SUSTAINABILITY
UNLOCKING THE POWER OF BIOGAS
As the world grapples with the intensifying impacts of climate change, the push towards accelerating the transition to renewable energy is more critical than ever. Ed Willmott, managing director of Prova, explores biogas as one standout source of energy for its versatility and decarbonisation potential across multiple sectors
A
ccording to the Anaerobic Digestion and Bioresources Association (ABDA), there are
currently 720 AD plants operational in the UK, with a total installed capacity of 3.2GW, up 16.7% from 2.8GW last year. While this growth should certainly be celebrated, the UK is still lagging behind other nations in terms of sector growth, while materials that could be used as feedstocks are often diverted elsewhere. ABDA suggests that, with existing feedstock
available, biogas could provide up to 11% of the UK’s energy needs. With new legislation coming into force from 2025 banning the landfilling of food waste, this potential will increase markedly. To unlock the full potential of biogas, however, strong and effective communication with stakeholders and decision-makers will be vital. Communications can bridge knowledge gaps, dispel common misconceptions, and foster a supportive policy and investment environment. And it all starts will education.
UNDERSTANDING THE POWER OF BIOGAS Good communication is crucial for educating the public and stakeholders about what biogas is and how it works. Biogas is produced through the anaerobic digestion of organic materials such as agricultural and food waste, plant materials and other biomasses like forestry waste. This process not only generates a renewable source of energy but also reduces waste, offsets the need for fossil fuels, and produces valuable by-products like biofertilisers. However, this multi-faceted utility is not always widely understood. The use of biogas to generate energy is entirely
carbon neutral, and this may indeed come as a surprise to many who, quite understandably, may conflate ‘biogas’ with the climate change-inducing ‘natural gas’. While the chemical make-up of these types of fuels are identical, the source of the gases hold the key to their carbon footprint. The carbon dioxide released when combusting biogas for energy generation is already part of the ‘biogenic cycle’ and would have been released regardless had the original feedstock been left to degrade naturally. The circular use of carbon already in the atmosphere is in stark contrast to natural gas, which is extracted from the Earth’s crust and adds additional CO2 to the
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biosphere on conversion to electricity. Effective communication strategies take a leading
role in demystifying biogas production and its benefits. Education campaigns and publicly- accessible resources can help people understand that biogas is not just an alternative energy source, but a comprehensive waste management solution that contributes to environmental sustainability and economic resilience.
FULL OF HOT AIR? ADDRESSING MISCONCEPTIONS One of the most significant barriers to the adoption of biogas as an alternative fuel source is the prevalence of misconceptions and scepticism about its sustainability and efficiency. Concerns often arise about the source of biomass feedstock and the environmental impact of its cultivation and processing. For instance, high-profile cases have highlighted issues with imported biomass, raising doubts about the sustainability of certain practices. Transparent communication from industry
leaders and policymakers is essential to address these concerns. By providing clear, evidence- based information about sustainability standards, lifecycle assessments and regulatory frameworks, stakeholders can build up trust and credibility. Highlighting advancements in technology that enhance efficiency and sustainability, such as improved anaerobic digestion processes and the circular use of waste and side-streams, can further mitigate doubts and demonstrate the industry’s commitment to sustainable practice.
POWERING UP THROUGH POLICY AND INVESTMENT Good communication is also critical in both shaping policy and attracting investment, because policymakers need to be informed about the benefits and potential of biogas to create supportive regulatory environments. These, in turn, can help mobilise investments into the sector. This involves not only lobbying and advocacy but also participating in public dialogues and consultations to ensure that policies reflect the needs and capabilities of the biogas sector. For instance, the UK government’s Biomass
Strategy, which includes plans for biogas, underscores the importance of developing a
ENERGY & SUSTAINABILITY SOLUTIONS - Autumn 2024
well-regulated and sustainable sector. This strategy was shaped by public dialogues and expert consultations, reflecting a broad consensus on the journey forward. Clear, consistent, communication from the industry can help policymakers craft effective regulations that support growth while ensuring long-term sustainability. Likewise, investors need confidence in the
bankability and profitability of biogas projects. Detailed reports, case studies and projections can demonstrate the return on investment and long-term benefits of an investment into a biogas project; and events like the World Biogas Expo provide crucial opportunities for networking, sharing knowledge, and showcasing innovations, helping to attract these investments.
GOOD COMMUNICATIONS: A CATALYST FOR COLLABORATION Finally, good communication helps foster collaboration. The biogas sector comprises various stakeholders from across the supply chain, including farmers, energy producers, waste managers, policymakers and researchers. Effective communication channels enable these stakeholders to share insights, best practices and innovations, and drive collective progress. Building a strong, informed community around
biogas can lead to collaborative projects and initiatives that compound the benefits of individual efforts. Networks and associations dedicated to biogas play a vital role in this, offering platforms for interaction and support. As we navigate the challenges of climate change,
the biogas sector’s ability to communicate its value and potential will be crucial in realising a cleaner, more resilient energy system in the UK and beyond. Unlocking the power of biogas hinges on good
communication, and it’s crucial that the public and private sector act soon to help facilitate a smoother transition to renewable energy. By educating the public, addressing misconceptions, informing policy, attracting investment, and fostering collaboration, effective communication strategies can transform biogas from an under-utilised technology to a cornerstone of the green economy.
Prova
https://provapr.co.uk/
www.essmag.co.uk
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