Prospects for on-farm anaerobic digestion as a renewable energy technology in the UK: learning from early adopters

Abstract

Anaerobic digestion (AD) is a renewable energy technology that could make a significant contribution to climate change mitigation. Despite early recognition of its potential role within a diverse low-carbon energy mix in the UK, the on-farm AD sector has stubbornly refused to grow beyond the 'early adopter' stage at a time when some other European countries, notably Germany, recorded a huge expansion in uptake. This research investigates the experiences of early adopters in South West England, and examines the factors in making on-farm AD a viable renewable energy enterprise. The findings, drawn from six case studies, indicate that land, labour and capital resource-related requirements, along with significant regulatory and financial barriers, are together a huge hurdle to clear before a would-be on-farm AD plant operator can be confident that a viable business enterprise will result from investment.