Benefits of Anaerobic Digestion

a) Environmental Benefits

• Reduces carbon emissions and can contribute to national renewable energy targets
• Only biogas (and some carbon dioxide) is taken out, so valuable nutrients are recycled back into the soil
• Digestate may also be used as a feedstock for other biofuel production and for innovative fibre building materials
• AD creates skilled ‘green’ jobs and contributes to growth in the local economy
• When used in conjunction with segregated municipal waste collection, it reduces waste sent to landfill
• Sanitizes waste output providing a reduced public health hazard/ reduces pollution risk.

b) Benefits to Those That Own and Operate AD Plants

• Landfill taxation costs reduced, transportation costs can be less
• Owning an AD plant lends authority to the owner organisation’s green credentials
• Possible government incentive payments available
• Secures a reliable long-term waste disposal route for the plant owners own waste
• Potential for truly profitable sales of outputs.