To achieve this, we work with centres of education, local authorities and private companies to identify, trial and promote new technologies.

We are currently supporting several initiatives and research projects being undertaken by Exeter University which would make use of our AD facilities. These include smart grid research, sustainable town planning and district heating.

Much of the research looks at how towns and cities can be adapted to provide local energy, replacing our dependence on imported fossil fuels. This adaptation will be particularly vital as we move to greater electrical consumption (for example, by electric cars).

As part of their Low Carbon Devon initiative, we have worked with Plymouth University to explore the untapped potential of AD plants to generate green hydrogen.

Additionally, the University of Surrey are piloting cutting-edge research into how artificial intelligence could be used to optimise AD – we are looking forward to collaborating with the university on this project.

We always welcome opportunities to collaborate with private industries and businesses. Currently, we are working on many exciting projects that either enhance AD or spin off to make inventive use of the AD technology:

• Carbon capture technology – Installing cutting-edge equipment to turn carbon from the AD process into food-grade CO2. This will be used to supply local businesses.
• Digestate dewatering – Taking the organic fertiliser produced by AD facilities and turning it into high-quality fertiliser pellets for horticulture.
• Hydrogen research – Exploring AD’s potential to generate green hydrogen, which can be used for transport or, in future, blended into the power networks.
• Feedstock optimisation – Researching methods to break down the cellular structure of organic feedstock to free up additional energy.

We have been working with Exeter city to develop its Net Zero strategy – attending roundtable meetings, speaking with councillors, and promoting knowledge sharing between universities, businesses, and local authorities.

New regulations stipulate that housing developments must be designed with sustainability in mind. Our AD plants could supply district heating schemes for new Exeter housing developments – we are currently collaborating with planners on this project.

In Ireland, we have been advising local authorities on integrating AD into sustainable planning and district heating networks. This will provide locally produced green energy while also creating jobs for the community.

We are encouraging the next generation of innovators to learn from our AD plants, including Open University Engineering students, Nuffield Farming scholars, and Young Farmers. Students are welcome to use our plants for their research projects too.

Educating people about the benefits of AD is a core part of our strategy and community outreach. We have welcomed 200 visitors to our plants over the past year, hosting tours and talks for many local interest groups, including Teign U3A, the Professional Engineers Club Exeter, and the Western Electrical Society.

• Advising at early stage meetings and feasibility assessments
• Integration of AD into sustainable planning
• Speakers at events and conferences
• Site tours of our AD plants for students and researchers
• Expertise from our experienced team adds a valuable dimension to your research

• If you are applying for research grants, talk to us about how we can support your application as a research partner

• Opportunity to trial new technology at our AD plants
• Freedom to use any of our AD plants across the South West as a research hub
• Cutting edge AD technology
• Giving students space to experiment in a real-world environment, supported by our knowledgeable and friendly team