World Biogas Expo and Summit 2024 review
The 14th annual trade show hosted by ADBA, latterly in collaboration with the World Biogas Association (WBA), and the co-located World Biogas Summit, took place at the NEC, Birmingham on 10-11 July. With a focus on delivery – #MakingBiogasHappen – the World Biogas Expo 2024 attracted over 3,000 registered delegates, 150 exhibitors and 60 expert speakers.
The world’s largest show dedicated to anaerobic digestion (AD) and biogas brought together industry leaders, policymakers, stakeholders, academics, and innovators from across the globe to explore the latest advancements in biogas technology and its important role in combating climate change and reducing pollution of rivers and oceans.
The Engine Room Sessions
ADBA Chair Chris Huhne led discussions across two days in the Engine Room theatre, where the focus was on plant optimisation and innovation. Key sessions focused on performance and particularly methane slippage and emissions. Measure, Record, Verify (MRV) was the acronym of the two days and one all in the industry will have to understand and act on.
ADBA’s Technical Manager Flávio Ascenco encouraged delegates to engage with the ADCS certification scheme, the quickest and most certain way to become compliant with new regulations in this area. The Environment Agency said they would work with ADBA and the industry to develop its methane action plan.
George Eustice MP, former Secretary of State at DEFRA, quantified in monetary terms the manifest benefits of decarbonising farming through action on methane.
Further sessions covered the UK biogas industry’s rapid growth, fuelled by innovation and sustainability. Key topics included optimising feedstock quality, improving digestate management, and utilising AI for efficiency. The Green Gas Support Scheme was discussed as an example of government backing and how the developer needs to take scheme requirements into account when designing a project. As it expands, the biogas industry is becoming integral to the world’s clean energy transition and environmental goals. The sector also creates jobs and advances circular economy principles.
Dedicated Side Events and New and Emerging Markets
ADBA hosted several key events during the expo. The Farmers Breakfast united on-farm AD plant operators, farmers using AD co-products, and those interested in developing new AD plants. This session highlighted the pivotal role of AD in sustainable agriculture, addressing food security and the climate crisis.
Another significant event was the Local Authorities Lunch, where ADBA facilitated discussions on urgent issues influencing separate food waste collections. Local councils, AD plant operators, waste management companies, investors, and law firms engaged in insightful conversations about challenges with existing contracts, and implications for green waste management.
With the Expo and Summit attracting an international audience, there was great interest in the technology and innovation on show and many exhibitors reported getting quality leads in new and emerging markets. The World Biogas Association held the first-ever in-person National Biogas Association Roundtable. This gathering of Chief Executives, Presidents, and decision-makers of national biogas associations from around the world marked a significant step towards global collaboration in the biogas industry. Participants came from New Zealand, Ukraine, Spain, USA, Indonesia, Mexico, Canada, UK, Brazil and Germany.
Looking ahead, ADBA is positioned to build on the success of this year’s expo. The association is committed to advancing the AD industry in the UK, advocating for supportive policies, sectoral collaboration, fostering innovation, and promoting biogas technology as a key solution in the nation’s journey towards net-zero emissions. ADBA is committed to working with the new Government to support their decarbonising agenda and make the most of this crucial green technology.
International Backing
At the World Biogas Summit, WBA held a session on the Global Biofuels Alliance where the interim Director General Pankaj Jain spoke about their ambition and a panel of industry leaders talked about the assistance that the Alliance can provide to promote growth of the biogas industry. WBA also provided an update on its flagship Making Biogas Happen (MBH) Programme that will see the creation of a Global Biogas Regulatory Framework for best practice regulations and an international AD certification scheme to ensure minimum standards are set to ensure the industry grows safely and professionally.
Market updates were provided across various jurisdictions, and experts in the field discussed the drivers for growth and brought forward opportunities to cooperate on scaling up investments in the biogas and ancillary industries.
ADBA extends its gratitude to all attendees, speakers, presenters, exhibitors, and sponsors who contributed to making this event a triumph. Their participation and enthusiasm demonstrate the strength and potential of the biogas industry.
The future looks green, and it’s powered by AD!
For more information about the event outcomes or to express interest in next year’s expo, please visit the World Biogas Expo website or contact Mark Galbraith at mark.galbraith@adbioresources.org.
Note: Many companies have already confirmed their participation in the 2025 expo. The “Early Bird” discount to exhibit will end on 1 August, so please contact Maddie Hopper at maddie.hopper@adbioresources.org to find out more
