UK: Updated anaerobic digestion quality protocol published
The Quality Protocol published by the English Environment Agency, whose criteria apply in both England and Wales, confirms end-of-waste status for digestate in the UK, increasing market confidence in biofertiliser as an alternative to mineral-based fertilizers in agriculture, commercial horticulture and land restoration projects.
The Head of Biogas at the UK Renewable Energy Association and Board Member of the European Biogas Association David Collins said, “One of the early successes for REA Biogas was to lobby the Environment Agency for the early introduction of the ADQP back in 2008. This made the UK the first – and to date only – country in Europe to achieve ‘end-of-waste’ for digestate.”
“It is great to get the updated ADQP hot on the heels of the new Biomethane QP. The good news comes at a challenging time for the industry, as we work with DECC and partners to resolve issues with the Feed-in Tariff. Building market confidence in AD outputs, including digestate, can have a real positive impact on the economics of biogas, so this regulatory boost is timely indeed,” Collins continued.
On this last point, however, the disappointment arrived earlier than expected the Government confirming that it will not review the Feed-in Tariff (FIT) for anaerobic digestion (AD) this year.
Download the Quality Protocol on the wrap website.
Source: Biomass Magazine and REA
