Anaerobic Digestion (AD) A sustainable energy production and waste management solution for your business Robert Crow 30 September 2014

Summary Services offered to SMEs by Abertay University Legislative drivers Economic drivers The science of AD Feedstocks & pre- treatment AD process outputs – Energy & Digestate Factors to consider when installing AD systems

SBP – Abertay AD Expertise Biochemical Methane Potential (BMP) assays Feedstock analysis and pre- treatment Reactor and pilot scale trials Process development, design and optimisation Bespoke training packages offered developed for operators and businesses new to the sector

Legislative drivers: Organic waste EU legislation Scottish legislation The Waste (Scotland) Regulations 2012 All businesses in Scotland that produce over 50kg of food waste per week require this to be separated and uplifted to a permitted treatment facility A ban on using on using macerators to discharge food waste into the public sewer is coming into force on the 1 st of January An energy opportunity exists since the biogas created from AD can be combusted within a CHP to generate a source of power and heat.

Economic Drivers Landfill tax currently £80 per tonne of active waste Add on the gate fee!! Price of raw materials increasing – waste recovery and adding value is becoming necessary

Anaerobic Digestion – The science Source – Renewable Energy Concepts 2013

Feedstocks

Pre-Treatment of Feedstocks Reduction of feedstock particle size Feedstock blending Feedstock containing grit or sand Removal of packaging /pasteurisation Source – SLR consulting 2009

Feedstock assessment & process monitoring Moisture Content (%) Total Solids (%) / Volatile Solids (%) pH Volatile Fatty Acids (VFA) (mg/L HOAc) Methane Yield (ml CH 4 /g VS added) C:N Ratio

Animal By-Products Enforcement (Scotland) Regulations 2011: Anaerobic Digestion Implemented as a result of the 2001 Foot & Mouth disease outbreak and BSE crisis –Category 1 (cannot be treated by AD) –Category 2 (steam pre- treated unless manure or milk) –Category 3 (pasteurised before digestion)

Energy Utilisation Source SLR Consulting (2008)

End markets for AD digestate? Horticulture Agriculture Brown field site restoration Landfill daily cover INCREASING VALUE PROCESSING REQUIREMENT nt/digestate-compost- agriculture

PAS 110 Standard Specification that allows digestate to be declassified as a waste –Physical tests –Chemical tests –Microbiological tests –Growth trials –Stability Tests

Key Issues developing AD systems Initial feedstock assessment & feedstock supply Process monitoring & measurement essential Knowledge exchange between AD technology providers and operations staff Engage SEPA at a early stage Consult your local planning officer End use of the biogas, heat and digestate should be considered

Any questions?