Turning waste into energy

Opportunities for businesses to benefit from environmental technologies are expanding rapidly. Technologies that only a few years ago many businesses regarded as experimental options for niche applications are now maturing and becoming increasingly mainstream.

Wind, biomass and solar photovoltaic energy have broken new ground in generating renewable energy, with Scotland leading the way. By comparison, anaerobic digestion (AD) is a relative newcomer. Although less well known, AD is growing rapidly, offering a reliable source of renewable energy while also cutting the amount of organic waste businesses send to landfill. The result is a saving on both energy costs and Landfill Tax.

Such benefits are seeing Scotland's AD market expand at pace, with construction, operation and maintenance sales expected to hit over £20 million for 2010-11.

Katherine Burden, principal consultant at Envirolink, said: "Anaerobic Digestion is an established technology with a bright future. It's flexible enough to be used as both a way to dispose of waste and a source of renewable energy, and it can be tailored to almost every requirement, large or small.

"We're seeing a big increase in interest in AD, with huge potential in Scotland in particular. Farmers, food producers, distilleries, waste management companies and renewable energy producers are all investing heavily in the technology."

The tomatoes on a farm in Cheshire are already benefiting from a state-of-the-art AD system. The farm's crop waste is used to feed the system, which in turn produces renewable biogas that warms the greenhouses in which more tomatoes flourish. Installed by Biotech Services, the multi-stage system ensures optimum conditions throughout the process, making it highly efficient compared to larger, single digester systems.

Through our Envirolink Northwest programme, Envirolink was able to support the project from start to finish, providing help with business planning, obtaining patents and promoting the success of the project.

Behind the growing interest in renewable energy technologies such as AD are several imperatives. Steadily rising energy prices are encouraging businesses to explore renewable energy generation as a way to cut their energy costs. Tougher environmental legislation, such as EU Directives on waste and energy, require companies to meet ever stricter standards. And the rise of corporate responsibility means companies are increasingly expected to demonstrate their green credentials.

The Government has also recognised the potential for AD and is supporting the technology through a variety of initiatives. The recently published Anaerobic Digestion Strategy and Action Plan was produced jointly with industry and sets out a vision for AD development in the UK.

With our expertise in helping companies develop renewable energy projects of all kinds, Envirolink has identified anaerobic digestion as a technology set for significant growth. We believe there is huge potential for AD in Scotland and, alongside Envirolink member Semple Fraser, we're working to bring the benefits to businesses.

Matthew Sutcliffe is Membership Manager at Envirolink The fruits of experience With extensive experience in AD and our in-depth market and sector intelligence, Envirolink can help you to identify and develop opportunities for your AD project. We can assist at every stage along the way to successful project.

We offer help to overcome many of the barriers to developing AD projects, including support and advice on: n planning issues n environmental and waste permitting n finding the right technologies n connecting to the electricity network n securing suitable feedstocks Envirolink can also help you to find the right organisations to supply your AD technologies.

If you are a supplier looking to diversify into AD, we have experience in helping supply chain companies to find the right partners, as well as sourcing and securing investment and funding.

From: The Times