Renewable Energy from Organic Waste

Anaerobic digestion (AD) is a well proven renewable energy technology, capable of making a significant contribution to climate change and waste management objectives. BITC is helping to unlock the potential of AD; taking part in Defra’s Task Group (demonstration strand) and discussing application opportunities with members and communities.

We are involved in brokering discussions to catalyse practical action and overcome barriers to developing AD partnerships, across the continuum of AD application. From challenging large utilities to maximising the potential for existing sewage treatment capacity to contribute to a growth in AD capacity and organic waste handling; to promoting the potential benefits of smaller scale community and on-farm AD to contribute to rural sustainability.

Benefits to business

• Incorporating AD comprehensively in their plans, can help businesses achieve their waste management , recycling and low carbon emission goals; and at larger waste sites brings the possibility of producing renewable energy and cutting energy bills. (Source: Anaerobic Digestion - Shared Goals, Defra, February 2009)
• The use of digestate material from the AD process as a soil improver and fertiliser substitute has two-fold benefits. At the current time of high fertiliser prices, farmers can find savings from using it. Compost and digestate also have the benefit of replacing organic matter (often lost due to use of artificial fertilisers) and increasing the soil's capacity to sequest CO2 and deliver better crop yeilds.