Quantification of feedstocks and outputs for a regional Bioeconomy using the AD Biorefinery concept

Greenhouse gas emissions (GHG’s) from agriculture in Northern Ireland account for over 27% of regional emissions, as opposed to 7% for the UK overall, leaving the region with challenges in meeting climate abatement targets. The development of a sustainable regional Bioeconomy has been identified as a key requirement for regional sustainability. Previous research carried out as part of the Northern Ireland Biogas Research Action Plan, had quantified the feedstock available for Anerobic Digestion (AD) in Northern Ireland, and estimated potential biogas and biomethane yields. This research builds upon and extends that work by applying the AD biorefinery concept to include both biological and thermochemical feedstocks and utilisation pathways. The research has quantified the potential feedstocks for AD coupled with gasification and has explored utilisation pathways for the outputs of the processes, including AD digestate to gasification and applications of biochar. The utilisation pathways have been evaluated for their potential in meeting GHG reduction targets and suitability indicators have been applied to a range of scenarios and a scenario analysis model developed. The limitations of this research have been identified and recommendations have been made for future research priorities.