As the world increasingly shifts its focus towards renewable and sustainable energy sources, anaerobic digestion has emerged as a promising new technology. At NFU Energy, we’re committed to promoting a greener and more sustainable future. In this blog, we explore the concept of anaerobic digestion and delve into the benefits this technology brings, in addition to the incentives and subsidies available.
What is Anaerobic Digestion (AD)?
At it’s core, AD is a natural process driven by microorganisms that break down organic materials, such as food waste and animal manure, in an oxygen-free environment known as a digestor. This remarkable process produces biogas, which can be harnessed for combustion in Combined Heat and Power (CHP) units or boilers. Even more exciting is the fact that this biogas can be further enriched with propane to create a clean and sustainable fuel called biomethane.
The Power-Packed Benefits
The adoption of AD brings about a plethora of environmental and economic benefits:
- Energy from organic waste: One of the most significant advantages of AD is its ability to transform organic waste into a valuable energy source. By capturing methane during the process, biogas is generated, providing a renewable and eco-friendly alternative to traditional fossil fuels. This not only addresses the issue of waste management but also presents an innovative solution to meet our energy needs sustainably.
- Combatting Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions: Methane, a byproduct of organic decomposition, is a potent greenhouse gas with approximately 23 times the heat-trapping ability of carbon dioxide. By utilising anaerobic digestion to capture and utilise methane, we prevent its release into the atmosphere, effectively reducing greenhouse gas emissions and contributing to the fight against climate change.
- Aiding agriculture and livestock: AD plants play a vital role in supporting agriculture and livestock management. By effectively killing the seeds of various weed varieties present in organic waste, the need for herbicides is significantly reduced, promoting a more eco-friendly approach to farming. Additionally, the digestate produced after the process is highly beneficial for livestock as it is readily accepted by grazers, leading to healthier and happier animals.
- Waste-to-fertiliser: The leftover residue, known as digestate, is rich in nutrients and serves as an excellent organic fertiliser. By utilising digestate on fields, we can enhance soil health, reduce dependency on synthetic fertiliser, and support sustainable agricultural practices.
A World of Incentives
Supporting the growth of renewable energy, various incentives and subsidies are available to encourage the adoption of anaerobic digestion. NFU Energy is at the forefront of providing access to these schemes:
- Greenhouse Gas Support Scheme (GGSS): Designed to increase the proportion of green gas in the grid, this scheme rewards green gas producers for injecting gas into the grid. With financial incentives driving the production of sustainable biomethane, the GGSS empowers us to make significant strides in renewable energy.
- Road Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO): Aligned with the government’s push for green transport fuels, the RTFO requires large fuel suppliers to demonstrate that a percentage of their fuel comes from renewable or sustainable sources. Producers of green fuel, such as biomethane, receive certificates that can be traded to meet RTFO obligations, promoting a cleaner transport sector.
- Green Gas Certification Scheme (GGCS): This innovative scheme tracks the journey of green gas through the supply chain, providing evidence of its provenance. Each unit of biomethane injected into the grid displaces a unit of natural gas, significantly reducing our dependence on fossil fuels.
AD is a beacon of innovation in our journey towards a Net Zero future. NFU Energy’s commitment to promoting this incredible technology has laid the foundation for a cleaner and more sustainable world. By harnessing the power of AD, we can revolutionise waste management, produce renewable energy and combat climate change – all while supporting a thriving agricultural sector.
To discuss your Renewable Energy Solutions options, call a member of our team on 024 7669 6512.