| Energy
Emission possible: How certification can tackle ammonia emissions from digestate
By Jess Allan, Environment & Regulation Manager at the Anaerobic Digestion & Bioresources Association( ADBA)
I n recent months it has become clear to ADBA and other stakeholders that the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs( Defra) has strong concerns about ammonia emissions arising from agriculture and from AD activities( digestate storage and spreading). While the UK has made progress towards meeting emission reduction targets for other pollutants, ammonia is proving much harder to tackle.
In its Clean Air Strategy consultation published in May this year, Defra makes clear its support for AD as a technology, stating that it is“ an effective treatment for organic waste which produces renewable fuel, heat or energy and a nutrient rich by-product, digestate, which can be used as a fertiliser. AD also helps to avoid greenhouse gas emissions associated with manure storage and waste disposal to landfill”. The consultation also highlights, however, the role the AD industry needs to play in tackling ammonia emissions. What’ s the problem? According to Defra’ s figures, agriculture as a whole accounts for around 88 % of the UK’ s ammonia emissions, with AD-related activities( digestate storage and spreading) responsible for an estimated 3 %. So while AD is clearly a very small part of the problem, Defra’ s concerns arise from the fact that AD is still a growing sector, albeit currently growing at a slower rate than previously seen. To tackle this, Defra’ s consultation suggests introducing measures such as requiring all digestate stores to be covered and the use of lowemission spreading techniques only, with varying proposed implementation dates. Defra is also seeking views from the AD sector on what role industry schemes should play in encouraging good practice and implementing checks.
What can we do about it?
Obviously it is essential that the AD sector complies with all regulatory requirements and adopts good practice wherever possible. Here at ADBA, we have worked with the regulators and other stakeholders to develop and launch the AD Certification Scheme( ADCS), which includes several criteria which can contribute to efforts to reduce ammonia emissions( such as the use of a responsible spreading contractor). By getting involved in certification schemes, AD operators can demonstrate their commitment to operating responsibly.
The collation and sharing of expertise, best practice and innovation is also essential. ADBA facilitates and encourages this through our publications, guidance and events. At our upcoming annual expo, UK AD & World Biogas 2018, taking place on 11-12th July in Birmingham, we are looking forward to a seminar session on techniques for reducing ammonia emissions, featuring leading experts and innovators. We have also introduced a brand new category in our AD & Biogas Industry Awards that will highlight leadership in this area and hopefully inspire further research and development!
What do we need from government and regulators?
ADBA will be responding to Defra’ s consultation on the Clean Air Strategy, and will be particularly seeking further information on how Defra will support operators, farmers and spreading contractors to adopt good practice. With some operators increasingly cash-
42 | Farming Monthly | July 2018 www. farmingmonthly. co. uk