Wilson’s Country Ltd Invests £2 Million in Anaerobic Digestion System
Co. Armagh-based potato packer and processer, Wilson’s Country Ltd., is completing a £2 million investment programme in the development of an anaerobic digestion (AD) system. The new plant, located within the site of the existing business, will provide 60% of the company’s annual electricity requirements.
Utilizing Potato Waste as Feedstock
Wilson’s Country managing director, Lewis Cunningham, stated that the potato waste from the business will be used as the main feedstock for the AD operation. After two years of development, the establishment of an interconnector between the AD plant and the national grid was the final step in completing the project.
The new system is currently being gradually brought online and is expected to reach full operational capacity by the end of November.
Anaerobic Digestion and Carbon Footprint Reduction
The management team at Wilson’s Country emphasizes the significant role of the new AD operation in reducing the carbon footprint of the overall business. Company CEO, Angus Wilson, highlighted that they have been using certified ‘green electricity’ exclusively for the past couple of years, resulting in a 75% reduction in carbon intensity.
By generating a significant proportion of their green electricity on-site through AD, Wilson’s Country can further reduce their energy bill and make more efficient use of waste streams produced within the business. This investment contributes to the long-term sustainability of Wilson’s Country.
Generating Electricity and Heat
The process of anaerobic digestion involves the conversion of organic feedstock, such as potato waste, by microorganisms in the absence of oxygen into biogas and digestate. The biogas produced can be used to generate electricity and heat.
Given the large electricity requirement on-site for powering controlled temperature potato stores, processing, and packing operations, Wilson’s Country expects to have surplus electricity that can be exported to the grid. Additionally, a portion of the waste heat produced will be utilized to maintain the operational temperature of the AD system.
Wilson’s Country is also exploring options to maximize the use of residual heat from the AD process. Their commitment to achieving a carbon ‘net zero’ position in the coming years makes the investment in the new AD plant a critical step towards their sustainability goals.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
-
SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
- Target 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix
- Indicator 7.2.1: Renewable energy share in the total final energy consumption
-
SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
- Target 12.5: By 2030, substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling, and reuse
- Indicator 12.5.1: National recycling rate, tons of material recycled
-
SDG 13: Climate Action
- Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning
- Indicator 13.2.1: Number of countries that have integrated mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning into primary, secondary, and tertiary curricula
Analysis:
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
The issues highlighted in the article are connected to SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
Based on the article’s content, the specific targets identified are:
- Target 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix
- Target 12.5: By 2030, substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling, and reuse
- Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
Yes, there are indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:
- Indicator 7.2.1: Renewable energy share in the total final energy consumption
- Indicator 12.5.1: National recycling rate, tons of material recycled
- Indicator 13.2.1: Number of countries that have integrated mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning into primary, secondary, and tertiary curricula
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy | Target 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix | Indicator 7.2.1: Renewable energy share in the total final energy consumption |
| SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production | Target 12.5: By 2030, substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling, and reuse | Indicator 12.5.1: National recycling rate, tons of material recycled |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning | Indicator 13.2.1: Number of countries that have integrated mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning into primary, secondary, and tertiary curricula |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: agriland.ie
Join us, as fellow seekers of change, on a transformative journey at https://sdgtalks.ai/welcome, where you can become a member and actively contribute to shaping a brighter future.
