The UK Anaerobic Digestion and Bioresources Association (ADBA) has confirmed that Chris Stark, CEO of the UK Committee on Climate Change, will headline the ADBA National Conference 2019 in London on 11th December.

Clark will join the line-up of keynote speakers an "In Conversation with…" session to discuss the issues to focus on after the forthcoming General Election. A major highlight of the conference, this will emphasize the critical role the anaerobic digestion (AD) and biogas industry needs to play in addressing the climate emergency and contribute to achieving the UK's Net Zero greenhouse gases emissions target set up by the Government.

Other eminent keynote speakers on the day include Stuart Roberts, Vice-President of the National Farmers' Union (NFU), who will review the NFU's recent Achieving Net Zero - Farming's 2040 Goal report, in which AD delivers the biggest contribution, and Hilary Tanner, Policy Adviser at the Local Government Authority, who will share the LGA's views on the implementation of mandatory separate food waste collections, and how biogas and biomethane can be utilised by local authorities.

Entitled "There's no Net Zero without Biogas", the conference will feature sessions discussing:

How to realize the full potential of AD in the Climate Emergency decade

The role of AD in developing a Net Zero circular economy

Delivering sustainable heat and transport through AD

The conference will also cover more operational aspects such as optimising the use of digestate and the financial impact of replacing and/or upgrading equipment.

Expert panellists include speaking at the conference include:

• Dr. Keith Simons, Principal Scientist, SHV Energy
• Jonathan Scurlock, Chief Advisor -Renewable Energy, NFU
• Olivia Midgley, Editor, Farmers Guardian
• David Hurren, CEO, Air Liquide
• Alan Midwinter, Head of Renewable Development, SGN
• Amaya Arias-Garcia, Engineering Design Manager, Suez
• William Mezzullo, Head of JLEN AD, Foresight Group

Charlotte Morton, ADBA Chief Executive, commented:

"Whilst we're very proud of the industry's achievements over the last 10 years, there is so much more that AD and biogas is needed to deliver, particularly in the context of the climate emergency.

“The next decade will be crucial if we are to fulfil our potential to decarbonise the UK economy and help achieve Net Zero targets, as well as food security through recycling the nutrients essential to food production.

“ We believe that the UK AD industry can reduce the UK's greenhouse gases emissions by 5% annually by 2030. But it is urgent that we act now, and we are therefore delighted to welcome Chris Stark, Stuart Roberts and Hilary Tanner to our conference. We want to make this event a turning point in raising awareness of AD's potential among decision makers, movers and shakers and in securing the policy and financial support that the industry needs to flourish. Their presence will greatly help."

Click here to see the ADBA National Conference 2019 full programme