd, which is owned by Yorkshire Water’s parent company, or Wessex Water and GeNeco, have already been able to operate in a non-regulated way – they are putting non-regulated materials into some non-regulated assets. In fact, they’ve been competing with the waste sector for a number of years. Co-digestion and deregulation offer some real benefits to the uK in terms of efficiency and carbon reduction but the government has to ensure that where these utilities exploit existing assets to compete in a non-regulated market they don’t benefit from the same higher rates of subsidy as newly built capacity. It should be done of the basis of existing capacity and assets receiving a marginal subsidy on top of whatever wholesale benefit they receive, so as not to unbalance the market.”

Whatever happens, there is still a long way to go before Ofwat produces firm proposals and it’s imperative that commercial interests do not overwhelm environmental concerns. The aim of the proposals is to make sludge a potentially valuable product, rather than simply a waste which must be disposed of. But will increased competition for sludge treatment, or the transfer of sludge from existing biosolid markets into digestate production, cause concerns for end-users – namely farmers and growers? some representatives of farmers and other end-users of sludge and digestate, such as the National Farmers union, responded to the Ofwat consultation. But steve Bungay, of the Chartered Institution of Water and environmental Management (CIWeM), feels that, “To some extent they’ve been overlooked. The commercial AD sector is not taking its final stakeholder seriously – we’ve got to protect the fields.” There is already a raft of different standards covering the use of digestate and sludge in agriculture, and many feedstocks contain high levels of very small soil contaminants, such as plastic and fabric. Many people would argue the system needs simplification, not increased competition with its risk of further different standards and specifications. In addition, different regulators in different parts of the uK will also make the implementation of Ofwat’s plans more difficult. “Wherever we are based in the uK, we must not lose sight of the fact that we are the biggest custodians of the environment,” adds steve. While making the most of the uK’s sewage sludge will undoubtedly benefit the water industry, and potentially aid the wider AD community, care will be required to ensure it is not at the expense of the quality of our soil.

www.nwl.co.uk www.veolia.co.ukwww.severntrent.com www.amec.comwww.thameswater.co.uk www.boerger.comwww.geotechuk.com www.biowatt.uk.com

www.adbioresources.orgadbioresources.org 15september 2016 | AD & bioresources News www.ttpumps.com

[email protected]

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

Improving operational performance

www.adbioresources.orgadbioresources.org16 AD & Bioresources News | septemBer 2016 [email protected]

feeDstocK procuremeNt

Q “What incentives can AD operators offer to local authorities, to encourage them to send their food waste to AD?”

A “There are three aspects of the delivery of a food waste recycling service that would encourage more LAs to send their food waste to AD:

1. Reliability of service. AD operators need to be able to accept deliveries at agreed times. Particularly with food waste, the last thing a local authority wants is to be told there is a problem and they have to take their waste to another site, or even landfill.

2. Compliance with legislation. This may seem pretty obvious but shouldn’t be taken for granted. In fact, local authorities are increasingly expecting operators to have in place management systems that are accredited with international standards, as well as the ability to meet the PAs 110 certification for digestate.

3. Timely and accurate reporting of data. Local authorities will want to see a monthly report of the tonnages that have been recycled, as well as a breakdown of the management of any by-products. This is to enable them to meet their own data reporting requirements.”

Iain Pickles, Local Authority Manager, Biogen T +44 (0)1234 827269e [email protected]

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

Q “How do I know if a particular feedstock will be suitable for my AD plant?”

A “understanding the balance of carbon and nitrogen in your digester is the starting point before deciding which feedstocks you need. Once you understand your requirements, you need to select a reliable feedstock

supplier who can offer a variety of feedstocks and work with you to develop an effective combination which is right for the biology and configuration of your plant. Consistent and quality feedstocks are crucial to optimising the performance of your site. They should have a proven track record of performance in live environments in other AD sites, or in test laboratories, so ask your feedstock provider where the feedstock has previously been used and how it performed. This will help you to make the right decision for your own plant, in relation to other feedstock supplies you may currently be using. Permit requirements is of course a key consideration; a good supplier should be able to advise on this for each individual feedstock.”

Dean Barclay, Category Manager, AmurT +44 (0)7966 428944e [email protected] www.amurenergy.co.uk

Advice Clinic: Feedstock procurement

Next issue: sustainability criteria – one year on. send your queries to: [email protected]


[email protected]

www.energyst.com


[email protected]

www.schmack-biogas.co.uk

[email protected]

[email protected]

Technology Focus: Odour control Technology Focus - Measuring & controls


Technology Focus: Odour control

Odour can be one of the most controversial issues surrounding the planning, design and operation of an anaerobic digestion plant. As Director of Bio Collectors, which operates a a 36,000 tonne food waste plant in London, odour control is a major issue for paul Killoughery. He addressed the audience on the subject at UK AD & Biogas 2016.

“As an operator of an AD plant in an urban environment, odour management is very high on our radar. If you don’t get odour management right in London taking in food waste, then you don’t have a business,” he says. As a food waste business, some of the actual sources of odour are different from other operators, such as farm based plants, but Paul stresses that many of the issues around odour management are common across all AD facilities.

“If ever there is a plant that has to be on top of its game in terms of odour it’s a plant like ours. We have to be the best neighbour we can be, so every day we talk about odour on our site. In our business we would rank odour control on a par with maintenance in terms of budget.”

Over the years, Bio Collectors has implemented many forms of odour control, some of which have worked well, others less so. “We get offered some things that seem just too good to be true, and they are,” he warns. “I’ve been involved in the business

for six years and in that time we haven’t always been the best of neighbours, although we have got a lot better.”

It may seem obvious, but it is vital to understand what is actually causing the smell on your site. “usually, food waste on its own is not that smelly,” Paul adds. “If it’s collected regularly it should not be at the stage where it is putrefying. It does smell, but should not be that offensive. We find on our site that the biggest source of odour is from the packaging. The plastic that is left over from depackaging and washing is the smelliest thing on our site.” As a result, specific management steps have to be taken to minimise this before the empty packaging is removed from site.

Bio Collectors operates a range of measures to tackle odour issues, starting from the most basic – ensuring the site and trucks are clean – to more complex solutions. “It’s obvious, but the cleaner your site is, the less it’s going to smell,” says Paul. Avoiding particularly smelly or offensive waste

streams is another thing that the company has learnt to do over the years. However, this alone is not always enough and Bio Collectors uses a chlorine dioxide wet scrubber on its site, which is very effective on particular types of odour. In addition, all the air from the plant passes through a carbon filter.

“One of the best things we ever did was to install a chimney,” adds Paul. “We now have a 20-metre odour stack – not only does it help with some of the environment Agency calculations on odour, which are based on height above the building, but it dissipates the filtered air and requires no maintenance.” Bio-filters are another commonly considered odour management tool, although Paul is wary of them in some situations. “In our experience, they can be difficult to get right.” Whatever filter system is used, most experts agree that dispersing a smell is the cheapest way of reducing any odour effects on neighbours. Containing odours is another consideration,

Continued>>

everyBoDy NeeDs gooD NeighBours


Technology Focus: Odour control Technology Focus: Odour control

and while fast acting roller-shutter doors are effective, some operators warn that trying to use negative pressure systems to prevent odours from escaping is simply not possible, given the size of most buildings.

Having put all odour control measures in place it is also important to make sure they are working, which is where management systems are important. Formal testing is important, but using staff and visitors to regularly conduct odour surveys can also be a useful back up.

Odour control expertise from ADBA membersspectrum environmental support (part of Air Spectrum Environmental) supports site operators in their quest to reduce odour emission. “engineering solutions, although often very effective, are not always suitable,” explains Technical Consultant, David Green. “We help to make sure each site is suitably assessed, evaluating the odour issues and looking at suitable solutions, whether simple site management or a more engineered approach is required. Odour control can be an effective solution to reduce emissions but it is vital you understand the problem before issuing the cure,” stresses David. “We sample and measure on-site odours, at our in-house uKAs accredited olfactometry laboratory, to build a site odour emission inventory highlighting the most at risk odour sources,” he explains. “Through further detailed dispersion modelling we can predict the spread of odour emissions from high risk areas and advise on suitable abatement in line with environmental agency guidance.” As well as assessing current odour emissions, the company can also help to predict future emissions

from planned developments, aiding clients through planning applications.

E4 Environment is experienced at advising AD clients on how best to manage odour issues. According to Deb Cairns, odour nuisance (real, perceived or feared) is increasingly an issue, whether at the planning stage, during construction, on commissioning, and once operational. As such, it’s important to consider odour management early and have plans to address it – both within the plant infrastructure and layout, and through the day-to-day running and management of the plant. “With odour being such an emotive issue, our advice to clients is to get ahead of the game –

manage it well but keep it simple,” explains Deb. “The key things to think about are: identifying the source (eg feedstock), receptors (eg neighbours) and pathways (eg prevailing wind direction); and managing the issues, through good plant design, latest technology and ongoing management. Odour won’t go away, so look at the options and deal with it early,” Deb advises.

Martin Christmas of Salvtech agrees that to understand the effect of odour you need to know not only the sources, but the location of possible receptors and the mechanisms by which the two are connected. “We try to create a jigsaw puzzle of factors that make up the picture of odour sources, receptors and how they interact,” he explains. “Odour is measured in odour units per cubic metre and assessed by a trained ‘sniff panel’. There is also a hedonic tone scale to define the type of odour, and descriptions can be found in both eA and former Defra guidance. Producing such quantifiable data can take some of the emotion out of odour complaints, but subjective issues like offensiveness of the smell and sensitivity of the receptor cannot be overlooked or underestimated. You also need to understand your specific odour sources, which can be more complex than initially expected when calculating emission rates. For example, some key factors to consider in terms of waste odour include the type of waste; the amount of agitation the waste is subject to; the storage conditions prior to treatment; and the surface area in storage rather than the throughput per day.” Given this information, salvtech can model the odour and its likely effect on the receptors, and determine the most suitable odour control measures, such as controlled air extraction, abatement methods and final dispersion, based on dispersion models.

As the operator of a food waste plant in London, Bio Collectors is aware of the importance of good odour management

Terminodour, from CSO Technik, neutralises odours at source


www.haffmans.nl

Technology Focus: Odour control

The storage of digestate and slurries in open lagoons is an obvious area of odour, yet for many plants – particularly those storing large quantities of material – covered structures are simply not feasible. Aerocover is a cost effective, long lasting cover for digestate storage tanks and lagoons. It is easily installed, maintenance-free and self-sustaining, controlling odours and reducing atmospheric emissions. Aerocover is made of polymer treated LeCA (expanded lightweight clay aggregates) with a hydrophobic coating, and is capable of decomposing and capturing into itself up to 100 per cent of hydrogen sulphide and ammonia emissions. In addition, it reduces the loss of nitrogen, thus increasing the value of digestate as a fertiliser. While floating on the surface of the digestate at a depth of 50mm, Aerocover allows operators to easily agitate their tank or lagoon without the problems associated with conventional floating covers. At the end of its lifespan, the clay particles can be spread onto arable agricultural land and ploughed in.

CSO Technik’s Terminodour system neutralises odours at source using ionisation technology; thereby improving the environment for employees inside the treated area, as well as for local residents. Terminodour eliminates odours including hydrogen sulphide, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), organic acids, amines, mercaptans, ammonia and dimethyl disulfides. Terminodour has traditionally been used in the wastewater industry, however it is also receiving new orders from the food waste industry; including at two major food waste projects. unlike conventional odour control systems, Terminodour uses no water or chemicals and there is never any waste media to replace or dispose of. The system has a small footprint, being a fraction of the size of traditional odour control systems, and is therefore easy to retrofit. Customers also benefit from big cost savings due to reduced energy consumption compared with other odour control systems. Terminodour can therefore be used to effectively treat large areas, whilst maintaining low capital and operational costs.

www.specenvsupport.comwww.e4environment.co.ukwww.salvtech.comwww.aerocover.co.ukwww.csotechnik.com

Aerocover captures 100 per cent of H2S and ammonia emissions from digestate lagoons


[email protected] www.edina.eu/biogas


AD & Biogas Industry Awards 2016 Review

celeBrAtiNg AD iNNovAtioN At the first ever gloBAl BiogAs AwArDs Biogas projects from as far afield as Denmark, Turkey, Holland and even Australia were celebrated at the first ever global AD & Biogas Industry Awards ceremony, held here in the uK at Birmingham’s Vox Conference Centre.

Taking place on Wednesday 6 July – the first night of uK AD & Biogas 2016 – and hosted by Charlotte smith of BBC Radio 4’s Farming Today, over 400 industry leaders came together as AD innovation and excellence was honoured across 17 categories, covering sectors as diverse as food manufacturing, hospitality, farming, and wastewater. As well as international excellence, there were many uK success stories, and the judges were quick to praise all the winners across some incredibly tough categories.

ADBA’s Chief executive, Charlotte Morton, commented: “Anaerobic digestion and biogas are at the heart of the circular economy, helping to solve some of the biggest problems facing communities across the world: delivering energy and food security; improving sanitation; recycling inedible food, farm and sewage wastes; decarbonising transport; combating aquatic pollution; making soils richer; and reducing global greenhouse emissions. These awards celebrate those companies at the very top of their game, who are helping to drive the global biogas revolution.”

the juDges• Amaya Arias-Garcia, Technical Director,

GOALS Project Management & Engineering Support• David Kinnersley, Associate Partner,

Renewables & Rural Consultant• James Astor, CeO, Whites Recycling• Jonathan scurlock, Chief Adviser, Renewable energy and

Climate Change, NFU• Les Gornall, Bioenergy Process Consultant, CAPITA-PROjEN• Nigel Horan, senior Technical Adviser, Aqua Enviro• Nina sweet, special Adviser, WRAP• Richard Barker, Adviser and Investment Committee Member,

Iona Capital• Charlotte Morton, Chief executive, ADBA (Non-voting Chair)

“Our team are really thrilled at receiving these two awards; they are recognition of all the work that our people have put into the project over the past

few years. I hope that suppliers of equipment and materials understand, as a result, the tremendous potential of Turkey for the development of AD and biogas.”Jim Kingston, Commercial Director, Altaca Energy Winner, Making the most of digestate; Winner, Best international commercial plant

“An inefficient AD plant will be losing its operator money, so getting the right support is crucial. Winning the award for Best AD support

(Technical), highlights the value of the biological products and services we provide to our AD operator clients, who currently generate over 35% of the uK’s AD output.”Tim Elsome, General Manager, FM BioEnergyWinner, Best AD support (Technical)

“These awards show the positive attitude of the AD industry. People are here for the right reasons – the winners highlight the best of the AD industry,

people who are here to make a difference in the world, and who are going to continue to fight for the industry.”Amaya Arias Garcia, Technical Director, GOALS PME Judge

“It’s an enormous privilege to be recognised by my peers, and very humbling. I hope that all these awards are really taken to heart by people who are

making a difference in the industry.”Les Gornall, CAPITA-PROjEN AD Hero of the Year



the wiNNers Innovation in sewage treatment through AD Winner – Symbiona SA

The opportunity to anaerobically digest waste while simultaneously producing a liquid effluent suitable for discharge to the water

course, makes this process very versatile for any industry. The judges also noted that symbiona’s approach is likely to ‘significantly reduce costs’.

Best food waste collection system sponsored byWinner – SWR & Edinburgh Airport

The judges felt that this project, though small on a national scale, demonstrated the key traits that innovative food waste collection systems will need to develop in order to advance the uK’s national agenda.

Best process optimization sponsored byWinner – Pentair Haffmans

‘An innovative use of an important by-product of biogas cleaning (namely CO

2),’ declared the panel. Both the economic

and environmental benefits of capturing CO2 offer significant potential to the

industry.Highly Commended – Eco Sustainable Solutions with Landia

Making the most of digestateWinner – Altaca Energy In a tough category, the judges felt that Altaca energy edged the competition, for ‘adding the most value to its digestate by separating it into three specific fertilisers’.

Highly Commended – Vogelsang

Making the most of biogas sponsored byWinner – Edina Group with Guy & Wright Farm

The judging panel praised this project’s excellent use of CO

2 and CHP heat for greenhouse horticulture,

as well as the displacement of fossil fuels. They felt that it indicated a ‘breakthrough’ in the use of carbon dioxide at this scale.Highly Commended – Limejump & Malaby Biogas

AD hero of the year sponsored byWinner – Les Gornall, CAPITA-PROjEN

Les has contributed significantly to the AD industry since 1980

through his detailed knowledge, experience, enthusiasm and positive attitude. Les has also been a mentor to many new AD practitioners, ensuring a legacy for future generations.

AD team of the yearWinner - Agrivert

Agrivert’s best in class operational performance across all of its plants demonstrates the capability and commitment of its outstanding Operational and

Maintenance Team, which the judges felt ‘sets an example for others to follow’.Highly commended – Edina Group; Iona Capital

Best on-farm AD plant sponsored byWinner – Edina Group with Springvale Farm

Not only does this project contribute to farm diversification, but it also solved a major problem

with on-field storage through the use of ag-bags. The use of surplus heat from the CHP engine for the farm’s rental cottages, and the fact that residual warm water can be used for fish breeding, also helped to set this entry apart from the competition.Highly commended – Old Court Farm with AD4Energy



Best food waste AD plant sponsored byWinner – Agrivert

‘An excellent entry,’ declared the judges, who felt that Agrivert demonstrated all key criteria and have learnt from their time as AD operators,

therefore showing the benefits of experience within this maturing sector.

Best food & drink industry AD project sponsored byWinner – Muntons

In a very strong category, malted ingredients manufacturer Muntons’ compelling and clear submission demonstrated its on-site AD plant’s commercial

logic, and technical and operational implementation.Highly commended – Clearfleau Ltd

Best AD support (Technical)Winner– FM BioEnergy

The panel was heartened to see the increasing focus on biology in the industry reflected

through the number of entries in this category. The judges declared FM Bioenergy a worthy winner thanks to its strong customer focus and clear understanding of biology.Highly commended – CAPITA-PROjEN

Best AD support (Legal/Accounting/Consulting)Winner – Stephens Scown LLP

Providing extra support to its clients, above and beyond what is expected, saw stephens scown LLP stand out in a strong field.

Highly commended – Cranfield University

Research project awardWinner – WRAP

WRAP’s DC-Agri report, which was disseminated to 3,500 people, provided robust evidence which is helping to create a positive attitude towards digestate. It highlights

the need to view digestate as a product rather than something to be disposed of.

Best international agricultural plant sponsored byWinner – Xergi A/S

The judges commended this project for demonstrating the use of livestock litter to address Danish government restrictions on crop feedstocks. It is also

adding value to liquid manure, which is being used as a fertiliser.Highly commended – Cooperative la Speranza

Best international municipal plantWinner – Host

The judges were impressed with the company’s energy-neutral wastewater treatment plant, as well as the fact that it captures pelletised struvite as a fertiliser.

Best international commercial plantWinner – Altaca Energy

Despite processing very difficult inputs, including 50 per cent poultry manure and feedstock which is high in lignin, Altaca energy has converted these materials into three different fertilisers (including humic and fulvic fertilisers),

creating a greatly upgraded fertiliser which can compete with manufactured fertiliser at a massive scale.Highly Commended – Landia, Edina, Biodome Asia and Uniflare with Richgro AD Plant; Biotrix Asia Company Ltd

Best international micro-scale plantWinner – Biogest

The judges praised this design for a slurry only plant, commending its optimised modular technology, which should prove reliable.

Lifetime Achievement Award James Murcott James co-founded one of the uK’s largest AD companies in 1975 and over the past 40 years, has already done much of what is considered to be avant-garde today. It is his firm belief that AD is the right thing to do.


UK AD & Biogas 2016 Review

BriNgiNg together the gloBAl AD commuNity

t he uK’s AD sector proved that it’s firmly open for business when over 3,600 people came to Birmingham’s NeC on 6-7 July for the

first ever global AD and biogas trade show. Now in its seventh year, uK AD & Biogas 2016 demonstrated the sector’s robustness, with our Chief executive, Charlotte Morton, launching ADBA’s latest Market Report by revealing that the number of operational plants in the uK is up 30 per cent year on year. And there was plenty of evidence of activity on the show floor. Over 25 per cent of visitors were decision makers and the 350+ exhibitors were overwhelmingly positive about the quantity and quality of leads they received. Landia, HRs Heat exchangers and system Mix were among many exhibitors to report strong on-stand sales, and many other companies are now busily following up the many solid leads they made at the show.

An international focusVisitors travelled from far and wide to see the latest AD technology, meet suppliers and industry experts, and hear first-hand accounts of successful international biogas projects. One in ten attendees was from outside the uK, with every continent and over 50 countries represented. Our uK visitors also had the opportunity to learn plenty about the potential for AD development overseas. The launch of ADBA’s first International Market Report was highly anticipated and revealed the benefits AD is bringing to communities across the world, as well as shining a light on the opportunities for market growth in seven territories, including Italy, south Korea and south Africa (see our new international magazine, AD & Biogas News International, for the full report).

There were also many conference and seminar sessions focusing on overseas biogas projects and potential, many of which were standing room only. speakers from Argentina, Canada, the us and Italy – and representing organisations such as the united Nations environment Programme, the european Biogas Association, and the Committee on Climate Change – covered the global opportunities for AD, AD’s place in our future energy systems, food waste collections around the world and the eu Circular economy Package. And many of the speakers were keen to encourage British AD firms to try their luck overseas: “There’s a real opportunity to engage uK companies

into working in Canada,” said Jake Debruyn from the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. “We have the best FIT in the whole of North America; we have a commitment to phase out organics to landfill; we have very aggressive goals for emissions reductions. And as a Commonwealth nation, we’ve got so much commonality

sponsored by

with Britain – we’d love to do business with you.” Jake and fellow conference speaker Patrick serfass, of the American Biogas Council, spent time talking with Biogen’s Chief executive, Julian O’Neill, at the show. Their conversation resulted in an impromptu site visit to Biogen’s Merevale plant, where Julian was able to show the North American visitors first-hand how a uK food waste plant is operated.

Sharing best practiceThis attitude of openness and transparency filtered through all aspects of the show, not least at the launch of the first phase of ADBA’s Best Practice scheme, which took place in the Conference Theatre on the first morning. Acting as a driver for improvement, the three Best Practice Checklists cover operational performance, risk management and procurement, and will be followed by a formal certification scheme and a new dedicated best practice section on the ADBA website. underlining the need for the scheme, Fran Lowe from the environment Agency revealed that the AD industry is one of the poorest performing sectors in waste management, with seven pollution incidents per 100 permits. “The BPs is giving broad confidence in the sector to investors, regulators, insurers and the public, and complements our permitting approach. It’s an excellent initiative, which we wholeheartedly support.”

Tackling food wasteWhile Day One began with a focus on best practice, Day Two saw the launch of the highly anticipated Food Waste Recycling Action Plan for england (FWRAP). Billed as the industry’s response to the challenge of increasing food waste recycling in england, it has been shaped by ADBA, WRAP, other trade associations and companies representing the waste management and AD sectors. The FWRAP sets out plans to increase the amount of food waste collected from households and the C&I sector, provide long term feedstocks for AD, and share the costs and benefits of collecting and recycling food waste across the supply chain. Ray Georgeson, Chairman of the FWRAP steering Group, told the crowd that a collaborative approach is essential if change is to

Biogen’s Julian O’Neill (R) shows patrick Serfass, from the American Biogas Council, around the Merevale plant


UK AD & Biogas 2016 Review

iNteresteD iN exhiBitiNg At uK AD & BiogAs 2017?Next year’s show (5-6 July 2017, NeC Birmingham) will continue to build on the growth of our industry – both within the uK and across the globe. secure a premium position for your company at the 2017 event now. For more information, contact: e [email protected] T +44 (0)203 567 0769 e [email protected] T +44 (0)203 176 4414

happen: “The steering Group has brought the sector together, but an ongoing relationship between all parties is essential to the success of this initiative. everyone has an interest in making this work.” The launch was followed by a free lunch for local authority representatives, where members from the panel and the steering Group were on hand to answer questions relating to food waste recycling.

The shadow of BrexitHowever, the issue on most visitors’ minds at the start of the event was Brexit; the announcement that Britain had voted to leave the eu coming just days before the show. A change to the schedule saw ADBA’s strategic Adviser, Chris Huhne, paint a picture of an uncertain short-term future, stating that a modest recession was likely within the next six months. Nicholas Whyte, of APCO Worldwide, said the mood in Brussels was ‘sad, but not surprised’. so it was left to suez’s stuart Hayward-Higham – who declared himself a Remainer – to search for the positives: “Our incentives weren’t great before Brexit, so they can’t be much worse after it,” he mused. “Brexit just means we’ve made life a bit harder for ourselves, but times of stress are also great moments for innovation.” Chris Huhne also highlighted a potential silver lining in the Brexit cloud – the fall of the pound against the euro could make nuclear technology, including Hinkley Point C, harder to stack up financially, boding well for renewables.

Innovation – the key to successWhatever the post-Brexit future holds for the uK AD industry, it’s clear that we cannot rely on government subsidies to keep us growing. safe, robust and efficient AD operations will be the ones that thrive going forward, and research and innovation will be key to future success. Visitors to the ever-popular R&I Hub enjoyed enlightening presentations by some of the world’s leading AD innovators on how AD optimisation and technological advances will help the industry to extract more outputs from less inputs. Producing chemicals from AD and maximising the value of digestate were just some of the topics covered, while the seminar sessions also focused on improving outputs and reducing costs. With the RHI still favourable, biomethane was also a major area for discussion, with sessions on upgrading technology and how to get the most value for the green element of the gas proving particularly popular.

whAt our exhiBitors sAiD

“We’ve been exhibiting at uK AD & Biogas ever since it began, but 2016 has been the best event we’ve ever done.”Lesley Eaton, Seepex

“It’s been a good show; better than we anticipated. Despite the reductions in tariffs there is still quite a lot of interest in the sector. People are still looking at building new plants, albeit possibly doing them in a different way.”Jeff poulter, Dorset Green Machines UK

“I came to find answers to questions about a project I’m working on to build a 2 MW AD plant. The show was a good place to catch up with suppliers, and research all the latest technology and developments. Meeting people face to face gives you a better understanding of what’s happening in the market.”Noel McKnight (Northern Ireland)

whAt our visitors sAiD

“A good place to meet up with exhibitors and developers. There’s been a lot of talk about Brexit and the uncertainty of the RHI but we’re quietly confident about the future – we don’t think Brexit will finish off the industry.”Eian Nelson (England)

“This is the best year we’ve had – lots of solid business leads.”Lucy Hopwood, NNFCC

“We’ve been surprised by the number of visitors we’ve had. It’s been a good show.”Michael Wippel, Biogest

“The people who take time to visit this show are actually interested in AD. This is still the most focused show on digestion that we attend.”Dan Jones, KIRK UK

What was evident after two days of networking, doing business and listening to expert speakers was that the uK AD industry is still very much open for business. Acting as a hub for the world’s biogas community, it’s clear that despite political uncertainty there is still room for optimism. As ADBA’s Head of Policy, Matt Hindle, said: “There are still opportunities ahead, but the industry will have to work hard – and work together – to realise them.”


UK AD & Biogas 2016 Exhibitor Highlights

Liquid storage tank specialist and founding member of ADBA, KIRK GROUP unveiled its latest spin off – environmental storage Products. Focusing on the design and production of circular bolted steel tanks and tank covers for specialist applications, the range – already deployed in the uK and

Asia – features the very latest in engineering technology. Commenting on the value of exhibiting and visiting the show, senior Business Manager, Dan Jones, said: “This is still the most focused show on digestion that we attend.”www.envstorage.com www.kirk-uk.com

Conrad Burke, Global Marketing Director of DuPont Industrial Biosciences, addressed the Conference crowd on day one, emphasising the global market opportunities in AD and launching the company’s innovative new biogas enzyme product; OPTIMAsH® AD-100. Proven to generate a 13 per cent increase in AD/biogas yields, Conrad stressed why technology, not incentives, will drive the future market: “DuPont is very excited about the sector potential and we see a big opportunity for using enzymes to increase gas yield, shorten process times, use less feedstock and lower operating costs.” www.biosciences.dupont.com

uK opeNs for iNterNAtioNAl BiogAs BusiNess

Headline sponsor Edina, winner of two AD & Biogas Industry Awards – ‘Making the most of biogas’ and ‘Best on-farm AD plant’ – demonstrated how it is forging ahead with its Australian venture, doubling sales in the last 12 months. The flagship AD plant at Richgro’s composting and manufacturing premises in Jandakot, Western Australia, is a result of a joint collaboration between edina, Landia, Biodome Asia and uniflare. The 2 MW plant, which was also highly commended in two ADBA awards categories, is currently processing 30 tonnes of food waste a day. “The Australian territory is ripe for further growth,” revealed edina’s sales Manager, Ian Farr. www.edina.eu

Brand new player Amur revealed its offering at the show. Part of AB Agri, an Associated British Foods subsidiary, Amur delivers high quality feedstocks and additives to improve plant performance, and is also working with NNFCC to assist AD operators by sharing sound guidance to further optimise AD production. Amur is currently building its own gas to grid AD facility in south Milford, North Yorkshire.www.amurenergy.co.uk

Veolia showcased the difference that human sewage can make to meet the uK’s future energy demands, as pressure on the national grid mounts. Veolia estimates that technological advances could see AD plants up and down the country extract more gas from sewage to deliver an estimated 1,697 GWh – enough electricity to power over half a million homes. www.veolia.co.uk See our feature on p8 – ‘AD giving water companies a competitive edge’

Visitors flocked to Lhoist’s stand, their advertising campaign bear proving to be a star attraction. A competition to win a smaller version of the bear generated a multitude of new business contacts. “The bear was a fun way to draw people to our stand so we could explain the advantages of using liquid lime during the pretreatment of feedstocks,” said Product Manager, Xavier Mear. www.lhoist.com


UK AD & Biogas 2016 Exhibitor Highlights

Focusing on how to get more out of an AD plant, HuBeR promoted its free trial units, which help plant operators sample the company’s de-gritting, washing, screening and dewatering technology before making a commitment.www.huber.co.uk

Calor experts were on-hand to raise awareness of the revenue opportunities to be made from blending liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) with biomethane. using Wyke Farms as an example, Calor showcased how the cheese producer’s on-site AD plant is converting 75,000 tpa of biodegradable waste, using LPG to increase the gas’ calorific value. www.calor.co.uk

Design Manager Keith Knight revealed that AD4Energy is receiving as many as 30 enquiries a day from the agricultural sector for the company’s economical, small scale AD plants. Catering to this rise in demand, the shropshire-based firm highlighted the cost efficiencies of its modular, tailor-made, upgradable systems. www.ad4energy.com

entering the highly coveted AD & Biogas Industry Awards for the first time, Landia was awarded highly commended in two categories for separate plant installations of its GasMix digester mixing system – both here in the uK and in Australia. In addition, the team secured three orders on the first morning of the show. Technical sales engineer, Howard Burton, observed: “The quality of visitors has been excellent. We’ve definitely noticed more international visitors than ever before, with enquiries from China, Germany and Kenya. People have come a long way to be here as they know they’re going to meet the right people for their AD project.” www.landia.co.uk

Having recently celebrated its 20th order for a Gas to Grid entry unit, Orbital, builder of the uK’s very first biomethane to grid system, marked another milestone at the show, unveiling its third generation (G3) unit. New features include GasPT2 – a fast CV determination instrument to further enhance the system’s functionality. www.orbital-uk.com

Weightron Bilanciai’s Regional sales Manager, Terry Howe, noted that more deliveries to AD plants are being planned, pre-booked and carefully controlled, with the deployment of automated driver-operated weighing systems definitely on the rise. “Having an automated weighing bridge saves on manpower,” he remarked. “It captures all the essential data and ensures that deliveries are fully traceable.” www.weightron.com

HRS Heat Exchangers saw an increase in visitors with live projects from last year, with the team gaining numerous promising enquiries and receiving particular interest in its innovative Digestate Concentration system. The HRs team was also in attendance at the AD & Biogas Industry Awards, proudly sponsoring the Best Food & Drink AD Project. The award was won by Muntons, whose AD plant incorporates the HRs Digestate Pasteurisation system. Clearfleau, also clients of HRs, were highly commended in the same category.www.hrs-heatexchangers.com


www.nrm.uk.com

[email protected] [email protected]

www.jonesmcgirr.com

UK AD & Biogas 2016 Exhibitor preview

20 SySTEMS IN THE UK TO DATE ORBITAL - yOUR PREFERRED CHOICE!

BIO-Methane tO grId entry netwOrk unIts

• Telemetry/remote monitoring • Odourisation system• Propane enrichment • Reject gas recirculation• Optional redundancy

• Complete turnkey solutions • Energy measurement – FWACV (Ofgem)• Gas quality measures – GS(M)R1996• Fiscal metering system • Pressure control & safety slamshut

[email protected] 01785-857000 www.orbital-uk.com


www.nrm.uk.com

Green Gas Trading

A s we reported in our July 2016 Anaerobic Digestion Market Report, with the RO closing and the FIT constrained, there are dwindling opportunities for incentives for new AD plants generating electricity. However, despite

continued uncertainty around the future of the scheme, the announcement of a new RHI budget last year gave a welcome boost to the biomethane to grid sector, which has really taken off over the past two years. The number of biomethane plants in the uK has more than doubled in the last 12 months, and there are now 76 operational facilities, from a starting point of just four at the end of 2013. These plants have a combined capacity of 43,422 m3/hr.

Over 20 further biomethane plants are in the pipeline, but despite the RHI budget, there is a high degree of uncertainty about the shape of future growth. Restrictions on crop use, a lack of available food waste, sustainability criteria, RHI budget caps, tariff uncertainty and low wholesale gas prices could all contribute to a difficult environment for planning future biomethane projects. As a result, ADBA expects 10-20 biomethane projects to be commissioned per year from 2017, although this could increase if the RTFO gives developers a viable option to provide biomethane for use in the transport sector.

Whatever the future holds, operators of existing biomethane plants – as well as any future developers – will be keen to monetise the value of the green gas they generate. Over a fifth of the uK’s biomethane plants – including facilities run by Future Biogas, Biogas Power and Air Liquide – have already signed up to Green Gas Trading’s (GGT) Biomethane Certification scheme (BMCs), which enables generators to certify the biomethane they produce and trade the ‘green’ element of their gas separately from the physical commodity gas. Trading the gas and the certificates separately makes it possible to maximise the value of this exceedingly low carbon, green gas at a market determined price.

With the entry cost to the scheme for suppliers and buyers just £500 per annum, more companies are spotting the potential that the BMCs can bring. For operators, the additional revenue to be earned by monetising the green element of the gas they produce, on top of the RHI, is clearly welcome; while for buyers of the certificates, it’s a simple way to decarbonise their gas supply, helping to meet corporate social responsibility objectives.

turNiNg greeN gAs iNto greeN cAsh

Ecotricity has become the latest company to sign up to the scheme, joining the likes of M&s and Tamar Energy as a shareholder in Green Gas Trading. “ecotricity has been at the forefront of supplying green gas to customers, and as such we have chosen to use the Biomethane Certification scheme to ensure we do this in a fair, ethical and responsible way,” said Ben Gatley, Head of Trading at ecotricity. “Our ambition with this scheme is to keep on providing increasing levels of green gas to our customers over the coming months and years.”

Grant Ashton, CeO of Green Gas Trading – which was set up by members of ADBA, ADBA itself and environmental investors to support the growth of the AD industry – added: “The BMCs methodology certificates the embedded carbon in the biomethane production process and is key to the acceptance of biomethane certificates as an offset for carbon reporting purposes. The fact that a leading green energy supplier like ecotricity recognises this is an important vote of confidence in the scheme and validates the extensive work that has gone into its design and implementation.”

M&s’ Head of energy supply, Gio Patellaro, commented: “M&s is committed to maintaining its carbon neutrality by investing in renewable energy and we are delighted to be a member of Green Gas Trading, having signed an agreement to become a long-term buyer of Biomethane Certificates from Future Biogas’ Doncaster plant. After careful consideration of the market, we were particularly attracted by the lifecycle carbon analysis which is embedded in the Biomethane Certification scheme’s methodology, which will allow us to decarbonise our gas supply whilst simultaneously supporting the anaerobic digestion industry.”

get iNvolveDTo sign up to the scheme as a buyer or supplier, or to find out more, contact Grant Ashton:

T +44 (0)7951 240728e [email protected]

Future Biogas’ Doncaster plant supplies biomethane to the Biomethane Certification Scheme


Members’ News & Views

With only three regular staff employed at Agrivert’s 2.4 MW Wallingford plant in Oxfordshire, which processes 50,000 tonnes of food waste per year, it’s clear that this is a company that believes in lean efficiency. Before they’re allowed on-site, customers including Oxfordshire County Council and various local commercial food waste producers/collectors, use the automated weighbridge system to identify themselves and the material they are carrying. The system is pre-authorised by the commercial team, who evaluate all incoming feedstock.

Monitoring feedstocks, combined with effective technology and multiple digesters, allow almost triple the industry’s average retention time, and ensure stable biology, high quality digestate production and maximum power outputs. And it’s an approach which is certainly paying off. Agrivert was named AD Team of the Year and Best AD Food Waste Plant at the AD & Biogas Industry Awards 2016, with the judges praising the company’s best in class operational performance across all its plants.

Alongside feedstock quality, keeping financial and environmental impacts down is also important to Agrivert. At the Wallingford plant, no additional water is used to dilute the feedstock prior to digestion – instead, the company takes in liquid wastes such as factory washings and process wastes to mix with the solid wastes. With the use of hammer mills, all packaging that may have been received within the feedstock is removed, the organics are macerated to reduce the size of the particles in order to comply with ABP regulations, and the liquid is used to reduce the dry solids ratio, producing a pumpable ‘soup’ - a feedstock ideal for anaerobic digestion. No heat is wasted, either. surplus CHP heat is used to keep the four digester tanks within the mesophilic temperature range, which aids digestion, and this heat is also used in heat exchangers to pasteurise the plant’s PAs 110-compliant digestate. Agrivert hauls the digestate to farmers within a maximum radius of 10 miles, who then pay for its spreading and application, benefiting from the uplift in yields it brings.

Monitoring is also crucial to the plant’s successful operation – a 24-hour scada monitoring system alerts operators instantly by phone if there are any changes to normal operation, while a daily KPI report measures tank levels and other key indicators to the health of the biology. Benefiting from more

efficieNcy is Key to Agrivert’s successOur Editor, Kate O’Reilly, visited Agrivert’s Wallingford plant to see AD efficiency in action...

digester tanks than the industry average, Agrivert is able to isolate each tank and alter individual feed rates should any indicators arise that the biology health is at risk.

Producing enough renewable electricity to run 4,000 homes is no small task, and Agrivert will be the first to admit that, as an AD operator, you never stop learning. Following a lightning strike at the Wallingford plant just a few weeks before this site visit, the company was back to its usual 97 per cent power output in just 48 hours, proving that its emergency procedures are working well. Nevertheless, the incident has prompted a review of procedures and reflection on lessons learned. But with an availability rate of 99.9 per cent across its three sites, and achieving 96 per cent efficiency during the past year (compared to an industry average of just 71 per cent), Agrivert is certainly setting the standard for AD performance.www.agrivert.co.ukTo find out how Agrivert coped with a recent lightning strike, see Safety First, p41

memBer

visit

As part of UK AD & Biogas 2016, delegates were treated to a tour of Agrivert’s Wallingford plant. L-R: Doug phennah of Fayre Oaks; Neil pollington, Agrivert’s Operations Manager; Felix Donkor, Sarah Thirkell and Tony Rogers of Tarmac; Lucille Noury of Green Creative; and Kate O’Reilly, Editor of AD & Bioresources News

greeNlANe BiogAs hits 100 upgrADesGreenlane Biogas is celebrating after supplying its 100th biogas upgrading system. The company provides water wash, pressure swing adsorption and membrane upgrading technology to sites in more than 20 countries around the world. stephen McCulloch, Managing Director europe, said: “From a look through the list of systems supplied, it’s evident what a pioneering company Greenlane has been in the biogas sector worldwide since it was established 30 years ago. The 100th system is a milestone on a long road travelled, and an achievement of which we are very proud.” The announcement comes as Greenlane takes on a new upgrading project, which will see 6.9 million m3 of biomethane produced annually for injection into the local gas grid in the Lingewaard municipality, in the Netherlands. Greenlane’s Totara unit will upgrade biogas produced from 72,000 tpa of wastes collected from an extensive farming area – mostly manures, high-energy crops and grass – for the Groen Gas Gelderland (GGG) project.www.greenlanebiogas.comFor more AD stories from around the world see our new global magazine, AD & Biogas News International

Greenlane’s Totara unit is also in operation at ReFood’s Widnes site


Members’ News & Views

NorfolK AD plANt gets griD-reADy with flogAs

£18m fAcility opeNs iN yorKshireJFs & Associates and Iona Capital’s new £18m AD plant has been officially opened by Lord Kerslake, former head of the Home Civil service and Chief executive of sheffield City Council. The Leeming Biogas facility in North Yorkshire is one of the largest AD plants in the country to feed gas directly into the national grid. It will consume up to 80,000 tonnes of food waste a year, including waste from ice cream manufacturer R&R Ice Cream, and will generate enough gas to supply nearly 4,000 homes a year. Matt Flint of JFs & Associates said: “The project is a real example of how renewable technology, local resources and businesses can collaborate with City investors to develop a sustainable and environmentally friendly commercial enterprise.”www.jfsassociates.co.uk

operAtor News

Future Biogas’ Methwold AD plant is generating enough grid-ready biomethane to heat 4,500 homes, with help from a propane enrichment solution. Feedstock for the facility is made up of locally sourced agricultural waste, supplemented by purpose-grown energy crops, and the resulting biogas undergoes propane enrichment

from Flogas to ensure it’s suitable for the gas grid. William Mezzullo, Head of Projects at Future Biogas, commented: “Methwold is the newest of our six biomethane-to-grid projects, and like all our plants it has very specific propane enrichment requirements. We rely on Flogas to handle the propane enrichment, so we can concentrate on generating first-rate, grid-ready biomethane.” The Flogas project management team designed and installed a complete propane injection system to enrich the biomethane produced at the plant. The system comprises a propane injection skid and six propane storage tanks. www.futurebiogas.com www.flogas.co.uk

Flogas ensures Future Biogas’ biomethane is suitable for injection into the gas grid

L-R: Nick Ross (Director, Iona Capital); Sir Merrick Cockell (Chairman, London pension Fund Authority); paul Doughty (Chairman, Merseyside pension Fund); Lord Kerslake; and John Kutner (Iona Capital)

Cosgriff Whitehouse electrical (CWe) Ltd has partnered with GTs Maintenance Ltd to offer electrical and mechanical upgrading and maintenance for the biogas, waste, and wastewater

industries. CWe celebrated its 70th anniversary in 2015 and in recent years has provided power systems for AD plants throughout the uK. CWe supplies and installs all power, control and communication cables in new AD plants and thanks to this new partnership, can now also maintain the facilities. “We are experts in providing alternative solutions to make AD plants run more efficiently and cost effectively,” said Jo Whitehouse, CWe’s Marketing Director.www.coswhielec.co.uk

improviNg efficieNcy with cwe’s New pArtNership

CWE and GTS offer upgrading and maintenance solutions

hyDro ADDs fiNAl polish to muNtoNs’ greeN creDeNtiAlsHydro International has completed the installation of a sand filtration solution to cope with increased wastewater capacity at one of the uK’s leading maltsters. The Dynasand® filter will provide tertiary effluent treatment for Muntons’ £5.4m AD plant in stowmarket, helping to ensure the company meets its strong environmental commitment to protecting water quality discharged into the River Gipping. The filter has been retrofitted alongside an existing filtration unit to meet environment Agency consents of 30mg/l of Total suspended solids, with daily capacity of up to up to 1,500m3. Muntons’ AD plant – which won Best food & drink industry AD project at the AD & Biogas Industry Awards 2016 – has cut 3,000 tanker movements per annum, produces up to 3,000 tonnes of digestate, and contributes 25 per cent of on-site electricity demand.www.muntons.com www.hydro-int.com

Hydro’s DynaSand filter is helping Muntons protect the quality of its wastewater

AgrAferm joiNt veNture set to optimise plANt performANce AD plant manufacturer Agraferm Technologies AG has founded a new joint venture with Active Business Partnerships (Active BP), an agriculture and rural consultancy firm. The venture, named 4D AD services Ltd, is offering tailor-made services for uK AD plants to help optimise performance. “Operators often find it difficult to achieve the best performance from their plants, especially if it is their first site. Active BP’s expertise in project development, feasibility studies and business plans match perfectly with Agraferm’s AD technology know-how,” remarked eike Liekweg, Chief executive of Agraferm Technologies AG. 4D AD services is already in negotiations with an investor for full site management of three uK AD sites.www.agraferm.com

4D AD Services offers bespoke solutions to AD plant operators


policy

New DepArtmeNt structures coNfirmeD

Prime Minister Theresa May has merged DeCC and BIs to form a new Department for Business, energy and Industrial strategy (BeIs). As its new secretary of state, Greg Clark speaks positively about the importance of clean energy but is generally known for being pragmatic in his approach. Business

and industrial strategy seem likely to be his priorities, especially in the current economic climate.

The junior ministerial appointments are:• Nick Hurd, Minister of state for Climate Change and Industry, with

responsibilities for climate change, carbon budgets, the green economy and the Green Investment Bank.

• Baroness Neville-Rolfe, Minister of state for energy and Intellectual Property, with responsibilities for energy, low carbon generation, security of supply, electricity and gas wholesale markets and networks, energy efficiency and heat, including fuel poverty.

• Jesse Norman, Parliamentary under secretary of state, Minister for Industry and energy, with responsibilities for technology, infrastructure and a supporting role on energy and industrial policy.

Andrea Leadsom has been promoted to secretary of state for the environment, Food and Rural Affairs. Her work is likely to be dominated by the future of the Common Agricultural Policy and she is expected to take little interest in waste and resources policy. The junior ministerial appointments are:

• George Eustice, Minister of state for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.• Thérèse Coffey, Parliamentary under secretary of state for the

environment and Rural Life Opportunities.

DefrA proviDes upDAte oN eu fertiliser regulAtioNsDefra has provided an update on progress towards developing the eu Fertiliser Regulations. Prominent issues raised in discussions include cadmium limits, technical redrafting and conformity assessment modules.

We met Defra at the beginning of August and discussed the uK’s position on key issues arising from the regulation ahead of the next working group, which will take place on 20-21 september. The implications of the result of the eu referendum on these regulations are not yet known, and the uK will continue to take part in negotiations. However, we expect the proposed regulations to be only ‘partially harmonised’, allowing Member states to retain their existing end of waste provisions (ie uK operators will be able to continue working to the requirements of PAs 110).

Nevertheless, Defra is interested to know how much digestate in the uK would not meet the proposed limits, as this would help them to understand the implications of the proposals more fully. For more information contact [email protected]

To download Defra’s update go to: http://bit.ly/2bGghtm

hAve your sAy oN ofgem’s triAD coNsultAtioNA consultation has been launched on embedded benefit, the Transmission Network use of system (known as Triad) payments that generators receive from suppliers for helping to reduce electricity transmission charges incurred at peak times.

Triad levels depend on power purchase agreements (PPAs) and geographical location, but we believe a range of £3.50-£6 per MWh reflects the current market. With Levy exemption Certificates (LeCs) also removed last year, and ongoing feedstock challenges, our response will set out what impact any reduction in Triad payments would have on cash flow and future AD development. Our response will also explore the reasons why Triad payments can be justified in principle. AD is not currently recognised in any other way for providing a renewable form of baseload power.

get iNvolveDThe Ofgem consultation anticipates a proposal from a National Grid led working group. Once the regulator receives this, it will decide whether to approve or reject it. To share your views, or for more information, contact [email protected]


policy

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 [email protected]

efrA committee lAuNches fooD wAste iNQuiryThe environment, Food and Rural Affairs (eFRA) Committee has initiated an inquiry into the economic, social and environmental impact of food waste in england, with a focus on consumers, the retail and hospitality sectors, and local

government. Following the launch of the Food Waste Recycling Action Plan at uK AD & Biogas 2016, this inquiry presents a further opportunity to improve the capture and supply of household and commercial food waste and ensure that where food waste is unavoidable, it goes to AD.

At the beginning of August, the policy team submitted our response to the Heat Network Investment Project (HNIP) consultation, which proposes using £320m of capital funding to leverage a further £2bn into the development of heat networks.

Heat networks are intended as a means of cleaning up our heat supply, and using and generating heat more efficiently, both within buildings and through the use of district heating networks. Although one of the aims of the project is to deliver carbon savings, it is not only renewable energy sources that could apply. Our response outlines how capital support funding should be used to overcome barriers to investment in heat networks, including those providing thermal energy from AD plants, and increase heat network deployment rates. We argued that HNIP should be available to networks of all scales – from large scale urban projects to smaller scale initiatives using heat for farm or community-based initiatives in multiple buildings, or for district heating.

small scale and rural heat networks can deliver valuable carbon savings in areas where other decarbonisation options may not be appropriate. They would also provide other benefits, including: opening up private sector investment from new sources; introducing technological innovation and infrastructure to often neglected regions; and delivering valuable social and environmental benefits.

For more information contact [email protected]

hNip coNsultAtioN heAts up

In particular, the Committee will ask how far voluntary initiatives can further reduce food waste, or if legislation is required in this area. Manufacturing and agricultural sectors are outside the scope of the inquiry, but there are opportunities for us to set out the benefits of separate food waste collections.

get iNvolveDThe inquiry closes on 13 september. To share your views contact [email protected]

ADBA mAKes the cAse for Better fit supportIn mid-July we submitted our response to the government’s Feed-in Tariff (FIT) consultation. We disagreed with the proposed generation tariff rates for AD for two principle reasons:

• They are too low at all scales, presenting a barrier to future deployment;

• The assumptions presented in the consultation document and impact assessment were incomplete and inaccurate.

We also noted that AD investors have informed us that a 0p/kWh generation tariff above 500 kW will mean no further deployment at that level, and that tariff levels for smaller plants are also too low, so will severely limit projects in the 0-250 kW and 250-500 kW bands.

The dramatic reduction in generation tariffs was based on several assumptions, which we challenged. These included:

• Plant design assumptions of 100 per cent food waste for all plants above 500 kW;

• Gate fees of £20 per tonne;• 80 per cent plant theoretical heat use.

The FIT consultation also proposes to limit the use of some feedstocks to deliver more cost effective carbon abatement, as was proposed in the recent RHI consultation.

In August, the Department for Business, energy and Industrial strategy (BeIs) asked ADBA to arrange for follow-up meetings with members to gather further evidence on plant capital and operation expenditure, and project hurdle rates. As with the RHI consultation, we expect the government response in the autumn.

For more information on the FIT and how it could affect you, contact [email protected]

To download our full response go to: http://bit.ly/2aYIzJE


www.biogaskontor.de [email protected]

[email protected]

R&I Update

A huB of AD iNNovAtioN For information and advice on our R&I activities, contact our Market Analyst, Ollie More T +44 (0)203 567 0751 e [email protected]

The 2016 Research & Innovation Hub at uK AD and Biogas was our most successful yet, with over 140 delegates visiting the hub to hear from expert speakers from both industry and academia. Many of the passionate presenters chose to talk about their work without the help of slides, with some using props to explain their concepts and ideas.

This year, the R&I Hub covered seven main topics:• Optimising the AD process – every little helps. speakers explored

innovative technologies and specific research looking at enzymes to optimise the AD process.

• Producing methane or chemicals? We heard talks about the production and extraction of short chain carboxylic acids and the role of the AD process to produce green methane and chemicals.

• Pre-treatment. Delegates learned how to increase biogas yield from lignocellulosic feedstock and advanced microwave technologies.

• Digestate as bedding material. AHDB’s senior Dairy scientist, Jenny Gibbons, shared research which investigated the use of recycled manure solids as cattle bedding.

• Can research and innovation rescue on-farm AD? With more of an economic focus, we heard about the financial viability of on-farm AD, the impacts of fiscal incentives, farm sustainability and emissions.

• Digesting the indigestible. Presenters discussed the issue of plastic and indigestible bags in food waste and how to manage them.

• The digestate challenge – research to maximise nutrient use efficiency. We enjoyed presentations on the different types of membranes being used in the AD process, and the development of a new tool to identify areas of land which would benefit from the addition of biosolids.

This year we also held a networking lunch on both days, which gave speakers and delegates the opportunity to ask further questions and make connections across academia and business. It’s clear that the R&I Hub provides a welcome platform for interaction between researchers and the wider AD industry.

Help shape the ADBA R&I Forum 2017 by filling in our short survey: bit.ly/2bLy3YF


[email protected]

Government & Agency News

New guiDes for roo-fit

fuNDiNg to support sepArAte lA fooD wAste collectioNsIn support of the recently launched Food Waste Recycling Action Plan, WRAP has been contacting local authorities in england (excluding London) over the past few months and offering a funding opportunity to promote new separate weekly food waste collection services that have or will be launched this financial year. Local authorities who submitted expressions of interest will be encouraged to speak to their AD operators and work closely with them to maximise the effectiveness of the communications campaign to the householder and participation rates.For more information contact [email protected]

Ofgem has released three new guides to ensure common mistakes when applying for ROO-FIT accreditation are avoided. each contains information on how to apply and what evidence is needed. The essential Guide to applying for preliminary accreditation under the Feed-in Tariffs (FIT) scheme has been revised to provide help with applications to the scheme since the cap mechanism commenced on 8 February 2016. The essential Guide to applying for ROO-FIT accreditation provides a simple overview of the full accreditation application process and what it requires. And How to submit a successful ROO-FIT application gives guidance on frequently asked questions and explains metering requirements. www.ofgem.gov.uk

goverNmeNt to Act oN ccc ADviceThe uK Government has accepted the advice from the Committee on Climate Change (CCC) to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in 2030 by 57 per cent relative to 1990 levels. The Fifth Carbon Budget sets an ambitious carbon target for the early 2030s, which experts believe will require a step change in energy policy. While the first carbon budget has been met and the uK is currently on track to outperform the second and third carbon budgets, it is not on track to meet the fourth, which covers the period 2023-27. Tom Burke, Chair of the environmental thinktank e3G, welcomed the fifth budget but said it meant new policies were needed: “It will mean that the government will have to double down on a new cost-effective energy strategy which reduces reliance on imported gas.”


www.envirotecmagazine.com

www.envirotecmagazine.com

www.biogas-convention.com

www.biogas.org

www.bioenergyinternational.comwww.fdiforum.net

www.fdiforum.net


Upcoming Events

ADBA AutumN memBers’ meetiNg Addleshaw Goddard offices,London EC1

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

31 oct 2016

ADBA fiNANce forumBDO, 55 Baker Street, London W1

ADBA’s Finance Forum has met twice a year since 2010 to discuss the barriers and opportunities for funders of AD plants. Representatives from a range of different finance sectors will discuss recent developments; hear the latest updates from ADBA’s strategic Adviser, Chris Huhne, and our policy team; and provide information which will help to develop our business plan and shape our policy positions. adbioresources.org

1 Nov 2016

thirD pArty eveNts

rwmNEC BirminghamCo-located with Energy, Renewables and Water

RWM (Resource Waste Management) is the uK’s premier event for resource efficiency and waste management solutions. It is the only event of its kind, asked for by the industry, covering all aspects of the waste hierarchy. In partnership with CIWM, the event spans each element of the industry and is shaped around the demands of this rapidly growing sector. www.rwmexhibition.com

13-15 sept 2016

ADBA regulAtory forumWalker Morris LLpLeeds

This free to attend, member-only event will tackle the most important regulatory issues facing the AD industry today. AD operators, consultants and developers will be kept abreast of the latest changes to regulations and compliance structures through presentations from regulators such as the environment Agency, Health & safety executive, Animal Plant Health Agency, as well as from the scottish environment Protection Agency and Natural Resource Wales. The Forum also gives delegates the opportunity to feed their views back to regulators, engage with critical issues important to the continued development of the AD industry, and network with fellow operators to share best practice for the benefit of operational efficiency and safety. adbioresources.org

4 oct 2016

ADBA r&i forum 2017Location TBC

The 2017 ADBA 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. To find out more about how to sponsor, exhibit and register your interest in attending, please contact [email protected]

mAr 2017 (tBc)

ADBA NAtioNAl coNfereNce 2016 One Great George Street, London

After a tumultuous political summer, the ADBA National Conference is perfectly timed to review the progress and assess the opportunities for the AD industry in light of the uK’s changing relationship with the world and the priorities of a new government. It’s 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 business. It’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. To find out more about how to sponsor, exhibit and register your interest in attending, please contact [email protected]

8 Dec 2016

fArm BusiNess iNNovAtioN 2016NEC Birmingham

All the inspiration, advice and resources you need to innovate, diversify and make more money from your land. Featuring unmissable seminars and workshops offering expert advice, guidance and support, as well as market-leading exhibitors to help you find the best opportunities, products and services for your rural business.www.farmbusinessshow.co.uk

9-10 Nov 2016


joiN the voice of the AD iNDustry

New opportuNities iN A chANgiNg worlDAfter a tumultuous political summer, we are all now looking towards the opportunities for the AD industry and how it can deliver its global potential. This will also be the focus for the ADBA National Conference 2016, to be held at One Great George street in the heart of Westminster on 8 December. The conference is an opportunity for the industry to meet and discuss the drivers for change with politicians, policy makers and business leaders. And it’s also your chance to find out how the uK’s changing relationship with the world and the priorities of a new government will affect your business.

welcome New ADBA memBers! Ashleigh Farms environmental Ballingham Court BAsF BioConstruct New energy Ltd Burton Agnes Renewables DAB Renewables DeHN (uK) Ltd Dynamic Mechanical services ecologiya Goroda Fulcrum Geo Tech Developments Heath Farm energy Herefordshire Biogas James Fisher NDT Jet Vac systems Ltd Kiowa New stream Renewables Norvento Rubix 3 sQN Capital sse Thyson Technology Ltd Willsborough

The two months since my last column have been dominated by our tradeshow, uK AD & Biogas 2016, as I’m sure most of you reading this will know. This was my fourth show, but my first as an ADBA staff member. During the two busy days manning the ADBA stand, I was happy to welcome many new members as well as catch up with a majority of our current members.

It was good to see the effort every exhibitor had made to make the show a success, with many new products, services and innovations on display. A special thank you has to go to Channing Digester and Agrivert for hosting very informative pre-show plant tours and answering lots of questions relating to food waste and on-farm AD.

As most of you will know, september is the last month in the ADBA membership year, which means it is renewals time. Current members will already have received a renewal notice and we look forward to supporting you for the remainder of 2016 and into 2017. With over 420 current members, we rely on every single one in continuing to provide a strong

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 [email protected]

voice for the industry. If you are not currently a member, now is the perfect time to join – get in touch to discuss your membership in more detail and find out how we can support you and your business.

As part of our role to support and represent the industry both in the uK and abroad, we will be exhibiting at various shows in the coming months, including RWM on 13-15 september and ecomondo Rimini in Italy on 8-11 November. If you are attending either of these events, please do pop by the ADBA stand and say hello.

Membership Matters

The AD industry is changing, too. With almost 100 waste plants, and over 200 farm plants, the uK has a strong base – the conference is a chance for operators, developers and their suppliers to discuss changes to the RHI mechanisms, farming and waste policy, and developments in the water sector. You can also hear about new research and innovation proposals which aim to put the uK at the heart of the global AD industry, and expand the potential of AD around the world.

Despite constrained electricity incentives, the conference will look at where the next set of AD developments will come from. What will the government’s response to the RHI consultation mean in practice? Will a revised RTFO finally get HGVs and buses running on biomethane? Can farming policy make up for the degressing Feed-in Tariff? Will food waste collections finally become the norm in england? What will the water companies be investing in, and will sludge market deregulation offer opportunities to the wider market? There’s so much to consider – we look forward to seeing you in London on 8 December.

get iNvolveDRegister your place now at adbioresources.org and take advantage of our early bird rate, ending Friday 16 september.

www.adbioresources.orgadbioresources.org 41september 2016 | AD & bioresources News [email protected]

www.haith-recycling.com

Membership Matters

sAfety firstthe cAlm BeyoND the storm The chance of being struck by lightning is calculated as a one in 30,000 year event. Having recently been hit, Agrivert is pleased to report that we have survived without any injuries. so, just what happened and what lessons can be learnt?

At 5.20pm on Thursday 16 June 2016, our Wallingford AD facility suffered a direct lightning hit during an aggressive storm. It instantly ignited c.1,200m3 of flammable gas stored in the roof, creating a spectacular 45 metre flare. This burnt out quickly, leaving smaller fires burning until the roof membrane had burnt out. All were extinct by the time the fire brigade arrived 15 minutes later.

The remaining digesters were still producing approx. 1,000m3 of gas/hour, so continuing to consume this was the safest course of action. Once explained, the fire brigade teams agreed to restart the engines, which had tripped out during the event.

Benefiting from more digesters than the industry average, we isolated tank three, whilst using the others to help the site to keep operating. One of the isolation valves was heat damaged, resulting in a slight gas leak that we sealed within three hours; most of which were spent sourcing appropriate parts we didn’t hold in stock.

We ordered a new roof immediately, using the remaining three tanks to process normal feedstock volumes whilst we awaited its arrival. Normal waste acceptance was resumed the morning after the strike and we were back up to our usual 97 per cent power output just 24 hours later. By day 14, repairs were completed and we are now back to usual operating standards.

We draw two significant lessons:

1. Our extensive emergency plans are written for an internal audience. simplifying these for an external audience could have expedited handovers to the fire crews and between their shifts/brigades.

2. A more comprehensive array of seals in our stocks would have been an inexpensive way to expedite our recovery.

We are now reviewing lightning risk assessments at all sites, but this is complex and there are various approaches to protecting a plant. In addition, on this occasion, the fire brigade’s opinion was that the lightning bolt missed two nearby taller metallic conductors due to the sheer volume of atmospheric water, providing a conduit to the top of our digester roof; demonstrating that the incident was largely unavoidable, regardless of the type of protection we had in place.

Whilst this was not a welcomed test, I am very pleased with the outcome of what could have been a far more serious incident. Our emergency procedures worked well, our staff performed fantastically, our customers and regulators are happy, and our plants have proven themselves resilient.

By Alexander Maddan, Chief executive of Agrivert www.agrivert.co.uk

Agrivert’s 2.4 MW Wallingford plant survived a direct lightning hit


Membership Matters

teAmChief executive, Charlotte MortonT +44 (0)203 176 0503 e [email protected]

PA to Chief executive/Database Assistant, priya GathaniT +44 (0)203 567 1041 e [email protected]

strategic Adviser, Chris Huhnee [email protected]

Head of Policy, Matt HindleT +44 (0)203 176 0591 e [email protected]

Policy Officer, Thom KollerT +44 (0)203 176 0592 e [email protected]

Market Analyst, Ollie MoreT +44 (0)203 567 0751 e [email protected]

Market Analyst, Emma ThomasT +44 (0)203 735 8118 e [email protected]

environment and Regulation Manager, Jess Allan T +44 (0)203 735 8380 e [email protected]

Director of Membership services, Huw Harries T +44 (0)203 176 5441 e [email protected]

Membership Development Manager, Alex MonksT +44 (0)203 176 5418 e [email protected]

events and sponsorship Manager, Neill WightmanT +44 (0)203 176 4414 e [email protected]

senior events Manager, Gayle Brandon KirbyT +44 (0)203 176 5440 e [email protected]

Marketing Manager, Vera GersonT +44 (0)203 176 0590 e [email protected]

Market Research Analyst, Sarika Jaine [email protected]

Accountant, Amy pritchardT +44 (0)203 176 6962 e [email protected]

Accounts Assistant, Anthony OlasojiT +44 (0)203 176 0503 e [email protected]

AD Finance, Bruce Nelson, Director of Compass RenewablesT +44 (0)1732 464495 e [email protected]

AD & Bioresources News Managing editor, Kirsty SharpeT +44 (0)1920 821873 e [email protected]

AD & Bioresources News editor, Kate O’ReillyT +44 (0)7894 039609 e [email protected]

Following the summer’s political rollercoaster, our Autumn Members’ Meeting will consider the impact of the new government, new departments and new ministers for the uK’s AD industry. Taking place in London at the offices of Addleshaw Goddard on 31 October, this free to attend event will cover the latest hot topics affecting our industry, which could include:

• Political fall-out. What do we know about the new ministers, and the priorities of the new government in general? Where are the best opportunities for AD?

• The future of the RHI. ADBA’s policy team will be on hand to give the latest update on the new rules, how they’ll support projects and where the industry goes from here.

• Transport. Will the RTFO provide direct support for biomethane in transport?• sustainability criteria. One year since its implementation, we’ll look at how

operators are coping, what information Ofgem can give us, and what might need to change.

• Food waste. Delivering the Food Waste Recycling Action Plan will be high on the agenda, but is there any prospect of getting more support for food waste collections in england?

• On-farm AD. What’s next for the sector? Is there any movement on electricity policy, and are there other opportunities for support?

Featuring presentations from ADBA’s strategic Adviser and former Minister for energy & Climate Change, Chris Huhne; ADBA’s policy team and Market Analysts; and government departments and agencies, our Members’ Meetings are the perfect opportunity to address the issues that are affecting your business.

memBers’ meetiNg to Deliver clArity After politicAl uNcertAiNty

welcome emmAEmma Thomas, Market Analyst

“With a Masters in engineering, a background in telecommunications and a keen interest in renewables, I’ve joined ADBA’s market analysis team to understand the uK’s AD

market. I’m excited about this new opportunity, and the experiences and knowledge I’ll gain through working at ADBA and meeting members.”

Our Autumn Members’ Meeting is free to attend for ADBA members, and also includes a networking lunch and drinks reception. spaces are limited so register your attendance today by contacting [email protected]


[email protected] www.hrs-heatexchangers.com

Exhibitor profiles


[email protected] www.edina.eu/biogas

ad&bioresources news the uk anaerobic digestion...

Documents