A more stringent approach to the biogas analysis process has the potential to deliver improvements to return on investment for anaerobic digestion (AD) plants, according to engineering outfit QED Environmental.
More than a year since the Anaerobic Digestion and Bioresources Association (ADBA) launched its Biomethane: The Pathway to 2030 report, the level of investment in new AD sites remains low.
QED Environmental stated that improvements to the biogas analysis process could deliver a “step-change” in quality, and therefore ROI, for biogas production.
QED Environmental territory manager for the UK and Ireland Mike White said: “While the UK anaerobic digestion industry has not had the rub of the green in terms of policy in recent years, addressing some misconceptions around the subtleties of the production process, can go a long way in repositioning it as a viable contributor to the UK’s decarbonising efforts.
“For example, a like-for-like volume of feedstock will not deliver a like-for-like gas composition, as this is ultimately determined by a myriad of interchangeable factors.
“Gas analysis technology is key to understanding the gas composition, and using it more effectively can make a big difference to the quality of the gas that is produced.”
The ADBA believes a “more conducive policy environment” would enable AD technology to produce 8 billion m3 biomethane/year – enough to heat 6.4 million homes by 2030.
It claims this would deliver a 6% reduction in total UK greenhouse gases emissions, specifically within the hard-to-decarbonise sectors of heat, transport, waste management and agriculture, and 30% of the reduction needed by 2030 to meet the UK’s legally binding carbon budget.
White added: “There should be little argument about the important role AD contribute towards achieving a net zero economy.
“However, viable AD operation comes down to ROI and improving the quality of measurement systems will allow operators to make any adjustments to deliver the highest quality of gas at the desired output.”