Clearing Up Common Myths About Anaerobic Digestion and Green Energy

Anaerobic digestion plants are dangerous

TRUE AND FALSE
Safety is always a top priority at Agrivert's facilities. While some believe that anaerobic digestion plants pose a high risk of explosion, this is not accurate. The pressure within a digester is very low, significantly reducing the risk. Moreover, all Agrivert facilities are built to ATEX gas safety standards, equipped with advanced safety systems, and regularly inspected to ensure they comply with regulations. Anaerobic digestion is a safe, proven, and well-regulated process.

Anaerobic digestion competes with food production for land

FALSE
Anaerobic digestion plants primarily use waste materials such as food waste, agricultural residues, break crops, and livestock manures. This means the feedstocks do not compete with food production. Over time, most governments have become sensitive to this issue and have introduced regulations to ensure the sector is restricted from overusing crops to generate energy. Instead, we help reduce the burden of waste disposal—especially to landfill—by converting these materials into valuable energy and fertiliser. By using organic waste, we also support the circular economy, turning what was once discarded into something productive.

The digestate produced from anaerobic digestion is harmful to soil

FALSE
Digestate, a by-product of the anaerobic digestion process, is an excellent source of natural fertiliser. When used appropriately, it enriches the soil with valuable nutrients, particularly organic nitrogen, improving soil health and promoting sustainable farming. Globally, most countries have quality protocols that ensure digestate is produced to standards safeguarding our soils. In the UK, the relevant standard is PAS110. Agrivert’s digestate undergoes strict quality controls to ensure it is safe and beneficial for agricultural use.

Anaerobic digestion smells bad

FALSE
Many believe that anaerobic digestion facilities produce strong, unpleasant odours, but this is simply not the case. All modern Agrivert-designed facilities are equipped with enclosed systems that prevent the release of smells into the surrounding environment. Odours are contained in airtight systems, with air from storage areas treated before being released. This ensures local communities remain unaffected by any unpleasant smells. As substrates are digested, bacteria break down volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that cause odours, leaving behind a low-odour product. For context, studies indicate that VOC emissions from digestate are around 1/30th of those emitted by other organic fertilisers, such as pig or chicken manure.

Green gases like biomethane aren’t really green

FALSE
Biomethane, the gas produced through anaerobic digestion, is considered carbon-neutral. The carbon dioxide released as a by-product is part of a natural cycle, as it was originally absorbed by the plants from which the waste originated. Now, more plants are starting to capture this by-product, further improving the green credentials of biogas plants. Unlike fossil fuels, which release carbon stored for millions of years, biomethane does not contribute to new CO₂ emissions. Biomethane helps reduce reliance on traditional fossil fuels, supporting the transition to a greener future.

Anaerobic digestion contributes to renewable energy production, not just waste management

TRUE
While anaerobic digestion is known for its role in managing organic waste, it is also a key player in producing renewable energy. Biomethane generated from the process is a valuable green energy source that can power homes and businesses. Biogas facilities generate enough energy to supply thousands of households, helping to decarbonise the energy grid. The impact of biogas plants is often understated. Today, their contribution to the UK’s energy mix is approaching parity with nuclear power.

Conclusion

Anaerobic digestion is not only a vital tool in waste management but also plays a crucial role in the green energy future. By dispelling these common myths, Agrivert hopes to promote a better understanding of the environmental and agricultural benefits of this innovative process. Together, we can move towards a more sustainable, low-carbon future.