MP visits Strathclyde biogas plant

MP visits Strathclyde biogas plant

• Katrina Murray MP visited the Energen Biogas Cumbernauld biogas plant operated by Bio Capital to see the contribution is making biogas to local energy and waste recycling needs.
• The plant processes organic material, including waste, in large scale closed tanks so that biogas and biofertiliser can be extracted. The biogas is used to power local homes and businesses and the high grade biofertiliser is used by local agriculture clients as an alternative to (imported) chemical fertilisers.
• The Energen Biogas Cumbernauld site has the capacity to generate approximately 5.6MWe of electricity and 2Mwe of biogas from approx. 120,000 tonnes of waste food, and generate 103,000 tonnes of biofertiliser.

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.

-ENDS-
For further information, contact:
Jocelyne Bia, Head of Corporate Communications, ADBA
e: jocelyne.bia@adbioresources.org; tel: +44 (0)20 3176 0592

Notes to editors:

• Photo captions: Katrina Murray MP with George O’Malley, General Manager (North) at Bio Capital
  

• About BioCapital
  Formed in 2018 by Equitx and Helios Energy Investments, Bio Capital have become a leader in producing biogas in the UK. Bio Capital owns and operates a diverse and growing portfolio of anaerobic digestion (AD) plants across the UK, Bio Capital invests in both operational and greenfield assets, including gas-to-grid and electricity generation facilities, low carbon vehicle fuel, sustainable biofertiliser and compost. AD and biogas have the potential to play a crucial role in the UK’s energy independence and security journey. Bio Capital is proud to be making a significant contribution to the green economy, providing green jobs, reducing emissions and protecting our environment. www.bio-capital.co.uk
• About ADBA
  The Anaerobic Digestion and Bioresources Association(ADBA) is the trade association for the UK anaerobic digestion (AD) and biogas industry. ADBA’s vision is to see the full potential of the UK AD industry realised so it can help the UK achieve its emissions targets and other policy goals, creating a truly circular economy. adbioresources.org
• About the AD industry
  • There are currently 756 AD plants operational in the UK
  • The entire industry digests approximately 36 million tonnes of organic waste each year – organic material that would otherwise emit greenhouse gases including highly potent methane, if left untreated in landfill.
  • An estimated 21TWh of biogas is produced each year by the AD industry – this green gas is either used to generate electricity and heat via a combined heat and power (CHP) unit or upgraded to biomethane and injected directly into the national gas grid.
  • The industry currently delivers savings of 1% off the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions every year.
  • An estimated 4,800 people are currently employed in the AD and biogas industry in the UK.
  • Overall the industry grew by 5 per cent last year as the closure of older, smaller plants was outweighed by big-scale units feeding into the gas grid.
  • Fully deployed, by 2030, the UK AD and biogas industry expected to:
    • create 30,000 direct and 30,000 indirect jobs.
    • save the UK 27 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent = taking 1/3rd of all cars off the road, by 2030.
    • heat 6.8 million UK homes with the 8 billion m3 of biomethane generated

• How AD works
  Anaerobic digestion (AD) is the natural breakdown of organic matter when deprived of oxygen in a container called digester. The process produces biogas and a residue called digestate – a stable, nutrient-rich substance used as a biofertiliser which restores soil health.

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