From a relatively simple addition to improve slurry management, through integration into arable farms for use as a break crop, to a larger development to treat large quantities of municipal waste and export energy to the grid, AD is suitable for a wide variety of farms.

You can find out more by contacting our free Farmers Consultancy Service, a free advice service offered by ADBA to help farmers and landowners decide how best they can use AD.

Direct financial support is available to on-farm AD projects through access to a number of government tariffs, and there are also other finance schemes which AD projects can apply for.

As the financial interface for ADBA, Compass Renewables offer advice to members for projects in the conceptual stage, through to those at advanced stages of planning, providing guidance on business plan requirements and grants, and arranging debt, equity and developer funding.

Integrating AD into a farm shouldn’t cause major problems in the planning process, but any major development brings questions from local communities, so ensuring they are consulted and aware of the project early in the process will allow any concerns to be tackled and the benefits to be explained.

Environment Agency requirements on AD plants are rigorous enough that any noise, odour or safety concerns should be assuaged, and you can focus on explaining the wider benefits that the plant will bring. Being able to demonstrate that your plant is efficient and safe will also ensure the plant has a positive environmental impact, will generate the maximum revenue and will secure the best funding from banks.