First UK AD plant certified under new scheme

A Northern Irish waste-to-energy anaerobic digestion plant has been certified under the Anaerobic Digestion Certification Scheme (ADCS) just six weeks after its launch.

Granville Ecopark, an enhanced AD facility in Northern Ireland, treats organic waste to produce renewable energy.

The ACDS was launched at the Anaerobic Digestion and Bioresources Association’s (ADBA) National Conference late last year, following a successful pilot at three different AD plants. ADBA, the UK’s trade body for anaerobic digestion, developed the innovative ACDS scheme in collaboration with a range of industry stakeholders including regulators, insurers, investors and operators.

“To have the first plant certified under the ADCS just six weeks after the scheme was launched is hugely encouraging and shows the support within the AD industry for raising its performance across the board and recognising good practice in running plants,” said Charlotte Morton, ADBA’s chief executive.

“ADBA will continue to speak to AD operators about the many benefits of the ADCS both for operators themselves and for the wider industry, including increased support from politicians, regulators, insurers, and investors.”

Granville Ecopark is the largest AD facility in Northern Ireland. Processing food waste only, it has the capacity to export 4.8 MWe of renewable electricity into Northern Ireland’s local grid.

“We are delighted to be the first UK AD plant certified under this scheme. It gives us the confidence that we are attaining the highest standards within the industry and will drive us forward to remain at the top,” said David McKee, technical director at Granville Ecopark.

“We hope that others will now follow in our footsteps and apply for certification to help boost their environmental credentials and further highlight how important the AD industry is for the future of renewable energy throughout UK.”