Researchers at Robert Gordon’s University are keen to find out the views of Orcadians on having an Anaerobic Digester plant in the islands.

Anaerobic Digestion (AD) is a natural process where plant and animal materials (biomass) are broken down by micro-organisms in the absence of air. The AD process begins when biomass is put inside a sealed tank or digester.

Naturally occurring micro-organisms digest the biomass, which releases a methane-rich gas (biogas) that can be used to generate renewable heat and power; this helps cut fossil fuel use and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The remaining material (digestate) is rich in nutrients, so it can be used as a fertiliser.

Anaerobic Digestion

The researchers state that although the idea is popular with many local businesses that they have had limited success in generating current survey data, which is an essential part of making this a reality.

The survey will run until the end of August and you can access it here:

https://robertgordonuniversity.onlinesurveys.ac.uk/waste-stream-survey

The survey will help the researchers to:

1. Quantify the volumes of feedstock that would be available
2. Quantify the available area of land to spread digestate to
3. Highlight potential sites for an AD plant
4. Determine whether there is stakeholder interest in running an AD plant