Innovative anaerobic digestion projects sought by WRAP

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WRAP has opened a new tender invitation to identify solutions that will improve the efficiency and cost of anaerobic digestion facilities.

The invitation is looking for projects from across the UK to form a second round of the Driving Innovation in AD (DIAD) programme, which is one of the actions WRAP is delivering as part of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs’ AD action plan.

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This new phase will look into four areas of AD. These are:

  • Scaling technology – adapting existing technologies to provide cost effective solutions at smaller (or larger) scale facilities including ideas around pasteurisations, dewatering, depackaging
  • Enhancing digestate economically – commercially viable techniques to enhance digestate for higher value markets such as separating the chemical constituents within digestate
  • Using heat from AD – processes and technologies that make heat use more feasible and efficient such as heat storage for off-site use
  • Proof of market – to fast-track AD technologies that are at the end of the R&D stage but are yet to move into full-scale commercial demonstration.

 

WRAP head of organics and energy from waste Ian Wardle said: “While the AD industry is growing, there are still a number of barriers facing operators. Access to funding, opportunities for technology transfer from other sectors and a lack of operational data are just a few examples.

“Through the first round of DIAD we have already identified a number of innovative projects which challenge existing technologies and operations with the potential to reduce costs.

“We are now refining the scope of this programme to encourage projects in areas where the AD industry has a specific need for solutions. By taking the right projects through to commercial demonstration, we can help improve the performance of AD and develop more profitable businesses. This will help the industry position itself as a key area of growth in the green economy.”

Following criteria in the tender invitation and information in the support guidance notes, successful applicants will undertake feasibility studies for their projects. Those demonstrating the most significant benefits and potential will be taken forward to commercial demonstration.

More information is available at www.wrap.org.uk.DIADII