On 20 February, the local MP for Cumbernauld and Kirkintilloch Katrina Murray visited the Energen Biogas Cumbernauld anaerobic digestion plant in Strathclyde, Scotland operated by Bio Capital.
Following the visit, Ms Murray, said: “The Energen plant is making a great contribution to our local economy while helping the UK provide home-grown energy when and where it is needed. We need more biogas plants like Energen up and down the country to power the Government’s ambitions for green growth”.
George O’Malley, General Manager (North), Bio Capital, commented: ”We were delighted to discuss with Katrina the important role AD and biomethane can play in the nation’s energy transition and the work, Bio Capital is already doing through its three AD plants in Scotland, transforming local food waste into a range of valuable resources.
“The production of biomethane through anaerobic digestion exemplifies the circular economic model. Not only does it have the potential to significantly reduce our reliance on traditional fossil fuels to power our homes businesses and vehicles, it also further reduces carbon emissions by diverting waste food from rotting in landfill sites.
“By using food waste generated in the local area, we are helping deliver greater energy independence, security and reducing need for gas imports – particularly critical in an environment of rising cost of living.”
“In addition, as a by-product of the anaerobic digestion process at Energen, Bio Capital creates high-quality (PAS 110 Accredited) bio fertiliser. This is a sustainable alternative to chemical fertilisers which are supplied to local agriculture customers in an example of circular economies in action.
“The high-quality bio-fertiliser can be used by local farmers to improve soil health and significantly increase crop yields – coupling agriculture with recycling and decentralised green energy production.”
Ms Murray was joined on this visit by representatives from the Anaerobic Digestion and Bioresources Association (ADBA), the UK trade body currently campaigning for government to make changes to key policies to help grow the sector and help it play its part in the UK’s Net Zero Transition.
ADBA Chair Chris Huhne said “Biogas is a cornerstone of renewable energy, because it is available all year round even when the sun is not shining and the wind has died down.
“With the right policies, AD can help the government and the country as a whole reach its net zero and levelling up goals. Not only does AD significantly contribute towards reducing greenhouse gases emissions, it also helps cut household energy bills and offers green jobs across the country.
Biogas really is the low regret solution the government must get behind to enable us to turn our organic waste into a valuable resource to power our homes, businesses and the wider economy.”
ADBA has recently published a report indicating that the use of biogas could cut the cost of meeting Britain’s net zero targets in 2050 by nearly £300 billion against official projections. These findings are the result of new analysis by BMA, drawing on the computer model used by Whitehall.
ADBA will be hosting its annual ADBA Scottish Conference at Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh, on 26 March.
For more information, please visit: www.adbioresources.org/events/scottish-conference and https://adbioresources.org/
