ADBA launches first conference for Scottish AD industry

The Anaerobic Digestion and Bioresources Association (ADBA) will host its first Scottish National Conference on Wednesday 15 February at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Glasgow.

Entitled ‘Is Scotland ready for 2021?’, the conference will focus on the growth of Scotland’s AD industry to date and, in particular, how prepared it is for the anticipated increase in food-waste feedstock that will follow the ban on sending biodegradable municipal waste to landfill, due to come into force in Scotland on 1 January 2021.

The number of AD plants in Scotland has doubled to almost 50 in the past two years, with a similar number of plants already with planning permission approved, potentially doubling this number again over the next few years. Already worth £66 million, the Scottish AD market will clearly continue to grow, with contracts worth at least £172 million currently up for tender.

The conference will also explore the contribution of AD to Scottish business and farming, discussing the implications of policy and regulatory changes, the political landscape, and opportunities to improve plant efficiency through best practice. Attendees will benefit from first-hand insight from speakers from the Scottish Government, Zero Waste Scotland, National Farmers Union Scotland, and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency, among others. There will also be ample opportunity to meet with AD operators, professionals and other delegates and to discover the latest innovations improving performance across the industry.

ADBA Chief Executive Charlotte Morton said:
“The regulatory changes that will divert food waste from landfill from 2021 are a huge opportunity for the growing Scottish AD industry, and this conference is the perfect event for AD professionals working in Scotland to gain a better understanding of how they can make the most of them.”

“We’re really looking forward to what we hope will be the first of many conferences dedicated to the Scottish AD industry.”

Those interested in attending the conference can register now at adbioresources.org.