A specific technology that the Government are keen to promote is anaerobic digestion (AD). This is an effective source of renewable energy that can reduce greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture by capturing methane from manures and slurries, as well as from the decomposition of other organic materials, such as food wastes. The UK Biomass Strategy and the Waste Strategy for England include details of how we will work with stakeholders to drive a faster growth in the use of AD by local authorities, businesses and farmers.
The electricity derived from anaerobic digestion is eligible for market support through Renewable Obligation Certificates (ROCs). Alongside the Energy White Paper, the Government launched a consultation on differentiated support levels for different renewables technologies. Under these proposals, anaerobic digestion of agricultural wastes would receive additional support in the form of 2.0 ROCs/MWh. We are also examining the case and prospective mechanisms for long term support for the renewable heat sector and possible means to support the development of local infrastructure and supply chains.
The treated liquid from anaerobic digestion plants, known as digestate, has the potential for use as a fertiliser and soil conditioner. The Environment Agency and the Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP) aim to develop a standard and protocol for digestate by spring 2008. These would provide regulatory clarity and confidence in its recovery on land. WRAP will support the development of the market for digestate alongside its work to establish markets for waste-derived compost.