Anaerobic Digestion Myths - Anaerobic Digestion Myths And Facts 2020 Video

Myths of Anaerobic Digestion Full text available at: https://anaerobic-digestion.com/4myths

Myth 1: EU Subsidies Anaerobic Digestion Plants in the United Kingdom

First, as recently reported by a UK national newspaper, anaerobic digestion (AD) plants are not subsidised by the EU. Renewable energy generation on farms is not supported by payments under the EU's Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).

Farmers who generate biogas from an AD plant can receive payments for producing renewable heat (via the Renewable Heat Incentive, RHI), electricity (via the Feed-In Tariff or Renewables Obligation), or transportation fuel (via the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation), all of which are unrelated to the EU or the CAP.

Myth 2 - In the United Kingdom, the "magic of'miracle' green digesters" is fading as pioneers fail.

Second, despite the insolvencies mentioned in the article, the UK AD industry is expanding and is expected to continue to expand.

As a result of the RHI tariffs being restored, the industry trade association ADBA expects up to 50 new biomethane-to-grid plants to be built over the next 18 months, with these plants playing a critical role in decarbonizing the UK's heat supply.

It is not uncommon for AD plants to change hands as part of refinancing and upgrading arrangements, and they welcome all efforts to improve AD plant performance.

Myth 3: "It's difficult for farmers to run an AD plant."

Third, Jason Baker's claim that farmers find it difficult to run an AD plant alongside their regular farming operations does not match the experience of ADBA members.

A number of their members have done just that with great success, incorporating the plant into their operations and reporting a variety of benefits such as homegrown energy, better management of farm wastes, and the ability to diversify their income in times of volatile commodity prices.

Myth #4: "Crops used for AD raise food prices." "As a result, people may go hungry."

AD processes used to receive subsidies for crops like maize and sugar beets, as well as agricultural biomass waste, and in some parts of the EU. As a result of the ensuing "Food-for-Fuel" debate, such subsidies came to an end and are now considered historical and not granted.

Crops grown for AD are typically grown as part of a traditional agricultural rotation, assisting farmers in improving food crop yields and soil quality, or on marginal land unsuitable for food crops. In England, less than 1% of land is used for growing crops for energy generation, and this figure is even lower in the devolved nations - more land is used for golf courses.

According to the ADBA analysis, the cultivation of these crops has had no discernible impact on human or livestock food supply.