New information

David Collins is Head of Biodigestion at the Renewable Energy Association and is currently managing a Project to develop a Standard for Scotland for the use of biofertiliser on farmland. The Project includes Vicky Heslop, Chair of the Irish Bio-energy Assocation and Prof. Stephen Nortcliff of the Soil Science Department of Reading University.   It is planned to extend the work to England and Wales in 2006/7.  

At present the application of bio-fertiliser to farmland from biodigestion requires a Waste Management Licence in the UK.  Once the Standard is adopted in Scotland, which is expected in 2006, the bio-fertiliser will be classed as a Product which no longer requires a licence.

The German Biogas Association has estimated that there will be an increase of 350MW in one year (06/07) in the energy produced from Biogas – this means that in 18 months, the increase in capacity will be equivalent to that produced from Crossness ‘B’ Nuclear Power Station.   Unlike nuclear, biogas does not need government support, protection against terrorism, or create long term radioactive waste.  Biogas plants can be built quickly and easily and there are no Grid losses.