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Agricultural anaerobic digestion power plants in Ireland and Germany: policy and practice
Author(s) -
Auer Agathe,
Vande Burgt Nathan H,
Abram Florence,
Barry Gerald,
Fenton Owen,
Markey Bryan K,
Nolan Stephen,
Richards Karl,
Bolton Declan,
De Waal Theo,
Gordon Stephen V,
O'Flaherty Vincent,
Whyte Paul,
Zintl Annetta
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
journal of the science of food and agriculture
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.782
H-Index - 142
eISSN - 1097-0010
pISSN - 0022-5142
DOI - 10.1002/jsfa.8005
Subject(s) - renewable energy , agriculture , carbon footprint , anaerobic digestion , business , natural resource economics , european union , energy source , waste management , raw material , environmental science , environmental protection , agricultural economics , greenhouse gas , engineering , economics , economic policy , ecology , methane , electrical engineering , biology
The process of anaerobic digestion ( AD ) is valued as a carbon‐neutral energy source, while simultaneously treating organic waste, making it safer for disposal or use as a fertilizer on agricultural land. The AD process in many European nations, such as Germany, has grown from use of small, localized digesters to the operation of large‐scale treatment facilities, which contribute significantly to national renewable energy quotas. However, these large AD plants are costly to run and demand intensive farming of energy crops for feedstock. Current policy in Germany has transitioned to support funding for smaller digesters, while also limiting the use of energy crops. AD within Ireland, as a new technology, is affected by ambiguous governmental policies concerning waste and energy. A clear governmental strategy supporting on‐site AD processing of agricultural waste will significantly reduce Ireland's carbon footprint, improve the safety and bioavailability of agricultural waste, and provide an indigenous renewable energy source. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry