UK trade body ADBA (the Anaerobic Digestion and Bioresources Association) has called on the country’s Chancellor of the Exchequer, who in charge of managing UK government finances, to back the anaerobic digestion (AD) sector, ahead of the spring statement that takes place today, 26 March.
In an open letter addressed to Chancellor Rachel Reeves and signed by Chair Chris Huhne and Chief Executive Charlotte Morton, ADBA said the sector is poised for growth but requires stronger policy support to realise its full potential.
The letter, supported by nearly 100 industry representatives, claims that more than £1bn ($1.3bn) of infrastructure investment could be unlocked with the right government action.
ADBA estimates that the UK’s AD facilities currently produce over 13TWh (terawatt hours) of renewable electricity and more than 7TWh of renewable gas annually. This is expected to rise to at least 30TWh by 2030, contributing to clean power targets with the gases produced also supporting agriculture, food and drink manufacture, and the decarbonisation of wastewater and food waste treatment.
“The sector is alive, ready, and capable of playing its part in delivering Net Zero while generating homegrown, cheaper, greener, and more secure energy for the future,” the letter states. “However, it requires action from you and your government to reach its full potential.”
The trade body added that targeted support from the UK government’s Treasury, in coordination with the country’s Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, could help scale the sector and attract further investment.
