ADBA National Conference 2015

Building a world class AD industry

 
One Great George Street, Westminster, London SW1P 3AA
 
The AD sector is now producing over 550 MWe of clean, dispatchable baseload energy and can help balance intermittent renewable sources such as solar and wind, to ensure the UK keeps the lights on at peak demand. But we have the potential to do so much more. Overall, AD could cut UK greenhouse gas emissions by four per cent, meet 30 per cent of UK domestic gas demand, decarbonise heavy goods vehicle and bus emissions, support domestic food security, and contribute a total of 35,000 jobs to the UK economy.
 
The message from government is that it doesn’t value AD or renewable energy in the way we do; it thinks that we are small and expensive, despite the fact that we are already producing enough energy to replace the Wylfa nuclear plant due to be commissioned this year. Whilst we can deliver as much baseload energy as Hinkley Point C sooner than that will come online at less cost and risk, and contribute to keeping the lights on this winter and next, we’re also fighting hard to demonstrate to government that AD is about far more than just energy, and that there are a range of ways the industry could be supported. That’s why ADBA is looking at the future pathways available to AD, including the contribution biogas can make to the UK’s renewable electricity, heat, transport, recycling and climate change targets, as well as helping to keep farmers farming.
 
The ADBA National Conference is perfectly timed to assess the AD industry’s options, coming immediately after the Autumn Statement – where an announcement on the RHI is due – and the latest on the FIT review.
 
This is clearly a key moment for our industry. Our seventh ADBA National Conference will give you the insight into how government policies on RHI and FIT will affect your business, and outline ADBA’s strategic vision to build a world class AD industry over the next five years. The event brings together leading political and industry figures to evaluate the impact of crucial government decisions and, alongside key policy advice, will include Q&A sessions, networking and table top exhibitions.
 
So, join us to debate the future of the industry with experts and political decision makers; influence government to implement favourable policy; and maximise business opportunities through networking at the exhibition and at the post-event drinks reception. I look forward to seeing you there. 
Charlotte Morton
Chief Executive
ADBA
 
At this early stage key speakers include:
 
  • Tom Beeley, Renewable Energy and Climate Change Advisor, Country Land & Business Association (CLA);
  • Matthew Bell, Chief Executive, The Committee on Climate Change (CCC)
  • Ray Georgeson, Chief Executive, Resource Association;
  • Bill Griffiths, National Organics Manager, Viridor;
  • Chris Huhne, Strategic Advisor, ADBA (former Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change);
  • Jonathan Hood, Senior Policy Advisor - Low Carbon Fuels, DfT;
  • Steve Lee, Chief Executive Officer, The Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM);
  • Lee Marshall, Chief Executive, The Local Authority Recycling Advisory Committee (LARAC);
  • Taliesin Maynard, Programme Director, Environment, Welsh Government;
  • Charlotte Morton, Chief Executive, ADBA;
  • Amy Mount, Senior Policy Adviser, Green Alliance;
  • Neil Parish MP, Chair of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) Select Committee;
  • Gabriella Pieraccini, Head of Zero Waste, Scottish Government;
  • Dr Richard Swannell, Director of Sustainable Food Systems, WRAP; and
  • Nina Sweet OBE, Special Advisor – Organics, WRAP.