3rd - 4th JULY 2019 | NEC, BIRMINGHAM, UK | Register now

9:30 – 17:30  |  WEDNESDAY, 9 July

 

10:00 – 15:30  |  THURSDAY, 10 July

 

LOCATION: WORLD BIOGAS EXPO, Hall 3A, nec birmingham, united kingdom

WEDNESDAY, 9 July

Compliance

Overview >>

Due to the breadth of situations that can arise or risks associated with the technology that we operate, the anaerobic digestion and biogas industry is covered by a plethora of different rules regulating the sector to ensure its utmost safety in most jurisdictions across the world.  

These sessions will be dedicated to the benefits of complying with health and safety regulations and will provide you the keys to meet certification and standards requirements. 

09:30 – 10:00 Overview of Health and Safety Requirements  

Moderator: Flávio Ascenco, Senior Technical Lead, ADBA & WBA
Amaya Arias Garcia, Consultant, Arias Consultants
Lucy Lewis, Technical Manager, Marches Biogas 

Read more >>

In this session, we will have UK regulators along with experts from other jurisdictions across the world. They will outline and provide an overview of common health and safety regulations which plant owners and operators are obliged to adhere to for plant resilience and environmental and employee protection. 

10:00 – 10:10 AD Showcase: Benefits of Certification and Standardisation for Profit, Productivity and Planet 

Moderator: Flávio Ascenco, Senior Technical Lead, ADBA & WBA
Ana Afonso, Environmental & Sustainability Manager, Bio Capital

Read more >>

This session will clearly illustrate the pre-certification plant performance and the post-certification improvement of the plant’s productivity and synergies with compliance.

10:10 – 10:40 The Must-Know Regulatory Environmental Standards to Adopt

Moderator: Flávio Ascenco, Senior Technical Lead, ADBA & WBA
Spence Seaman, Energy & Resources Lead, Climate Change Adaptation, EA Methane Action Plan, Environment Agency (EA)
Anna Becvar, Director, Earthcare Technical Ltd

Read more >>

Environmental compliance is fundamental to the progress of the biogas industry. In this session, environmental regulatory bodies from the UK will highlight the current environmental controls in place and how they can be adopted by other jurisdictions across the world.  

10:40 – 10:55 AD Showcase: Odour Monitor Requirements

Moderator: Flávio Ascenco, Senior Technical Lead, ADBA & WBA
Matthew McDowell, Biogas Operations Consultant, Exeon 

Fuels of the Future

Overview >>

The AD sector will be the conduit of transition of the sustainable fuels of the future.  

These sessions will cover the versatility of AD-derived biogas, hone-in on how it can de-fossilise aviation and the transport sector more generally and finally focus on the value of biomethane specifically. 

11:00 – 11:15 Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) & Biomethane for Transport 

Moderator: Dr Gareth Mottram, Policy Lead, ADBA
Daiana Martinez, Engineering Co-ordinator, CIBiogas

Read more >>

In this session, we will showcase a breakthrough technology that links biomethane, carbon and hydrogen to generate future fuels, including SAF.  

11:15 – 11:30 AD Showcase: One Gas, Many Fuels 

Moderator: Dr Gareth Mottram, Policy Lead, ADBA
Dr Keith Simons, Independent Chair and Chief Technology Officer

Read more >>

This session will outline the potential of biogas in providing a fuel with a multitude of different end uses. 

11:30 – 12:10 Biomethane in Focus 

Moderator: Dr Gareth Mottram, Policy Lead, ADBA
John Baldwin, Managing Director, CNG Fuels
Charles McAllister, Director, Green Gas Taskforce

Read more >>

In this session, we will focus on biomethane and how this can generate clean energy and sustainable fuels in place of natural gas in the gas grid and in transportation.

12:10 – 12:20 AD Showcase: Exploring the Role of Advanced Lubrication in Biogas Efficiency

Moderator: Dr Gareth Mottram, Policy Lead, ADBA
Frithjof Metzner,
Technology Solution Professional – Marine & Gas Engine Oils, ExxonMobil

13:20 – 13:35 AD Showcase: Construction Options for Carbon Capture and Storage

Moderator: Flávio Ascenco, Senior Technical Lead, ADBA & WBA
Nishul Saperia, Business Development, Neustark

Improving Plant Performance 

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Across the industry, biogas plants are currently not performing to their optimal capacity. This means that there is still a need for further training and development as well as dissemination of best practice within the industry to harness the potential of the plants that are owned and operated. 

In these sessions, we will identify the optimising factors to be considered after a site has been commissioned and handed over to a plant operator. We will also exhibit a case study explaining what to do to optimise a plant that is not performing well.  

13:40 – 14:20 Optimising Plant Performance I: Biological Focus 

Session sponsored by:

Moderator: Flávio Ascenco, Senior Technical Lead, ADBA & WBA
Mario A. Rosato, CEO, Sustainable Technologies SRL
Bengt Hansen, Applications Manager, Kemira

Read more >>

In this session, we will explain how to improve the biology of your AD plant to yield the best performance and results from it. We also will highlight the importance of data analysis, data gathering, what to look for to identify the current biological health of your plant and how the biology can be improved through different processes and addition of enhancers. 

14:20 – 14:30 AD Showcase: Additives that will support the Optimisation of Plant 

Moderator: Flávio Ascenco, Senior Technical Lead, ADBA & WBA
Bengt Hansen, Applications Manager, Kemira

14:30 – 15:25 Optimising Plant Performance II: Operational Focus 

Session sponsored by:

Moderator: Flávio Ascenco, Senior Technical Lead, ADBA & WBA

  • When mixers reach their limits, what do we do?
    Melanie Hecht
    , Senior Key Account Manager, Schaumann BioEnergy
  • The Palmieri Advanced Splitting System — Producing Biogas is Easier and Faster
    Luca Foppiani
    , Sales Department – Recycling Division, Palmieri Group

Read more >>

In this session, we will provide guidance on the technical aspects needed to enhance the operational performance of your plant and, as a consequence, increase positive results. With a focus on the maintenance needs of an AD plant, we will take a deep-dive into the improvement of mechanical, mixing, sequences and de-gritting required to optimise your plant.  

Greenhouse gas emissions abatement, LCAs & Carbon Markets 

Overview >>

At full potential, the biogas industry worldwide can contribute towards the delivery of 50% of the Global Methane Pledge and 10% reduction of carbon emissions. In order to harness the potential of the biogas sector for GHG reduction, it is essential to develop suitable LCAs and secure sufficient financial support from carbon markets.  

In these sessions, we will cover the different LCA scenarios that could be explored depending on the boundary needs from it and the attributional and consequential requirements. We will also discuss the importance of financial support from carbon markets.  

15:30 – 16:10 Different LCA Methodologies 

Moderator: Andrew Brown, Technical Support Manager, ADBA
David Hurren, Renewable Energy Consultant and Former CEO, Air Liquide Biogas Solutions UK
Alycia Tolman, Director of Carbon Markets, American Biogas Council
Lucy Hopwood, Principal Consultant and Director, Alder Bioinsights (Formerly NNFCC)

Read more >>

Every biogas plant must have an LCA to provide evidence of the environmental benefits achieved through the valorisation of reduction of emissions. 

In this session, we will explore the different LCA methodologies applicable depending on national or regional requirements and the role they play in defining the scope of benefits provided by the biogas plant. 

16:10 16:35 AD Showcase: Navigating the Cross-Border Trade of Unsubsidised Biomethane in Europe

Moderator: Andrew Brown, Technical Support Manager, ADBA
Henning Dicks, Managing Director & Co-Founder, Agriportance

16:35 – 17:15 Carbon Markets: A Bonus or Necessary Incentive for the AD Industry? 

Moderator: Andrew Brown, Technical Support Manager, ADBA
Sam Reed, Team Leader, UK Emissions Trading Scheme Team, Department of Energy Securityvand Net Zero (DESNZ), UK Government
Luciano Figueredo, Project Manager, Instituto Totum
Dr Gareth Mottram, Policy Lead, ADBA

Read more >>

In its current iteration, carbon markets are currently de-centralised but provide the opportunity to buy and sell carbon credits that certify removal or reduction of GHG emissions into the atmosphere. 

In this session, we will provide an overview of how carbon markets work and how the AD industry can directly and indirectly benefit from this.  

17:15 – 17:30 AD Showcase: MBH Programme, Closing Remarks & Wrap-Up of Day 1

Moderator: Flávio Ascenco, Senior Technical Lead, ADBA & WBA

THURSDAY, 10 July

Transforming Digestate from Diamond in the Rough to Jewel in the Crown 

Read more >>

The full potential of digestate is often undermined in the AD industry, sometimes even relegated to a negative externality of biogas production rather than a product.  

These sessions will outline the case for digestate and exhibit new technologies available to operators to improve the production and use of quality biofertiliser.  

Industry experts will share their insights and innovations to elevate digestate’s role in the circular economy and maximise its benefits to the sector and the environment. 

10:00 – 10:30 Valorising Digestate: Challenges and Solutions? 

Moderator: Kavya Koonampilli, Policy Lead, WBA
Jo Chapman
, Director, Chapman Beck Environmental Consultants 
Jamie Williams, Director of Business Development, Generate Upcycle  

Read more >>

This session will discern what the roadblocks to unlocking the true value of digestate are, and how can we overcome them. We will delve into key challenges such as quality assurance, nutrient value optimisation, and cost barriers.  

Industry experts will share solutions and strategies to tackle these issues, paving the way for digestate to become a cornerstone of sustainable agriculture and waste management. 

10:30 – 10:40 AD Showcase: Nutrition Management Plan 

Moderator: Kavya Koonampilli, Policy Lead, WBA
Bill Thomson, Director of Organics, 3R Organics 

Read more >>

This session will provide a showcase of an effective nutrient management plan for digestate and a clear steer on how thoughtful planning and implementation can optimise nutrient recovery and application, transforming digestate into a highly efficient and sustainable resource. 

This session will highlight the steps that stakeholders can take to maximise digestate’s agricultural and environmental benefits. 

10:40  11:20 Novel Technologies to Support Biofertiliser Production & Use  

Moderator: Kavya Koonampilli, Policy Lead, WBA
Josh Silverman, CEO & Founder Windfall Bio
Professor Peter Hammond, Co-Founder & CTO, CCm Technologies
Rob Lei, Co-Founder & COO, Cetogenix

Read more >>

This session will explore the latest advancements in AD technology designed to enhance the production and utilisation of digestate as a biofertiliser.  

From improved processing techniques to innovative application methods, discover how emerging technologies are setting new standards for efficiency and sustainability in digestate management. 

11:20 – 12:05 Methane Emissions: Highlighting the Importance of Monitoring and Control 

Moderator: Thibaut Raharofalimanana, Policy Analyst, WBA
Rob Griffiths, OSS Enviro
Dr Semra Bakkaloglu, Environmental Consultant, Imperial Consultants
Andrew Iwanoczko, Founder and CEO, Callala

Read more >>

Monitoring and control of methane emissions is crucial to the future of the AD sector.  In this session, the spotlight will be on the critical role of tracking and mitigating methane emissions, emphasising the environmental, operational and financial benefits. 

You will gain valuable insights into how robust monitoring practices can increase revenue streams, reduce environmental impact, and reinforce the industry’s commitment to sustainability. 

12:05 – 12:15 AD Showcase: AI Analytics to Increase Biogas Yields: A UK-First 

Moderator: Thibaut Raharofalimanana, Policy Analyst, WBA
Karan Tyagi, Head of Business Intelligence, Bio Capital

12:15 – 13:05 Lunch

13:05 – 13:20 AD Showcase: PureDae – Turning Barn Emissions into Clean Energy

Moderator: Gamze Yasar, Policy Analyst, ADBA
Nujen Yuksel, PureDae Academic Project

Read more >>

Livestock farming is one of the planet’s largest yet most overlooked contributors to climate change. Responsible for a significant share of global greenhouse gas emissions, the industry also faces rising concerns around animal welfare, worker health, and environmental compliance.

PureDae is a revolutionary air filtration system designed specifically for barns. It removes harmful gases—such as carbon dioxide, ammonia, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs)—while capturing methane to be repurposed as a renewable energy source. With affordability, sustainability, and innovation at its core, PureDae is setting a new standard in agricultural technology.

13:20 – 14:10 On-Farm AD: The Next Phase

Moderator: Angela Bywater, Environmental Biotechnology Network Manager, University of Southampton
Eoin Sharkey, CEO, BioFactory
Gamze Yasar, Policy Analyst, ADBA
Ed Humber, Business Development Manager, Bennamann
John Greaves, Head of Applications Engineering, WASE

Read more >>

As the demand for sustainable farming grows, small-scale anaerobic digestion is entering a new era. This session will delve into cutting-edge innovations making on-farm AD more efficient, affordable, and scalable. From streamlined technologies to improved integration with farm operations, we’ll explore how the next phase of development can empower more farmers to adopt AD, reduce waste, and generate renewable energy on-site.

14:15 – 15:15 AD Showcase: New Technologies 

Moderator: Karina Navarro, Policy Analyst, WBA
David Agudelo-Romero, External Relations & Business Intelligence Officer, Waga Energy
Tony Hood, Sales Manager UK, Desotec
Dr Siegfried Mueller, CEO, ASTG
Ben Pluke, CEO & Co-Founder, Raft Energy

Read more >>

In this showcase session you will be presented with the latest innovations for the AD industry. It will highlight ground-breaking technologies designed to improve efficiency, optimise operations, improve safety and drive the future of AD systems. 

15:15 – 15:30 Closing Remarks: 10 Key Takeaways 

Flávio Ascenco, Senior Technical Lead, ADBA & WBA
Dr Gareth Mottram, Policy Lead, ADBA
Thibaut Raharofalimanana, Policy Analyst, WBA

Bringing together leading voices in anaerobic digestion (AD) and sustainable energy, the World Biogas Expo’s  ‘Engine Room theatre’ offers a comprehensive exploration of key industry topics including regulatory standards, advanced fuels, plant performance optimisation and emissions abatement. The programme features expert-led sessions on breakthroughs in carbon markets, innovative digestate management solutions, methane control strategies and other essential developments. Attendees will also gain valuable insights into technological advancements that enhance operational efficiency and environmental impact.

In addition to expert panels and discussions, the Engine Room programme features showcases of pioneering technologies and success stories that highlight best practices and real-world applications. From compliance and certification to future fuels and emissions monitoring, the event addresses critical industry challenges and emerging trends.

With a strong focus on environmental solutions, regulatory adherence and plant optimisation, the Engine Room programme in 2025 equips participants with the tools and knowledge needed to improve performance, capitalise on new opportunities and drive sustainability forward. You need to be here!

what past delegates said about the engine room

“This event is a big opportunity to improve one’s knowledge of the huge potential of biogas production, to generate new revenue from its use as an energy source, and reduce the emissions of biomethane which is a very powerful greenhouse gas. “

David Dundas, Energy Consultant

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