AD Biogas News February 2014 Final

News THE UK ANAEROBIC DIGESTION & BIOGAS TRADE ASSOCIATIONS BI-MONTHLY MAGAZINE

Focus oN taNks

aD plaNt upDate 2014

FIt DegressIoN revIew

uk aD & BIogas INDustry awarDs 2014 - eNter Now

Issue 20 FEBRUARY 2014

BIg INNovatIoNs DrIvINg small

scale aD

www.adbiogas.co.uk2 AD & BiogAs News | feBruAry 2014

www.adbiogas.co.uk 3february 2014 | aD & biogas News

Guest Foreword

aD is a natural fit with many parts of the agricultural community and offers multiple environmental benefits, including the opportunity to better recover and manage nutrients from the variety of manures, slurries, discards, outgrades and residues that arise in the course of farming. On-farm AD plants also provide one of the most promising mitigation measures for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture, reducing fugitive methane from manure and slurry handling, replacing energy intensive manufactured fertilisers and, of course, providing a low carbon energy source. Add to this better control of odours such as ammonia, improved soil management, and easier compliance with water resource protection and whats not to like?

Clearly, maximum benefits will be achieved through a large number of farm-based AD projects distributed nationwide. Yet the development of on-farm AD in Britain has been relatively slow compared with other renewable energy options; by the end of 2013, only around a third of the uKs 125 AD plants were located on farms. The NFu remains hopeful, however, that this robust, innovative industry is now set for more rapid growth, with a pipeline of up to 300 projects by 2015 putting it well on track for the widely shared ambition of 1,000 agricultural plants by 2020. The governments AD strategy and Action Plan, to which the NFu and ADBA contributed alongside many other stakeholders, is drawing to a close with a greater recognition of the wider benefits of AD. However, a number of important policy items remain incomplete. First and foremost, Feed-in Tariff levels and other energy incentive payments must be sufficient to encourage the development of smaller plants (typically 25 kW to 250 kW) that can be better integrated into a wider range of farms. secondly, the development and recognition by Defra of industry-led best practice guidance for growing crop feedstocks must be concluded. And lastly, clearer government signals are required on environmental permitting for a variety of AD business models, as well as on permitted development rights for the smallest agricultural digesters.

See feature, Small scale AD takes a giant leap forward, p8For more info on developing an on-farm AD plant, contact ADBA's Farmers' Consultancy Service for a FREE initial AD consultation. See p38 for details or go to http://bit.ly/1lEmDVo

eNcouragINg the growth oF oN-Farm aD

INsIDe thIs Issue >

Guest Foreword: 3

Viewpoint: 4

ADBA News: 4-6

Regions: 7

Feature Small scale AD: 8-12

Government & Agency News: 14

ADBA National Conference 2013 Review: 16-17

Technology focus Tanks: 18-20

Plant Update: 22-23

Policy News: 24-25

Members News and Views: 26-30

Working Groups: 31

R&D Update: 33

Upcoming Events: 35

Membership Matters: 36-38

By Dr Jonathan Scurlock, Chief Adviser (Renewable Energy and Climate Change), National Farmers' Union (NFU)

aD&BIogas News FeaturesFeatures for Issue 21 (April) include: UK AD & Biogas 2014 & Industry

Awards preview Extracting food waste - the challenges and

developments in maximising the volume of food waste sent to AD

Technology focus: Gas upgradingCopy deadline: 21 February 2014

Features for Issue 22 (June) include: UK AD & Biogas 2014 & Industry

Awards preview AD in the food & drink sector Technology focus: PipesCopy deadline: 17 April 2014

Sponsorship and advertising: Jamil Ahad T +44 (0)203 176 4414 e [email protected]

Rachel Fenton T +44 (0)203 176 5418 e [email protected]

Editorial: editor: Kate OReilly T +44 (0)7894 039609 e [email protected]

www.adbiogas.co.uk

Cover image: Clearfleaus on-site AD plant for Nestl, at the Fawdon manufacturing facility in Newcastle


ADBA News

small scale anaerobic digestion, particularly on farms, offers huge strategic value to the uK and the British farming industry and will be at the heart of the AD industrys growth in the coming years. As well as providing an additional income stream for farming businesses, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and energy bills by generating on site energy, and improving slurry management, the AD process recycles essential nutrients back to land in the form of biofertiliser, supporting food production.

There are already over 50 operational AD plants on farms, with countless more in the pipeline looking to secure planning, finance and grid connections. We have been striving to support this growth; our free Farmers Consultancy service has been in place since February 2012 and we will shortly be launching a Crop Operators Working Group to directly tackle the issues that on-farm operators and developers face every day.

But government must also be clear in its support for small scale AD to ensure the potential is realised. Octobers announcement of the On-Farm AD Loan Fund, which will offer 10,000 grants to create a business plan for on-farm projects below 250 kW and loans of up to 400,000 to help build plants, was certainly a step in the right direction.

Yet recent months have been overshadowed by the possibility of a 20% cut in support in April for projects below 500 kW, under the Feed-in Tariff (FIT) scheme. Following the hard work of our policy team and close dialogue with other organisations such as the ReA and NFu, however, government has been persuaded to hold a tariff review to address the 20% reduction and place FIT support for small scale projects on a secure, long term footing (see p5 for full details).

We are always looking to step up our efforts to influence key political thinkers on the potential role of AD and I am therefore delighted to announce that Chris Huhne has joined ADBA as a strategic Advisor. As the previous secretary of state for energy and Climate Change, former shadow Defra Minister and MeP, this appointment will allow us to improve the effectiveness of our political activity and work towards ensuring that AD, at all scales, receives the support and recognition it deserves both in the uK and at eu level.

See p8 for our in-depth feature on small scale ADSee p38 for details of our Farmers' Consultancy Servicewww.wrap.org.uk/content/farm-ad-fundhttp://bit.ly/1lEmDVo

europeaN eND oF waste The european Commission Joint Research Centre (JRC) has now published its final Technical Report on end of waste criteria for biodegradable waste. The report will be sent to the european Commission prior to the preparation of proposals for Commission regulations, and while it is unlikely that the Commission will make any notable changes, Member state approval will be required before the criteria can come into force.

There are relatively few changes from the draft report circulated in August, but key points include:

sewage sludge and mechanical biological treatment (MBT) are excluded from permitted input materials, but manure is included;

Approach on quality and stability is little changed from previous drafts, giving Member state competent authorities the ability to use their own tests, but providing no equivalence across the eu;

The requirement for independent sampling and PAH measurement remains, and are the issues which are likely to add the greatest cost;

Weed seed and PAH measurement is introduced for digestate; sampling frequency has been defined on plant size; uK assurance schemes will be acceptable.

A comprehensive summary of the final report is available at adbiogas.co.uk

recogNIsINg the true value oF small scale aD

By Charlotte Morton, ADBAs Chief Executive

We are keen to gather evidence for a european Commission consultation on energy and environmental state aid, which will require us to make a strong case for the importance of Feed-in Tariff (FIT) support for projects between 1-5 MW. As the early stage proposals currently stand, european guidelines could introduce a 1 MW threshold on the scheme; a significant reduction from the current 5 MW limit. It is worth stressing, however, that we are in dialogue with DeCC over this issue, who have confirmed that their policy remains to support FIT projects up to at least 5 MW (possibly 10 MW for community projects); we have already provided evidence to assist with their response to the consultation.

eu coNsultatIoN: FIt evIDeNce (1-5 mw) NeeDeD

get INvolveDInvestors, developers and operators are urged to provide evidence of the vital role that FIT support plays for projects between 1-5 MW. Contact e [email protected] by 12 February.


ADBA News

Decc coNFIrms support For BIogas comBustIoN projectsDeCC has at last confirmed Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) support for biogas combustion projects with a thermal capacity beyond 200 kWth, with the following tariffs set to take effect from spring 2014:

600 kWth = 2.2p/kWh

Only projects equal to or above 200 kWth, which are commissioned after 4 December 2013, will be eligible to receive these new tariffs. However, Ofgem has confirmed to us that any existing plants not currently using heat can add a heat exchanger and other associated equipment, thereby converting to CHP and becoming eligible to receive the new tariffs (see Policy News, p24, for further details). DeCC also set out its intention to introduce a tariff guarantee for larger projects over 1 MW, although this would not take effect until 2015 for projects due to commission by spring 2016. A full summary of the outcome from the biogas combustion projects consultation, including important news on sustainability criteria and updated degression triggers, is available to ADBA members via the news blog at adbiogas.co.uk

In addition to this announcement, a full RHI review will take place as planned this year, with work already underway on the scope of the consultation. However, DeCC has been clear to point out that it will avoid making changes to the new tariffs. This review will help inform budget setting for the RHI after April 2016, although this will not be set before the 2015 spending review, with potential issues for discussion likely to include banding biomethane grid injection support and an enhanced preliminary accreditation mechanism for grid injection projects.

get INvolveDIn order to make a strong case to government during the review of FIT support for sub 500 kW plants, it is imperative that our members get in touch to provide evidence on the level of support required to effectively incentivise the small scale sector. To contribute to our response, contact T +44 (0)203 176 5440 e [email protected]

Following a very welcome announcement in December by DeCC Minister Greg Barker MP, a consultation is expected shortly to address Feed-in Tariff (FIT) degression for small scale AD; as Charlotte Morton states in her piece on p4, this includes a tariff review. This is clearly a huge step in the right direction and addresses the key industry objective of action from government to tackle the impending 20% tariff reduction for new sub 500 kW projects, due to come into effect this April.

INDustry welcomes FIt revIewIn a letter sent to ADBA, ReA, NFu, CLA and RAse, Mr Barker stated that the degression mechanism is resulting in unintended consequencesmeaning degression is likely to come sooner than expected. He added that action may well be needed to avoid the risk of damage to the genuine small scale AD sector, with DeCC planning to consult on measures, including a tariff review, in January.

At a time when debate around the cost of energy is high on the agenda and with the energy sector containing a number of competing interests the fact that the Minister has recognised the particular issues and concerns of the AD industry is very welcome. However, work will clearly need to continue over the coming months to produce a strong, credible consultation response that achieves viable tariff levels, and member input will of course be vital in this process; see below for details of how to contribute to our response.

Finally, there is of course a risk of hiatus while the consultation is ongoing; we will be working closely with DeCC to provide as much certainty as possible during the process.

DECC Minister Greg Barker MP has announced a review of FIT degression for small scale AD

E

dina


ADBA News

shortly before Christmas, our Chief executive, Charlotte Morton, gave evidence to a House of Lords Committee as part of an eu level enquiry into food waste prevention, emphasising the central role that separate food waste collections and subsequent treatment through AD have on cutting food waste and making the most of our resources. Addressing the eu

sub Committee on Agriculture, Fisheries, environment and energy, Charlotte stated: Reducing the extraordinary amount of food we waste is clearly the priority. source separated food waste collections are a significant tool to help achieve that goal, since they allow waste producers to see what they are wasting and think how they can reduce that. Whats left is then available to be sent for treatment through anaerobic digestion, which is currently the technology which makes the most of this valuable resource.

aDBa outlINes ImportaNce oF aD to lorDs


Regions

Success for Clearfleau at Scottish Green Awardsscottish Renewables scottish Green energy Awards 2013 saw Clearfleau and Diageo scotland named Best Project, for an on-site AD plant at the Dailuaine Distillery in speyside. We hope this innovative project will encourage other distillers, as well as scottish food and drink processors, to look at the energy potential of their production residues and co-products, comments Craig Chapman, Chief executive of Clearfleau. www.clearfleau.com www.scottishrenewables.comSee feature, Small scale AD, p8

Food waste recycling services reach 1m Scottish householdsOver one million households in scotland now have a service to collect and recycle their food waste. With new scottish waste regulations now in force, the latest statistics from Zero Waste scotland show steady progress in household recycling rates thanks to 20m of investment since 2010. Measures include 2m towards trials of recycling incentive schemes and facilities, with almost 3,000 new recycling

points installed in the last 12 months. In addition, the scottish environment Protection Agency (sePA), supported by funding from the european LIFe+ Programme, has launched its Discover Data tool, which displays current and historic household waste statistics from scotlands 32 local authority areas. www.bit.ly/1cQzzn3www.zerowastescotland.org.uk

News From the regIoNsScottish renewables industry displaces record amount of CO2New figures have revealed that more than 10m tonnes of CO

2 emissions were displaced by renewable electricity in

scotland last year, an increase of 24% on the previous 12 months. Niall stuart, Chief executive of scottish Renewables, remarks: Renewables now generate the equivalent of 40% of the demand for power from every

home and business in the country, support thousands of jobs across scotland and are making a massive dent in carbon emissions.www.scottishrenewables.com

Wales ideally placed to upgrade to the circular economyA report by the ellen MacArthur Foundation has focused on Wales for a regional study into the benefits of the circular economy. Commissioned by WRAP on behalf of the Welsh Government to coincide with WRAP Cymrus Circular economy in Action conference, the report suggests that the circular economy could deliver

manifold benefits for Wales, including the potential for job creation, a positive economic climate and cost savings throughout industry. Jamie Butterworth, Chief executive of the ellen MacArthur Foundation, comments: This study outlines the strong commitment already made by Wales towards effective resource management, and shows that the country is ideally placed to capitalise on these fertile system conditions to kickstart a new cycle of economic development through circular practices.www.wrapcymru.org.uk To download a free copy of the report go to www.wrap.org.uk/walesandce

Northern Ireland to benefit from collective action on food waste

A conference organised by WRAP, Business in the Community and Northern Ireland environment Link has set out practical steps to reduce and prevent food waste in Northern Ireland, for the benefit of the regions economy and environment. Too Good to Waste: Realising the Value of Food examined the true costs of food waste throughout the supply chain from field to fork. Dr Liz Goodwin, Chief executive of WRAP, notes: Wasting food is quite literally wasting money, so I urge business and industry across Northern Ireland to work together to tackle this costly issue. www.wrap.org.uk

L-R: Fred MacAulay, awards host; Richard Gueterbock, Marketing Director of Clearfleau; Morag Garden of the Scotch Whisky Association; Iain Robertson of award sponsor SmartestEnergy

Niall Stuart

Jamie Butterworth


Small scale AD

t hese are buoyant times for the uK AD industry; how many other sectors can boast 36% annual growth, or 265% growth in just four years? More exciting still is the fact that this growth is taking place at a range of scales innovation and increased affordability is now making even small scale AD (up to 250 kW) an attractive proposition for a variety of end-users, including farmers, communities, and food & drink businesses keen to exploit its commercial, waste management and environmental benefits.

Benefits to farmersOn-farm AD is perhaps the most well known application of small scale technology in the uK, but according to respected environmental campaigner and sustainability advisor Tony Juniper, theres still plenty of room for further growth: One area where there is huge scope for rapid expansion is with small units serving individual farms, explains Tony. At farm level, AD can simultaneously help to cut pollution from slurry getting into water courses, build up soil fertility with nutrients recovered from organic wastes and, of course, generate energy. All of this can help farms to control costs while helping society meet climate change targets, at the same time as saving resources. These benefits are echoed by Cath Anthony, Rural surveyor for Bidwells, who adds: small scale AD provides numerous opportunities,

including improved waste management, energy production, green credentials, increased fertiliser value and new diversified income streams.

It is therefore unsurprising that for a growing number of uK farmers, AD has become the natural next step. David Findlay owns Rainton Farm, a 340 hectare mixed livestock farm in south west scotland, and recently invested in a 25 kW AgriDigestore from Marches Biogas, which he feeds with cattle slurry and grass silage. The AgriDigestore components have been designed to allow slurry storage tanks of different capacity and construction to be transformed into anaerobic digesters, bringing down the cost of on-farm AD. For less capital cost than our 50 kW wind turbine, and delivering three times the electrical power, we converted our slurry tower into an anaerobic digester (with no planning issues) and now generate enough electricity and hot water to run the dairy, significantly enhancing the fertiliser value of our slurry and reducing its pollution potential, while cutting our greenhouse gas emissions and energy use substantially," says David.

Another small scale innovation is a system from fre-energy that resolves the main problem typically associated with on-farm AD, namely the processing of grit-laden slurries and waste crops. The brainchild of Wrexham farmer Richard Tomlinson, of Lodge Farm, fre-energys patented auto de-gritting and gas activated mixing technology ensures the digester can be run continuously, at

The AgriDigestore, from Marches Biogas, transforms slurry storage tanks into digesters

small scale aD takes a gIaNt leap ForwarD

fre-energys on-farm AD system resolves the problem of processing grit-laden feedstock

The novel tubular digester at the Centre for Process Innovations AD

Development Centre


Small scale AD

maximum capacity. The benefits to Richard and Lodge Farm are multiple: reduced energy bills; fertiliser cost savings of approximately 340 per tonne; an additional income stream from exporting the surplus energy; reduced carbon footprint and farm methane emissions; improved land fertility and productivity; energy security; and sustainable management of slurry and waste crops. The fre-energy AD system has the potential to significantly reduce the environmental impact of the agricultural industry whilst contributing greatly to the long term financial security of the farming community, concludes Richard.

Innovations in on-farm ADThis kind of innovative approach to small scale AD is being encouraged by WRAP through its Driving Innovation in AD (DIAD) programme, now in its second phase; Farm Gas Power received funding to complete a proposal to scale down automatic de-gritting for use in small farm AD systems and further improve digester performance and economics through sIDOM (surface intensification of digestible organic matter) maceration. The second round of funding was used to demonstrate how the system will achieve capital and operational cost savings through a low parasitic load, reduced tank size, increased gas yield (>10%) and access to a wider range of feedstocks.

Other projects within the DIAD Phase II programme include the Methanogen Drygestore, a scaled down digester proposal, designed to anaerobically digest and store high dry matter farm substrates, particularly farmyard manure. Targeting the 50-150 dairy cow enterprise, the system is designed to work in semi-batch mode, in line with typical farm mucking out and spreading regimes.

Evergreen Gas was awarded a grant under WRAPs DIAD programme to procure and evaluate the operations and economics of biogas upgrade for vehicle fuel at small scale. Following the installation of a low pressure upgrade unit from Metener, scaled to enable AD plant operators and farmers to make and store their own vehicle fuel at a cost proportionate to the scale of production, evergreen Gas now runs two VW Caddy vans on this fuel. The company is also the exclusive uK and Ireland agent for Metener biogas upgrade technology, which will be marketed in conjunction with the evergreen Gas range of small scale AD plants.

Meanwhile, as part of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult, the Centre for Process Innovation (CPI) has received funding from the Technology strategy Board to carry out a proof of concept project into a novel reactor design, seeking to prove that its small scale tubular technology is more efficient, less expensive and takes up less space than traditional continuously stirred tank reactors. If successful, the project could accelerate AD deployment by reducing start-up costs and also provide a modular option to increase capacity as and when needed. Work has already begun on commissioning the test unit at CPIs AD Development Centre. This project is classically high risk pushing the boundaries to see if things can be improved and we are fortunate to have Technology strategy Board support to make this possible, states steve Broome, Head of Business and Projects for CPI.

Industrial and community usesWith a significant amount of R&D taking place at small scale level, there are opportunities for a variety of end-users to benefit from AD, not least food and drink companies and the hospitality industry. In a collaborative approach between the Best Western Chilworth Manor Hotel and the university of southampton science Park, kitchen food waste, cooking oil and spent alcoholic drinks are collected and, together with waste from the grounds, processed through the Flexibuster, an 8 kW containerised CHP unit from SEaB. electricity and heat generated from the biogas production is used within the science Park offices and R&D laboratories, whilst the liquid digestate is used by a local turfing and landscaping company.

Another business benefitting from on-site AD is Diageo, which commissioned Clearfleau to build an AD facility at its Dailuaine distillery in speyside. The plant converts over 1,000m3 per day of dilute whisky co-products into green electricity, cleansed process water and heat for the distillery, and the company is now looking at other renewable energy projects. We are committed to making our business as sustainable as possible and are very proud to be making great strides in introducing innovative renewable energy solutions in our scotch whisky operations, says sean Pritchard, Technical Manager for Diageo. In 2013, Clearfleau also completed the commissioning and process optimisation phase for Nestl's on-site AD plant at their Fawdon manufacturing facility in Newcastle. The plant handles effluents and confectionery residues, to include equipment that dissolves sugars and fats so liquid feedstock can be pumped into the digestion system.

Farm Gas Powers scaled down automatic de-gritting system

Evergreen Gas runs two VW Caddy vans on biogas upgraded to vehicle fuel

SEaBs Flexibuster is being used by Best Western to turn waste food and drink into renewable energy

Continued>>

Clearfleau has installed an on-site AD facility at Diageos Dailuaine distillery


Technology focus: Digestate


Small scale AD

Continued>>

But alongside industrial and farm uses, AD is also benefitting whole communities, both in the uK and the developing world. Based in Camden, London, the LeAP micro AD project sees food waste from local hotels, restaurants and canteens collected by bicycle and fed to a 2m3 community digester. Located on an urban nature reserve, the resulting heat and electricity is used on-site and the project also aims to generate employment opportunities and develop a closed loop recycling educational programme for the local community. stefan Geyer, Manager of the nearby st Athans Hotel, which supplies food waste to the digester, enthuses: This project works on many levels we jumped at being able to support it. It should be the model for every local area.

Loowatt, meanwhile, has developed a patented waterless toilet system that seals human waste into biodegradable polymer film for anaerobic digestion. Combining an odour-free, hygienic toilet experience with a closed loop waste treatment system that also generates energy, the Loowatt event system, designed for events and festivals, will travel the uK in 2014, while the company is also piloting systems in Madagascar. In Kenya, Takamoto has developed an innovative pay as you go biogas technology for farmers, who pay a small installation fee then only pay for the gas they need, when they need it. I feed the biogas system every day with cow dung and water and just top up my biogas credit with my phone whenever I want, explains Takamoto client Hannah Kagotho. With 100 Kenyan families now benefitting from pay as you go biogas, the scheme is expected to expand into further countries and communities over the coming years.

Funding small scale ADWhile pay as you go biogas may still be some way off for uK farmers, raising the finance needed to develop a small scale AD project closer to home may not be as challenging as first thought, despite the impending Feed-in Tariff (FIT) degression, explains Bruce Nelson, Director of Compass Renewables: While the forthcoming FIT degression was having a negative effect on lenders, news of the fast-track review had been well received. However, it seems the considerable number of pre-accreditations received in December has led to this review being delayed. so whilst government appears to have listened to the AD community and was seeking to minimise the impact that degression would have, we will now have to wait and see how this plays out. In general, however, the funding community is more able to get its head around the lower costs associated with small scale AD (typically 0.75m-1.2m) its a scale of investment they seem comfortable with.

In addition to FIT and private funding options, there are also grants available to encourage small scale development. Partly in response to the ecosystems Market Task Force report, Realising natures value, which cited encouraging anaerobic digestion on farms as its second major recommendation, Defra has launched the On-Farm AD Loan Fund, in partnership with WRAP. The On-Farm AD Loan Fund is a 3m pot that will provide two types of support for farmers who want to invest in small scale AD (up to 250 kW) using predominately farm wastes as feedstocks, explains Mike Falconer Hall, Organics and energy Programme Manager at WRAP. The primary objective of the fund is to support an increase in small scale, sub 250 kW on-farm AD capacity. The first pot, launched last October, is a grant of up to 10,000 per farm to cover the costs of an initial business development plan to investigate the commercial and environmental benefits of building an AD plant. If the farm then struggles to attract finance, farmers can apply for a loan of up to 400,000, or a maximum of 50% of the capital costs, towards development of the plant.

Do your homeworkHowever, Cath Anthony is keen to point out that any AD development needs to be carefully thought through: Many people jump into projects without considering their true feasibility and viability, or take the wrong advice. even at small scale, AD is a complex technology with many factors to take into consideration and the site-specific nature of AD means that, in every case, it is essential to carry out a full feasibility study. With a wide variety of AD solutions available, would-be developers are advised to seek professional, independent advice before considering embarking on any AD venture. To this end, ADBA has developed the Farmers Consultancy service, which offers free, independent advice through its consultant members to help farmers and landowners decide whether AD is a viable option for their business. AD is a big investment at any scale and most farmers considering it will be stepping outside of their comfort zone, warns Bruce Nelson. The Farmers Consultancy

LEAPs 2m3 community digester is situated in an urban nature reserve in Camden, North London

Food waste is collected by bike from local businesses as part of the LEAP community AD project

Loowatt has combined toilet facilities with a

waste treatment system that generates energy Takamotos pay as you go biogas system is having a big impact on the lives of Kenyan

famers and their families


Small scale AD

service is a great first port of call for farmers who want to learn more about the viability of AD for their site, providing straight answers from AD experts who will give them a good steer on what is and isnt going to work.

A bright futureWhile the uKs small scale AD sector is a long way off saturation point, astute cleantech companies are already looking towards the next big trends. One area in which the growing uK cleantech

industry is now perfectly placed to help is disaster recovery particularly those nations which are prone to natural disasters as sources of alternative power and access to food and fresh water are some of the most urgent requirements following a disaster, explains sandra sassow, seaB Chief executive. Our micro power plants are housed in shipping containers, making them ideal for transport into disaster zones, and can be ready to generate energy within a few hours of landing.

There are also other opportunities on the horizon; over the last few months fre-energy has been asked to make presentations on its AD system to representatives of farming, environmental and academic communities from a number of european countries, and has hosted visits by uK and eC governments to its site at Lodge Farm. sandra

sassow also sees a strong export market for uK technology in Latin America: As well as the us, where we already have a distributor in place, we have seen huge market opportunities for small scale AD in Brazil. The countrys new waste legislation and preference for decentralised power has convinced us to establish an operation in sao Paulo this year, in partnership with a local distributor. We also see potential in Argentina and Chile unlike Brazil, there are no legislative drivers in place as yet but the demand for self-sustainable forms of power in remote areas is huge. With the uKs thriving culture of innovation in small scale AD development showing no sign of diminishing, the potential for further growth, both at home and abroad, is almost limitless. Viable, small scale AD looks set to continue benefitting both planet and pocket for a whole range of different end-users for many years to come.www.bidwells.co.uk www.marchesbiogas.co.ukwww.fre-energy.co.uk www.farmgaspower.comwww.wrap.org.uk www.evergreengas.co.ukwww.uk-cpi.com www.seabenergy.comwww.clearfleau.com www.loowatt.comwww.compassbusinessfinance.co.uk

Further INFormatIoNWant to find out if AD is a good fit for your farm business? see p38 for more details about our Farmers Consultancy service or apply for your free consultation at http://bit.ly/1lEmDVo

To find out more about the On-Farm AD Loan Fund go to www.wrap.org.uk/content/farm-ad-fund

New waste legislation coming into force in Brazil makes the region perfect for AD development

SEaBs Sandra Sassow

Angu

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Pho

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A uK Market Review exploring the role of natural gas in road transport and its impact on reducing greenhouse gas emissions has been published by energy & utility skills (eu skills). The skills council has also established a Natural Gas Vehicle Network to provide training support for growth to small and medium sized businesses working in the NGV sector. www.networks.euskills.co.uk/your-industry/ngv

eu skIlls targets uks Natural gas vehIcle INDustry

Government & Agency News

London Mayor Boris Johnson recently launched the Foodsave project in a bid to prevent 1,000 tonnes of food waste being sent to landfill. Funded by the Mayor, the London Waste and Recycling Board and the european Regional Development Fund, the Foodsave project will support 240 small and medium sized food businesses in London to reduce food waste, aiming to achieve savings of 360,000 by March 2015. The Mayor is working with the sustainable Restaurant Association, and sustain: the alliance for better food and farming, to deliver the project. Foodsave is a brilliant initiative that can help businesses reduce their food waste disposal costs and become more efficient, says Boris Johnson.

New appoINtmeNts For laracThe Local Authority Recycling Advisory Committee (LARAC) has appointed Lee Marshall as its new Chief executive Officer, effective from April 2014. Lee Marshall has been involved in waste management in the public sector for more than 15 years, including positions with stratford, Coventry, Woking and Powys councils. Nominations are also being sought for a new Chair, following the resignation of Joy Blizzard after ten years with the organisation. www.larac.org.uk

The Health and safety executive (Hse) has appointed Rick Brunt as its new Head of Waste and Recycling. Replacing Graeme Walker, who retires after 37 years of service, Rick will work closely with the waste and recycling industry, leading a unit of inspectors, policy officials and support staff.www.hse.gov.uk

hse appoINts New heaD oF waste aND recyclINg

mayor oF loNDoN lauNches 1m BusINess FooD waste scheme

cIwm urges collectIve actIoN oN waste preveNtIoN

The Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM) has commented on the publication of england's Waste Prevention Programme report, Prevention is Better than Cure, highlighting in particular the absence of any annual milestones and targets to reduce waste. We see a commitment to developing metrics by the end of next year and CIWM will commit to support that vital work, but crucially there is still nothing on reduction targets

or new approaches to measurement, notes CIWM Chief executive steve Lee, adding: This is a programme we hope will be refined and improved in the light of experience and new information, particularly from Wales and scotland who have taken a more proactive and ambitious approach.

However, with an emphasis on reduction, redesign, re-use, repair and rethinking, the report has been viewed as a starting point by CIWM, which has now urged industry to work together going forward. This industry, together with its new partners elsewhere in the resources cycle, needs to commit to working on the basics such as data gathering and analysis, as well as driving for early wins in areas such as re-use, comments steve. It is time for us to learn and improve collectively rather than turning our backs because we don't see everything we wanted in version 1.0.www.ciwm-journal.co.uk/archives/5376


Government & Agency News


ADBA National Conference 2013 review

t he anaerobic digestion industry has the potential to deliver to the uK a whole host of benefits not just energy generation. That was the key message from ADBAs National Conference 2013, held last December in Westminster, London, and attended by hundreds of delegates including AD operators, government representatives, industry experts, academics and press.

Titled Can we afford not to recycle phosphates?, speakers at the annual event were keen to push government to increase focus on the wider benefits of AD, with debates centering on ADs potential to recycle valuable nutrients, alongside

developing a demand for biomethane, shaping the direction of current food waste policy, demonstrating good operational performance and land bank availability.

The importance of nutrientsChairing the mornings main debate, Can we afford not to recycle nutrients and organic matter?, Tony Juniper, sustainability and environmental advisor and author of the influential book, What Has Nature ever Done For us?, stated: With an estimated 9bn people on the planet by 2050, there will be more demand for food, energy and resources than ever before, meaning that we must move towards a circular economy. AD has immense potential. Yet, as the speakers recognised, the driver for AD remains focused on renewable energy, with Patrick Holden, Founding Director of the sustainable Food Trust, noting the lack of a business case for nutrient recycling. The debates other speakers James Murcott of Methanogen, Rembrandt Koppelaar of Imperial College London, Michael Chesshire of evergreen Gas and Dr Alan Knight of Business in the Community were clear that if AD is to reach its full potential, government must acknowledge these additional benefits and support AD accordingly: Nutrient costs will not rise sufficiently, so support needs to be on a carbon basis there is a huge carbon cost in current forms of nutrient supply, remarked Rembrandt Koppelaar.

coNFereNce speakers urge goverNmeNt to look BeyoND eNergy proDuctIoN

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Banning food waste to landfillThe events afternoon breakout sessions opened with a debate on whether food waste policy can keep up with industry growth. Louise McGregor of Zero Waste scotland spoke about how devolved policy has led to a landfill ban on food waste, effective from 2021, whilst also warning that some scottish AD plants are experiencing overcapacity. As expected, Defras Dr Colin Church confirmed that there were no immediate plans for england to follow scotlands lead by implementing its own landfill ban, stating that there were concerns about the enforceability and socio-economic viability of such legislation. However, with Mark Hogan of Kier services admitting that non-legislative issues tend to fall off the table early in discussions with local authorities, the AD industry is still pushing for an outright ban on sending food waste to landfill in england as the only way to really address the problem of food waste and ensure that valuable nutrients, including phosphates, are recycled.

Biogas is a growing market for us and we were pleased to make some useful contacts at the conference, and receive some interesting enquiries.

Nick Burley, Weightron Bilanciai Ltd

We had discussions with a wide variety of people at the event, including existing and potential suppliers, which helps us to strengthen our supply chain. From a

networking/business development point of view, it was also helpful to meet new clients and possible investors.

Derek Gibbons, Jones Celtic BioEnergy


ADBA National Conference 2013 review

ADBA's National Conference also saw Chris Huhne, former secretary of state for energy and Climate Change, unveiled as ADBAs strategic Adviser. Our Chief executive Charlotte Morton commented: I am delighted that Chris Huhne will be working with ADBA to help us develop the best strategic position for the AD industry. Chris obviously brings a wealth of experience from his time as secretary of state for energy and Climate Change, shadow secretary of state for the environment and as an MeP. Renewable energy support is clearly set to be a major issue in the run up to the next election, and indeed in europe, and Chriss help demonstrating the very significant value anaerobic digestion delivers will make a real difference.

underlining his passion for renewables, Chris Huhne told the events delegates: Lets knock on the head the idea that the uK is going further or faster than our european neighbours on renewables this is simply not true. Of all the major Member states, the uK has the lowest renewable energy target. But it is fundamentally wrong to say we shouldnt be in the lead. It is very important that green businesses stand up to be counted. If we dont have green growth we wont have any growth at all. Renewables are the future.

Raising operational standardsHow to demonstrate good operational performance was the focus of another of the afternoons breakout debates, with experts including Adrian Judge, formerly of the Green Investment Bank, Bruce Nelson, Director of Compass Renewables, and Alexander Madden of Agrivert discussing the ways in which performance can be measured and how the industry can continue to raise its operational efficiency, with a view to encouraging further investment into the sector. Debate centred on how to mitigate the risk of plant underperformance following commissioning, with speakers highlighting the importance of an experienced project team, including advisors/consultants; appropriate technology; reliable arrangements for feedstock; properly trained/experienced operators; ongoing biology monitoring; programmed maintenance; and a clear ability to move and/or spread digestate. While its normal in the first year to produce more erratic performance data, this will usually even out and, providing these areas have been addressed, the overall trend should move towards a good, or at least acceptable, level, stated Bruce Nelson. For on-farm developments,

As always, the ADBA National Conference delivered great presentations, engaging debates, and thought provoking take aways, as well as a good opportunity to network with

clients, suppliers and old colleagues its an annual must do for us. We also made some interesting contacts in terms of nutrient recovery, an area thats not had the spotlight thus far, but which offers significant opportunity.

Kevin Clarke, Imtech Water, Waste & Energy

ADBA consistently brings all the right people together for this highly focused, professional event. The speakers were first class and it was certainly very positive to hear about

the lessons that are being learned in the uK about equipment specification.

Hugh Vaughan, Landia

experts from ADBAs Farmers Consultancy service would be able to address these issues at an early stage of a project, helping to mitigate the risk of underperformance, added Bruce.

Incentivising biomethane useA briefing on the FIT degression consultation, led by ADBAs Matt Hindle and Katie Halter of DeCC, was followed by a debate around the developing demand for biomethane, during which expert speakers including Paul Densham of sainsburys and Rob Wood of Gasrec highlighted the need to ensure that the direct use of biomethane in transport and grid injection are incentivised equally. Meanwhile, a separate breakout session saw Pete Pearce of Thames Water and WRAPs Will McManus debate the impact of industry growth and changing regulations on land bank availability with fellow industry experts, with issues including digestate storage, spreading best practice and NVZ high on the agenda.

chrIs huhNe joINs aDBa


Technology focus: Tanks

The uK AD industry is building hundreds of tanks a year, each one defined by process needs and often limited by planning permission and soil strength. Containing thousands of cubic metres of organic materials, structural integrity is paramount; tanks support technical equipment and can have as many as 30 penetrations and nozzles fitted.

There are three main types of tank available; above ground, underground and semi-submerged.

Above ground tanks are usually the cheapest to erect leaks are easy to detect and fixing nozzles for instruments is simple. However, planners may insist on a visual bund or shelter belt and could also limit the tanks height. The walls and roof can be constructed from concrete, steel or plastic, although the roof can also be made from fibreglass or constructed as a textile double skin inflatable gas dome.

why selectINg the rIght taNk caN equal aD success

Steel tanks can be constructed as follows: epoxy or glass coated steel plates (bolted) Triple glass coated steel (bolted) for maximum

chemical resistance Pre-coated steel fabricated on-site using lip

sealing machine Black (mild) steel, painted and insulated

Top tips Glass coated steel tanks are generally thicker,

heavier and more expensive than epoxy painted tanks more aggressive chemicals may benefit from triple glass coated steel.

All steel tanks collapse easily with negative pressure that may be created by sealing all the tank instrument ports with blank flanges in the daytime and cooling the sealed tank at night.

Mild steel anaerobic insulated tanks have been very successful in Danish digesters.

Underground tanks minimise visual impact and can be easier to maintain. However, consideration must be given to access into underground tanks and safe systems of work put in place.

Top tips The environment Agency (eA) may require

a method of catching underground seeps and leaks, and of monitoring the quality and quantity of any leaks.

The land area required is normally larger than for vertical above ground tanks.

empty underground tanks will bounce out of the ground if emptied in soil with a high water table.

Semi-submerged tanks benefit from the heat insulation from the soil and can be finished with a glass reinforced plastic top with an external gas bag, or constructed with a textile gas bag top.

a s the largest and often most expensive part of an AD plant, selecting the right tank for your project is crucial to its success. But with so many variations on the market, it can be difficult to know where to begin, particularly for first-time AD developers. In this article, Dr Les Gornall, Process Consultant for PROjEN, provides an overview of the different types of tank available and what to ask any would-be supplier before we

take a look at some of our members latest tank-related projects and innovations.

Concrete tanks can be constructed as follows: Precast panels wrapped with cables that are

tensioned after erection Cast with single pour moving mould shuttered with bolted shuttering

Top tips Always double check the steel

reinforcement calculations. If air is found in a concrete wall when the

moulds are removed, break out the affected area the same day before the concrete cures to full strength.

Cutting holes through the post-tensioned cables of precast tanks reduces the strength of the tank considerably.

sealing concrete flat roof structures is not easy in practice if the gas content is under pressure, so ensure the tank manufacturer provides an adequate guarantee that includes gas tight tops as well as hydraulic integrity.

Coated steel tank from Galglass

Construction of A-Consult's sludge holding tanks

Lagged concrete digester with separate gas bag, reflected in an open sludge tank



ADBA members at the forefront of tank innovationGlass coated steel may have enjoyed the monopoly of the coated steel tank market so far, but the efusionTM system from Galglass Ltd, which uses the very latest developments in tank coating technology, has become a fully accepted alternative. The companys trade marked efusionTM epoxy coating an electrostatically applied thermally bonded coating, fully tested in line with water industry standards promises to be more robust and perform better than traditional alternatives, resulting in a longer product life span. suitable for a variety of applications ranging from

potable water through to AD, Galglass epoxy tanks are produced at the companys on-site bespoke coating facility at its uK head office.

Working closely with fellow ADBA member Marches Biogas, A-Consult has installed the first circular pre-cast tank plug flow system, helping AD operators to maximise the gas yield potential from their feedstock. The success of this first project has prompted a number of other sites to adopt the technology, with more installations scheduled for 2014. Another of A-Consults recent projects includes the replacement of an ageing steel digester for a client in Devon. Following the Continued>>

questIoNs to coNsIDer BeFore selectINg your taNk1. Are there any planning limits that could exclude vertical designs?2. What are the likely capex and opex?3. Will the tank be the right fit for your AD process? Acid hydrolysis needs an acid resistant tank;

thermophilic operation may not be suitable for plastic tanks and some GRP components.4. Who is building the tank base? It may be better to include the base of the tank with the tank purchase

order, leaving a single expert company to assure the quality of the finished tank with its base. 5. Do you need a bund? Depending on the location, the eA may insist tanks are built in a bunded area

that will contain 110% of the volume of the largest tank, which may prove expensive.

casting of a concrete base plate, the new 12m high tank was installed over a five-day period, with a double membrane gas-tight roof with integrated service boxes completing the works. The company has also developed a composite sectional precast concrete gas-tight roof: incorporating internal insulation to help maintain the digesters operating temperature, the roof is installed with a cast-in liner to protect concrete surfaces within the gasification zone whilst ensuring all seals are gas-tight. The roof can also provide openings to support mixers and pressure plates, and allows safe and easy access for maintenance.

The efusionTM system from Galglass promises

a more robust and better-performing tank



The last quarter of 2013 saw Kirk Environmental expand its tank range with the Aqua Tank, a pre-cast concrete tank for the uK water and wastewater treatments industry. This latest offering means that Kirk now provides every tank type available in the uK market, with clients able to choose from concrete tanks either constructed on-site or pre-cast or steel tanks, available as either glass fused to steel, epoxy coated steel, stainless steel or a hybrid, to suit different operational conditions in the liquid and gas phases of the digester. When it comes to tank

selection, we are in a position where we can sit with any client and offer independent, impartial advice on product selection for their AD plant, explains Andrew Peace, Managing Director. We find that a combination of all the above tank material types gives the client the best commercial and asset life advantages.

Meanwhile, poured in situ concrete tank specialist Monostore has just completed its latest biogas tank installation in upton Magna, shrewsbury. The three tank, 380 kW plant handles a feedstock

mix of 50% maize, 30% silage and 20% chicken litter and was completed on time and on budget. Offering above ground, underground or semi-submerged tanks, Monostores in-house designers and engineers work closely with clients to provide bespoke solutions; and as Mark Tuson, uK sales Manager, explains, safety is

paramount: As our tanks are all poured in situ, the client is left with one complete structure, meaning there are no joins or seals and therefore no weak spots. Not only does this make our tanks robust and reliable, but also completely safe. unlike some other tank suppliers, we can also take care of the foundations, as well as installing insulation and cladding, reducing the need to involve another sub-contractor.www.projen.co.uk www.galglass.co.ukwww.aconsult.co.uk www.kirk-environmental.comwww.monostore.comKirk Environmental now offers the entire range of tanks available to the UK market

Recent projects from A-Consult include a 12m high tank with a double membrane gas-tight roof, for a client in Devon

Waste Water Treatment

Foundation + Tanks + Covers

Biogas Installations

Independent Tank InstallerFull service design & buildConcrete tanks in-situInsulation & claddingPiled foundations if requiredFlat or conical concrete roofsFabric membrane gas roofs

Waste Water TreatmentBiogas installationsSlurry tanks, leachateDrinking water storage

Monostore LtdT. (+44) 0330 8080021M. (+44) 07733 264748E. [email protected]. www.monostore.com


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Plant update

2014 a NatIoNal aD NetworkDespite the greenest government ever remaining largely silent on both the commercial and environmental benefits of the circular economy, it has been an incredible 12 months for the uK anaerobic digestion industry, which has seen 36% annual growth. As of January 2014, there were 125 AD plants in operation throughout the uK, including community, agricultural, industrial and municipal facilities, proving that AD has a role to play at every level and as our snapshot of some of the projects planned for 2014 shows, that figure is rising fast. With FIT degression for sub 500 kW plants now under review, we hope that 2014 is the year that government finally recognises, and supports, AD at every scale.

9 waeNLocation: nr st Asaph, DenbighshireCurrent stage: under constructionInput: 22,500 tpa of food wasteOutput: 1 MWProjected completion: July 2014ADBA member involvement: Designer, builder, owner/operator BiogenInfo supplied by: Biogen

11 merevaleLocation: Baxterley, WarwickshireCurrent stage: under constructionInput: 45,000 tpa of food wasteOutput: 2 MWProjected completion: september 2015ADBA member involvement: Designer, builder, owner/operator BiogenInfo supplied by: Biogen

2 alauNa reNewaBle eNergyLocation: Millerhill, MidlothianCurrent stage: Preferred bidder, construction due to start February 2014Input: 30,000 tpa of food wasteOutput: 1.4 MWProjected completion: end of 2015ADBA member involvement: Design and build by BiogenInfo supplied by: Biogen and Alauna Renewable energy

12 waNlIp stwLocation: Leicester Current stage: under construction Input: sewage sludge Output: 3 MWProjected completion: April 2014 ADBA member involvement: equipment supplied by Kirk environmentalInfo supplied by: Kirk environmental

4 wIlcross FarmLocation: Gisburn, LancashireCurrent stage: under construction Input: slurry and cropsOutput: 1 MW Projected completion: June 2014ADBA member involvement: equipment supplied by Kirk environmentalInfo supplied by: Kirk environmental

1 DIageo gleNDullaNLocation: Dufftown, AberdeenCurrent stage: under construction Input: Distillery wasteOutput: 0.5 MW Projected completion: June 2014ADBA member involvement: equipment supplied by Kirk environmentalInfo supplied by: Kirk environmental

8 reFooD wIDNesLocation: Widnes, CheshireCurrent stage: under construction; gas to grid system being installed April 2014Input: 90,000 tpa of commercial and domestic food wasteOutput: 1,500m3 (17 MWh) of biogas per hour (to be exported to the national gas grid)Projected completion: summer 2014ADBA member involvement: Owner/operator ReFood; gas to grid system supplied by Chesterfield BioGasInfo supplied by: ReFood

6 reFooD DoNcasterLocation: Doncaster, south YorkshireCurrent stage: Redevelopment work to commence January 2014 (to increase capacity of existing facility by 100%)Input: 160,000 tpa of commercial and domestic food wasteOutput: 5 MWhProjected completion: summer 2014ADBA member involvement: Owner/operator ReFoodInfo supplied by: ReFood

7 retForDLocation: Retford, NottinghamshireCurrent stage: CommissioningInput: Maize, manures and other agricultural wasteOutput: 3 MWProjected completion: early 2014ADBA member involvement: Owner/operator Tamar energy; technology supplied by Xergi; biogas engine supplied by Clarke energyInfo supplied by: Tamar energy

3 warDleyLocation: Gateshead, Tyne & WearCurrent stage: In developmentInput: Food wasteOutput: 2 MWProjected completion: 2015ADBA member involvement: Owner/operator Tamar energyInfo supplied by: Tamar energy

5 BuryLocation: Bury, Greater ManchesterCurrent stage: In developmentInput: Food wasteOutput: 2 MWProjected completion: 2015ADBA member involvement: Owner/operator Tamar energyInfo supplied by: Tamar energy

10 ael BIogasLocation: east Kirkby, LincolnshireCurrent stage: CommissioningInput: Agricultural productsOutput: 1.2 MWProjected completion: Now completeADBA member involvement: Design, build and ePC (including AD technology) FLI energyInfo supplied by: FLI energy


Plant update

26 herrIarD BIo-powerLocation: HampshireCurrent stage: CommissioningInput: 30,000 tpa of farm waste, maize, grass silage and food wasteOutput: 1.2 MWProjected completion: February 2014ADBA member involvement: Design by Barfoots energy Projects; digestion technology design and construction, food waste storage and transfer system design, and pasteurisation, waste heat transfer and digestate handling system by MT-energie uK Ltd; food waste depackaging and handling machinery by Mavitec Green energy BVInfo supplied by: Barfoot energy Projects

21 BryN pIcaLocation: Llwydcoed, AberdareCurrent stage: under constructionInput: 22,500 tpa of food wasteOutput: 1 MWProjected completion: July 2015ADBA member involvement: Designer, builder, owner/operator BiogenInfo supplied by: Biogen

18 BygraveLocation: Baldock, HertfordshireCurrent stage: under constructionInput: 45,000 tpa of food wasteOutput: 2.2 MWProjected completion: November 2014ADBA member involvement: Designer, builder, owner/operator BiogenInfo supplied by: Biogen

29 caNNINgtoN BIoeNergy phase 2Location: somersetCurrent stage: under construction Input: Food wasteOutput: 2 MW Projected completion: February 2014ADBA member involvement: equipment supplied by Kirk environmentalInfo supplied by: Kirk environmental

22 reFooD DageNhamLocation: London sustainable Industries Park (LsIP), Dagenham, essexCurrent stage: under constructionInput: 160,000 tpa of commercial and domestic food wasteOutput: 2,000m3 (22.7 MWh) of biogas per hour (to be exported to the national gas grid)Projected completion: spring 2015ADBA member involvement: Owner/operator ReFoodInfo supplied by: ReFood

23 BasINgstokeLocation: Basingstoke, HampshireCurrent stage: OperationalInput: Food and agricultural wasteOutput: 1.5 MWProjected completion: early 2014ADBA member involvement: Owner/operator Tamar energy; design, build and ePC (including AD technology) FLI energy; biogas engine supplied by Clarke energyInfo supplied by: Tamar energy, FLI energy

13 holBeachLocation: spalding, LincolnshireCurrent stage: OperationalInput: Vegetable waste and maizeOutput: 1.5 MWProjected completion: early 2014ADBA member involvement: Owner/operator Tamar energy; technology supplied by Xergi; biogas engine supplied by Clarke energyInfo supplied by: Tamar energy

20 halsteaDLocation: Halstead, essexCurrent stage: under constructionInput: Food wasteOutput: 2 MWProjected completion: Mid 2014ADBA member involvement: Owner/operator Tamar energy; technology supplied by Monsal; biogas engine supplied by Clarke energyInfo supplied by: Tamar energy

19 hoDDesDoNLocation: Hoddesdon, HertfordshireCurrent stage: In developmentInput: Food wasteOutput: 3 MWProjected completion: early 2015ADBA member involvement: Owner/operator Tamar energyInfo supplied by: Tamar energy

25 evercreechLocation: shepton Mallet, somersetCurrent stage: In developmentInput: Food wasteOutput: 2 MWProjected completion: 2015ADBA member involvement: Owner/operator Tamar energyInfo supplied by: Tamar energy

28 BromleyLocation: Bromley, KentCurrent stage: In developmentInput: Food wasteOutput: 2 MWProjected completion: early 2015ADBA member involvement: Owner/operator Tamar energy; design, build and ePC (including AD technology) FLI energyInfo supplied by: Tamar energy

17 ellough BIogasLocation: ellough, suffolkCurrent stage: under constructionInput: Maize and agricultural productsOutput: 1,800 m3/hr biogas upgradingProjected completion: August 2014ADBA member involvement: Design, build and ePC (including AD technology) FLI energy; owner/operator Biocore environmental; biogas upgrading equipment supplied by Chesterfield BioGasInfo supplied by: FLI energy

16 eustoN BIogasLocation: Thetford, NorfolkCurrent stage: under constructionInput: Maize and agricultural productsOutput: 1,200 m3/hr biogas upgradingProjected completion: september 2014ADBA member involvement: Design, build and ePC (including AD technology) FLI energy; owner/operator strutt and Parker FarmsInfo supplied by: FLI energy

30 FraDDoN BIogasLocation: Truro, CornwallCurrent stage: under constructionInput: Food industry by-productsOutput: 1,000 m3/hr biogas upgradingProjected completion: september 2014ADBA member involvement: Design, build and ePC (including AD technology) FLI energy; owner/operator Greener For Life energyInfo supplied by: FLI energy

14 crows hallLocation: Attleborough, NorfolkCurrent stage: CommissioningInput: Maize and agricultural productsOutput: 1.5 MWProjected completion: Now completeADBA member involvement: Design, build and ePC (including AD technology) FLI energyInfo supplied by: FLI energy

24 agrIvert west loNDoNLocation: Chertsey, surreyCurrent stage: CommissioningInput: Food wasteOutput: 2.4 MWProjected completion: Jan 2014ADBA member involvement: Design, build and operation Agrivert; owned by Agrivert/Grundon Info supplied by: Agrivert

15 craNForD aD ltDLocation: NorthamptonshireCurrent stage: CommissioningInput: Whole crop wheat, maize and grassOutput: 125 kWProjected completion: Feb 2014ADBA member involvement: Design, build and commissioning evergreen Gas Info supplied by: evergreen Gas

27 charltoN laNe eco parkLocation: shepperton, surreyCurrent stage: In developmentInput: 40,000 tpa of food wasteOutput: 1.8 MWProjected completion: TBCADBA member involvement: Owner/operator sITA; technology supplier MonsalInfo supplied by: sITA


Policy

For up to the minute information and advice on regulations, consultations and government news, contact our Policy Manager Matt Hindle T +44 (0)203 176 0591 e [email protected]

rhI electrIcIty oNly clarIFIcatIoNWe have received clarification from Ofgem on the treatment of existing plants which generate electricity only, with the regulator setting out that such facilities are eligible for RHI support provided they are converted to also generate heat. The definition of electricity only does permit engines to have cooling equipment: Where such equipment is necessarily installed for the express purpose of cooling of the plant (ie no useful heat is produced), we would be minded to consider this equipment as integral to electricity generation, and not an indication the plant should be considered CHP.

This may therefore allow plants with an engine commissioned since July 2009, and which are not currently using their heat, to become eligible for RHI by converting to CHP by adding a heat exchanger and other associated equipment. Ofgem has emphasised that it will consider such plants on a case by case basis.

Fuel Duty aNNouNcemeNt to Boost gas vehIcle marketa significant boost to the biomethane transport sector was delivered in Decembers Autumn statement with the announcement that the fuel duty differential between diesel and gas will be maintained on a ten year, rather than three year, basis. This is a sizable extension, which could encourage investment in gas vehicles and will help to support the developing demand for biomethane in transport, especially as part of the rationale behind the Treasurys decision is to support decarbonisation.

We are continuing to work closely with the Department for Transport, alongside our Transport Working Group, to support the development of governments HGV Gas strategy. Key issues that the strategy is expected to cover include the recognition of biomethane certificates for carbon transport reporting purposes, and increasing support under the Renewable Transport Fuels Obligation (RTFO) to bring it on parity with Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) tariffs.

DeFra report recommeNDs ImprovemeNts to slurry aND DIgestate storage

A recent Defra report has made a number of recommendations around improving the regulatory framework for managing and storing slurry, and the provision of advice to farmers. This is a first step in overhauling the silage, slurry and Agricultural Fuel Oil (ssAFO) Regulations, which govern how farmers should store livestock slurry.

The report made a number of interesting comments regarding AD: AD permits generally refer to appropriate construction standards,

without determining what these are. This may need to be clarified, as digestate should be stored to the same standards that apply to slurry;

ssAFO Regulations could provide the standards to be referred to in permits for storage, particularly for slurry and crop feedstocks. This might require an extension to the current review of CIRIA 126, the reference guidance for such standards, with input from eA and Defra waste policy teams, as well as the AD industry;

some AD units use ensiled crops as feedstock and many operators do not understand that the storage of such feedstock is subject to ssAFO Regulations; this needs to be addressed.

Implementation of the reports recommendations and amendments to ssAFO regulations will take place during 2014.

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Policy

In its response to the consultation on the Waste Prevention Programme for england (WPPe), Defra has confirmed that food waste remains a major focus, although governments commitment to supporting voluntary agreements, rather than bringing in new legislation, means there are few new measures. The document states that the department is continuing to support voluntary action focused on food waste, including the Hospitality and Food services Agreement, the Product sustainability Forum, and the Courtauld Commitment, which aims to reduce household food and drink waste by 5% by 2015 from a 2012 baseline. The document also confirms that Defra is continuing to support the work of WRAP on food waste, putting particular emphasis on the hospitality industry.

DeFra coNFIrms commItmeNt to FooD waste reDuctIoN

The energy Act 2013 received royal assent in December, putting in place mechanisms for the future of the electricity market. As a result, DeCC has confirmed the support rates for sewage sludge projects and AD plants over 5 MW, available under the Contracts for Difference (CfD) mechanism which will replace the Renewables Obligation (RO) for new generation in 2017.

The CfD mechanism uses strike prices to reduce the risk of price volatility, topping up the amount the generator receives if prices fall below this level and requiring generators to pay back the difference if the strike price is exceeded. set to be on parity with Renewables Obligation (RO) support levels, CfD contracts will be 15 years in duration, available at 15p/kWh from 2014/15 until 2017/18, when support will fall to 14p/kWh for new generators. For sewage sludge projects, strike prices will remain at 7.5p/kWh over this same period.

Amendments to the energy Act attempting to insert a decarbonisation target and apply emissions standards to existing coal-fired plants were defeated, so a decision will be taken on whether to set a 2030 target for emissions from power supply after the 2015 election.

cFD strIke prIces coNFIrmeD

waste-oNly operatIoNs No permIt requIreDFollowing a consultation, Defra has confirmed that AD plants termed waste operations under the environmental Permitting Regulations (ePR) will no longer need to obtain planning permission before applying for an environmental permit, in a move intended to give maximum flexibility to operators.

revIsIoNs to pas 110 With the deadline now closed for comments on the revised draft of PAs 110, an updated version of the standard is expected to be finalised in the coming months. We will be attending a steering group meeting in early February, at which comments from the consultation process will be considered and consensus reached on any changes. It is then anticipated that the redrafted standard will be published by early April 2014 and in place shortly afterwards, following consideration by the environment Agency.

There were a number of issues for operators to consider, and full details are available at adbiogas.co.uk. some of the key points in the draft included:

The stability test has been changed to redefine the residual biogas potential (RBP) limit according to pig slurry this is felt to be a better virgin comparator for food waste digestate than cattle slurry, the comparator originally used;

Pasteurisation of manure, unprocessed crops, processed crops, crop residues, glycerol and/or used animal bedding is not required, as long as the resulting digestate is applied on the same premises or holding from which those materials arose. The same exemption applies when these materials are mixed with other feedstocks, providing those other feedstocks have been pasteurised;

Potentially toxic elements (PTe) concentrations and physical contaminant limits in digestate to be set on a fresh weight, rather than dry matter basis;

The definition of a farm or holding has been extended to include members of a co-operative, potentially extending the scope for on-farm AD plants to transfer waste materials to a common plant for processing, without the need for a pasteurisation step or extensive testing.


Members News & Views

reBraNDeD NIjhuIs INDustrIes to Focus oN INNovatIoNFollowing the expansion of Nijhuis Water Technology, and the acquisition of H2OK Water & energy and excellent Ozone solutions, Nijhuis Industries has introduced a new corporate identity, alongside a variety of innovations and extended service capabilities. New systems include: the Intelligent-DAF, a dissolved air flotation technology combining high efficiency with low life cycle cost; AecomixTM, an integrated anaerobic treatment system for wastewater containing fats, oils and greases; and the Nijhuis Ammonium Recovery unit, which recovers ammonium from liquid waste and digestate. In addition, the company has extended its portfolio of services, offering design and delivery of both containerised and turnkey solutions, as well as online monitoring and bespoke after sales services. www.nijhuis-water.com

Nijhuis incorporates H2OK Water & Energy, which installed a 1m AD system at Sharps Brewery in Cornwall

Tramspread, uK distributor for Albers Alligator slurry and digestate storage systems, has experienced increased demand for its Bagtank solution, which offers permanent storage of between 200m-7,000m of digestate. The Bagtank is becoming more popular for storing digestate due to its low visual impact and more affordable price compared to covered tanks. As a sealed and vented store, it ensures that high fertiliser value digestate is not diluted by rainwater, states Tramspreads John Tydeman. The company also offers temporary digestate storage of 100m-350m via the Winbag system, as well as the Hexa-Cover, a floating cover for tanks and lagoons. www.tramspread.co.uk

tramspreaDs BagtaNk a popular choIce For DIgestate storage

The Bagtank system is an affordable and aesthetic digestate storage solution



In February 2011, ReFood launched a manifesto setting out the companys ambition to eradicate food waste from landfill by the end of the decade. ReFoods latest report is the culmination of more than two years work and sets out a framework to achieve this objective by 2020. The message is clear; food waste is a valuable resource that should never end up in landfill sites, states Philip simpson. everyone from the food producer, through to the retailer, the restaurant and the householder can play their part in taking full advantage of its potential, by ensuring we re-use, recycle and recover every nutrient and kilowatt of energy it has to offer. By separating and dealing with food waste effectively, we can unlock all of its value while also removing it as a contaminant to other waste streams. This will ensure high quality,

reFooD: a vIsIoNary approach to FooD waste

AD plant operator ReFood, part of the PDM Group, recently launched its latest report, Vision 2020: UK roadmap to zero food waste to landfill.' We met Philip Simpson, Commercial Director, and Dean Pearce, Regional Commercial Manager (South East), to find out how the company intends to make its vision a reality...

commercially viable, recyclable materials across the board, helping to return billions of pounds to the uK economy.

Our recommendations are clear, continues Philip. We need a timetable for the phased introduction of a ban on food waste to landfill, compulsory separate food waste collections, collaboration at every stage of the supply chain, and the integration of food waste education. Landfill tax is not succeeding in creating behavioural change; urgent action is needed, which is why this roadmap is so crucial. Theres a groundswell of good work taking place, with companies such as CIWM, LARAC, WRAP and The savoy Hotel supporting our vision, but we would like to see government and industry take a more consistent and holistic approach to food waste; one that maximises its potential as a resource, concludes Philip.

Alongside ReFoods Vision 2020 campaign, the company is expanding its network of AD plants across the uK, as Dean Pearce outlines: Our 4 MW facility in Widnes is due to become operational later this year, and were also planning to double the size of our Doncaster plant. Further south, weve now received planning permission for a plant in Dagenham, which will be the most advanced integrated AD plant dedicated to food waste in the south of england. We envisage further facilities coming on stream in the next three to five years.www.refood.co.uk

Invite us to your next open day for a chance to feature in a future issue. e [email protected]

Philip Simpson, Commercial Director of ReFood

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FlI eNergy completes FIrst tamar project aheaD oF scheDule

Biogen has secured 22m of funding from the Royal Bank of scotland (RBs) to support the companys continued expansion. The revolving and term loan facilities with RBs, together with the sums invested to date by Kier Group and the Bedfordia Group, amount to a total of 70m towards Biogens developing AD plant network. This is great news for Biogen and great news for AD in the uK, states Richard Barker, Biogens Chief executive. The additional funding provided by RBs allows us to continue our strategy of rolling out additional capacity across the uK. each new AD plant we build will result in more food waste being diverted from landfill, more renewable energy being generated for communities and more jobs created for local people. Not only that, but more businesses and local councils will have better access to sustainable food waste treatment on a national scale, adds Richard.www.biogen.co.uk

BIogeN secures 22m FuNDINg From rBs

L-R: Viscount Lymington; Declan McGrath, Managing Director FLI Energy; Alan Lovell, Chairman Tamar Energy; Tony Wilson, Director of Construction and Operations Tamar Energy; Michael Flynn, Executive Chairman FLI Group

In a move designed to reflect its expanding portfolio, materials technology group Ceram has unveiled a new identity. Now known as Lucideon, and incorporating a new logo, signage and website, the rebranding will bring all operations together under one banner, as well as helping the business to grow further. As the group has acquired new interests, the range of different company names has become confusing for our clients, explains Tony Kinsella, Chief executive. We have come up with a single identity that will incorporate all of our businesses and which will

reflect what we stand for as an organisation independence, accuracy, creativity and responsiveness.www.lucideon.com

all chaNge For ceram

FLI energy has completed construction of Tamar energys 1.5 MW Basingstoke AD plant a month ahead of schedule. Alan Lovell, Chairman and Chief executive of Tamar energy, remarks: The completion of construction of our first plant is a significant milestone for Tamar energy. A truly collaborative approach has delivered a complex project to time and to budget and all parties are very proud of the achievement. FLI energy provided full turnkey design and construction of the entire facility, which will divert approximately 30,000 tpa of food waste from landfill. We are looking forward to continued collaboration, replicating this success on the delivery of many more AD projects as part of Tamars plan to roll out a national network of plants, enthuses Declan McGrath, FLI energys Managing Director. Two further Tamar plants, Holbeach and Retford, are in the commissioning phase, with a number of other facilities in the advanced stages of development.www.fligroupco.com www.tamar-energy.comsee Plant update p22

Tony Kinsella, Chief Executive

aDBa memBers key to success oF New aD plaNt

The combined skills of four ADBA members have been instrumental to the success of Cory Waste Managements new AD plant in Weston-super-Mare. Landia chopper pumps are installed in eight of the sites process and storage tanks, performing a combination of process mixing and transfer functions. In addition, the companys externally mounted GasMix system provides a consistent temperature for optimal

gas generation and allows for easy access for routine maintenance. Meanwhile, the plants microbiological desulphurisation system, a collaborative offering from uniflare and Allison engineering, allows the operator to protect its CHP plant at minimal installation and operational cost, as James Hladkij, AD Technician for Cory Waste Management, explains: We need to protect our CHP plant operations and maintaining H

2s concentration levels to less than 300 ppm is an essential part of this

process. The uniflare system (incorporating an Allison engineering AWITe biogas analyser) has enabled us to achieve levels of less than 100 ppm, at minimal operational cost. Finally, four DTI heat exchangers from HRs Heat exchangers are being used at the plant for a combination of digester and process tank heating and for digestate heating. HRs has also supplied a plate heat exchanger for the main CHP heat circuit, to optimise the efficiency of the main heat exchangers. www.allison.co.uk www.hrs-heatexchangers.comwww.uniflare.co.uk www.landia.co.uk

The Uniflare system incorporates an Allison Engineering AWITE biogas analyser and converts H2S to elemental sulphur and water

Biogens Westwood AD plant in Northamptonshire; the RBS funding will be used to build similar plants in Warwickshire, Hertfordshire, Edinburgh, Denbighshire and Rhondda Cynon Taf



A patented in-line shredding tube and stone trap from Larrington Green energy promises to increase biogas production more rapidly than any other shredding system. The Larrington shredders continual action produces a larger surface area, creating an improved environment for anaerobic enzymes by increasing contact between the methane-producing bacteria and volatile solids. The end result is the production of more gas, more quickly, with the system also eliminating any barrier created from the fibrous portions of the feedstock. Our shredder uses just 45 kW of power to break down, for example, up to 15 tonnes per hour of sugar beet or maize; the product emerges at 30C, perfect for biogas production, explains Richard Larrington, Managing Director. With many companies looking to enhance the gas volume in their AD plant by codigesting waste feedstock and agricultural residues, the Larrington shredder is able to mix straw and manure, giving enhanced gas volumes.www.larringtontrailers.com

larrINgtoN shreDDer promIses to INcrease BIogas proDuctIoN

Future Biogas is to become the first registered producer to join Green Gas Tradings Biomethane Certification scheme (BMCs). The AD operators first biomethane to grid plant, an 8m crop-based facility in Doncaster, is now injecting gas into the grid, producing up to 12,000m3 of gas per day. The independent certification scheme will provide a trading platform and a process for certifying biomethane. We are delighted to welcome Future Biogas as the first producer to the Biomethane Certification scheme, and are particularly pleased that Future Biogas selected the BMCs after recognising the

benefits that a separately tradable certificate has to a biomethane producer over a simple gas tracking scheme, says Grant Ashton, Chief executive of Green Gas Trading (GGT). Philipp Lukas, Managing Director of Future Biogas, adds: We are confident that GGT will broaden the market and facilitate links between green gas producers and buyers.www.greengastrading.co.uk www.futurebiogas.com

FIrst proDucer sIgNs up to BIomethaNe certIFIcatIoN scheme

The Larrington Shredder uses just 45 kW of power to break down 15 tonnes of feedstock per hour

Philipp Lukas, Managing Director of Future Biogas



movers aND shakers kws trIal results show BeNeFIt oF pIaDIN

A trial by KWs of Piadin, a liquid formulation nitrogen stabiliser distributed in the uK by Gleadell Bioenergy, has delivered positive and consistent results, producing a dry matter yield benefit on 48 of the 49 varieties of maize included in the trial. The largest yield benefit was found on the

variety Ronaldinio, which saw an increase of 3.9t/ha (equivalent to 102.30/ha over untreated). John Burgess, KWs uK Product Manager, comments: Visual effects may not always be noticed in the field but in every variety bar one there was a benefit, and certainly outweighed the input cost. Its a consistent data set across three locations and that is very positive.www.kws-uk.com www.gleadell.co.uk/bioenergy

kIrk to BuIlD plaNt at scottIsh DIstIllery Kirk environmental is to begin construction of a new AD plant at Glendullan Distillery in Banffshire. Consisting of two 921m balance tanks and one 2,923m digester tank complete with a 1,270m BIODOMe double membrane roof, the project is part of a 1bn investment plan in scotch whisky exports, which has seen demand rise by 87% in the past decade.www.kirk-environmental.comSee Tanks feature p18

gas Data gaINs New recruItWillie Whitesmith has joined Gas Datas marketing team, assisting with the launch of the 426 and 436 gas meter series for use in the site investigation, waste to energy and biogas fields. Former head of Integrated Geotechnical & environmental services (IGes) Ltd, Willie has many years experience as both a customer and user of Gas Datas instruments, making him ideally placed to understand clients needs.www.gasdata.co.uk

New chIeF executIve For tamar eNergy Tamar energy has announced the appointment of William Heller as its new Chief executive. Previously Chief executive of Falck Renewables Wind, Willie joins at an important time for the company as its first two AD plants, at Basingstoke and Holbeach Hurn, begin exporting electricity to the grid.www.tamar-energy.com

eco awarD success For seaB chIeF executIve seaB energy is celebrating another award win after its Chief executive, sandra sassow, was declared eco entrepreneur of the Year at the 2013 Great British entrepreneur Awards, held at the Grand Connaught Rooms in London. The kudos that this award brings will further help us export the best of British renewable technologies to a host of emerging markets, says sandra.www.seabenergy.comSee feature 'Small scale AD', p8

Willie Whitesmith

Sandra Sassow


Working Groups

traININg aND saFety group seeks to reDuce rIsksAt the most recent meeting of our Training and safety group, held at Malaby Biogas Bore Hill Farm biodigester in Wiltshire, members committed to creating a risk register for the AD industry. Helping to identify key areas for the development of best practice, the register could eventually provide a basis for site-by-site guidance. The group also heard from representatives from WRAP and WAMITAB on their work in this area: WRAP is mapping requirements for training in the agricultural AD sector, as well as looking at

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AD Biogas News February 2014 Final

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Transcript of AD Biogas News February 2014 Final