The basics of planning an anaerobic digestion project
When planning an anaerobic digestion project, there are 3 stages of the process you’ll need to consider:
- Design
- Build
- Operation
Planning an anaerobic digestion project
The site –
All of which start with one universal need: a suitable site on which to build.
Once a site has been chosen, the following must be evaluated –
- Site layout and space to allow access for construction, operation and storage
- Feedstock supplies and maintenance access
- Visual impact (topography & natural screening)
- Regulatory and environmental requirements
The feedstock –
Once you’ve identified the site of your anaerobic digestion plant, you’ll next need to consider what feedstock you’ll be using and where that feedstock will come from.
There are many different feedstocks that can be used in the AD process, including animal slurry and crops, but knowing exactly what you will be using will serve to inform the design of your anaerobic digestion plant, how it will be constructed and how it will operate.
Planning permission –
Acquiring planning permission is paramount to almost any AD project as planning is necessary for most anaerobic digestion installations.
However, small scale digesters using only on-farm waste may be passed as ‘Permitted development’, but local authorities must be consulted in the early stages of the planning process for confirmation.
How can benefit from an anaerobic digestion project
There are many who can benefit from an anaerobic digestion project, thanks to the very nature of anaerobic digestion as a source of renewable energy, derived from recycling waste.
Those who can benefit include:
- The local community
- Farmers
- Environment
- Energy entrepreneurs & organisations
Anaerobic digestion plants can be an incredibly valuable investment, in the environment, in waste management & recycling, in sustainable energy solutions, and in generating additional income for farmers.
If you’re planning and considering building an anaerobic digestion plant and want to find out more, you can visit: anaerobic digestion plant construction services or contact us to discuss your project.
