NNFCC Publishes 2021 Edition of Anaerobic Digestion Deployment in the UK Report

NNFCC has published the eighth edition of its annual Anaerobic Digestion Deployment in the UK report. The report is free to all AD Subscribers or is available to purchase here. The report summarises the developments in the UK’s AD industry over the past 12 months and looks ahead to future developments in the sector.

After such a turbulent year it is unsurprising that progress in the AD industry has been hampered by the ongoing Covid-19 global pandemic, like most other sectors. Many developments have faced significant delays in construction and commissioning, and many operational facilities have been underperforming because of feedstock constraints as the retail and hospitality sectors have been closed for a significant part of the year. However, following very modest growth reported in the AD industry in 2019/20, we have seen a significant number of new developments commission over the past 12 months, benefitting from the various extensions offered by the Government.

We now have 650 operational facilities (excluding traditional water treatment plants) and are reporting a 12% growth since April 2020, with this growth being dominated by CHP plants, securing FIT support prior to the scheme closure. Our data still shows 268 plants in development, with a healthy pipeline of 49 currently in construction many of which are expected to commission in 2021, to benefit from RHI support before the final scheme closure date on 31 March 2022. A final rush for RHI was evident, whilst we waited for details of the new Green Gas Support Scheme (GGSS) to be confirmed, with 10 new RHI tariff guarantee applications being made in the last quarter.

Lucy Hopwood, NNFCC’s Lead Consultant for Bioenergy and Anaerobic Digestion comments: Over the past 12 months it has been reassuring to see continued investment activity in the sector despite the wider economic uncertainty, as the industry consolidates to strengthen its position and maximise the value of the existing asset base. The recent consolidation efforts firmly indicate AD is no longer an emerging industry it is now very clearly established, and we remain excited about the future.

In November 2020, the UK released its Ten Point Plan, which laid out 10 key points for stimulating a green industrial revolution by harnessing a variety of low carbon technologies. It plans to bring together policy and investment, both public and private, to take advantage of a variety of low carbon technologies, while providing green jobs and securing economic growth. Subsequently, the UK released its Energy White Paper, which provides more detail on the plans for the energy sector going forwards.

Lucy adds: It is hoped the Government commitment to “build back better, build back greener and build back faster” this could be the catalyst for a greener and more sustainable future across the economy.

To purchase the report please click here.