Anaerobic Digestion breaks down biodegradable waste such as food, animal manures and cardboard in the absence of oxygen in an enclosed chamber. It is a useful technology for dealing with waste, helping to tackle climate change and can create renewable energy. When biodegradable waste breaks down in a landfill, it releases methane, a powerful greenhouse gas, 21 times more potent than carbon dioxide, which if captured can be used to generate renewable energy. See Anaerobic Digestion - An Introduction for further information.

Leicestershire County Council initiated a scoping study to identify the potential for Anaerobic Digestion (AD) technology as a renewable energy source, primarily using animal manure as a feedstock. See Scoping Study (.pdf) for more information.

The technical feasibility study identified possibilities of adding other feedstocks to maximise returns in terms of the greatest amounts of heat and energy generation. The study assessed various scenarios to assess its financial viability and identified the scale at which an AD plant in Leicestershire would be economically viable.

The County Council, as a facilitator, organised the workshop to provide business advice to the interested parties. The council also announced Anaerobic Digestion Business Plan Grants to support development of site specific business cases. See Stakeholders Workshop – Feb 2008 (.doc) for more information.

This workshop presented the findings of the study to interested parties including farmers, waste and energy consultants and members of the public. The aim was also to find out if there was interest from those attending to become involved in a pilot project. See Stakeholders Workshop – Nov 2007 (.doc) for more information.

The Leicestershire County Council would like to act as a catalyst to develop anaerobic Digestion Plants in Leicestershire. As a facilitator, the County Council will financially support up to three applications to develop site specific business cases. On the merits of the business cases, the County Council will provide financial support to potential cases for Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).

Interested parties can apply for the Anaerobic Digestion Business Plan Grants before 31st October 2008.

Useful general information on Anaerobic Digestion and potential funding streams. See Other Links for more information.

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