Producing biogas from fish waste might not seem like a big deal to mainlanders, but it truly is a big deal on an island with a lot of salmon farms. Getting “energy off the hook” is a sustainable renewable gas-making “fishy business” that provides 24/7 power in all weather conditions to power local communities just where it is needed.
The alternative of placing this waste in a landfill would go against all Scottish, UK and EU policies at a time when climate change and the stark reality of methane emissions are in urgent need of action.
Scotland is phasing out the disposal of all organic waste to landfills, and disposal by incineration is an energy-consuming and very expensive option for such high water content wastes.
So, without projects like the one featured in our sponsor's Press Release below it's difficult to see how without this biogas from fish waste opportunity, these islanders would be able to cope with this waste.
At this biogas plant waste salmon is co-digested with the local town of Stornoway's household food waste and garden waste.
Why this is Important:
The anaerobic digestion plant makes a very positive environmental and economic impact by not sending the waste salmon to a landfill or having to transport it off the island. Indeed, the very notion of tons of fish waste sitting on the ferry in containers, next to cars and passengers would be enough to deter much-needed tourism!
The Landia Press Release (21 November 2019) follows:
Sustainable success with Waste Salmon for biogas as Outer Hebrides wins top Environmental Award
A Landia pasteuriser that processes waste salmon for an AD/”biogas from fish waste” plant on the isles of Lewis and Harris, near Stornoway has helped the Outer Hebrides Local Energy Hub (OHLEH) win the prestigious Scottish Environment Business VIBES award.
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (CnES) together with its partners The Scottish Salmon Company (SSC), Pure Energy Centre PEC), and Community Energy Scotland (CES). Working together has ensured OHLEH was recognised as a great example of local collaboration. This is an example that could act as a blueprint for national best practices, not just in the salmon farming industry but across many other sectors.
Donnie Macmillan, Plant Manager at Stornoway’s Creed Integrated Waste Management Facility (IWMF), commented:
“This award is a huge achievement for such a strong and determined partnership that underlines our belief in seeing this progressive plant continuously improve – minimising, maximising and optimising the methods of managing waste”.
He added:
“We must acknowledge the very professional team at Landia, whose equipment now enables us to integrate a 7-cubic ton batch per shift of waste salmon with household food waste and garden waste for our AD process. This makes a very positive environmental and economic impact by not sending the waste salmon to landfill or having it transported off the island.”
“We had very challenging space restrictions and regulations to adhere to, but from beginning to end, Landia were determined to make it work – and work it certainly has”.
<
Now in its 20th year, the VIBES recognise Scottish businesses which showcase best practices, taking significant steps to improve or reduce their impact on the environment.
The awards encourage the efficient use of resources, strive to improve environmental performance and support sustainable development including social benefits through involvement with the local community.
Landia Tel: 01948 661 200
Press Release Ends
From Loch to Gas: How Fish Waste Biogas is Lighting Up Scotland's Winter Nights
By Angus Munro.
Biogas from Fish Waste – How Fish Waste is Powering Sustainable Energy
Aye, laddie, ye may have heard about the bountiful waters surrounding bonnie Scotland. But did ye ken that the fish waste from our thriving salmon farms is now being used to power sustainable energy?
The Size, Type, and Number of Fish Farms in Scotland
There are over 200 salmon farms in Scotland, producing more than 200,000 tonnes of salmon each year. They can be found both inland and in floating pens in the lochs, providing employment for thousands of hard-working Scots.
The Value of the Industry to the Scottish Economy and Number of People Employed
This industry is a valuable asset to our economy, contributing over £1.5 billion per year and supporting more than 10,000 jobs. But with such a large quantity of organic fish waste being produced, we needed to find a way to dispose of it sustainably.
The Negative Environmental Impact of Placing Fish Waste in Small Community Landfills
Placing this waste in the small community landfills of Scotland would have disastrous environmental consequences. The waste would emit harmful greenhouse gases, such as methane, which would contribute to global warming. It would also contaminate the surrounding land and water, harming wildlife and damaging our precious ecosystem.
The Benefits of Biogas from Fish Waste in Providing Electricity Throughout the Winter
Thankfully, a solution was found in the form of biogas. Biogas is produced by the anaerobic digestion of organic matter, such as fish waste. This biogas can then be burned to generate electricity, providing a renewable source of energy that can be used right through the dark and stormy Scottish winter. So, Biogas from Fish Waste is a win-win for the industry.
This not only reduces our reliance on non-renewable sources of energy, such as coal and natural gas, but it also provides a sustainable way to dispose of the fish waste produced by our thriving salmon farms. It's a win-win situation for both our economy and our environment.
So the next time ye enjoy a delicious fillet of Scottish salmon, remember that even the waste from this industry is being put to good use. We Scots are a canny bunch, and we're always looking for ways to make the most of our resources.
Besides, this process produces biogas from fish waste. Biogas is renewable energy which reduces the demand for carbon-emitting fossil fuels.
Why this Needs a Pasteuriser:
During co-digestion the fish waste (salmon from processing etc) the material may become contaminated with vectors which might cause problems. Big problems can arise such as “Foot and Mouth disease”. To avoid that, the output from the fish waste biogas plant must be heated up and held at a predetermined temperature. That's done in the Landia pasteuriser producing natural fertiliser.
Without that pasteuriser there could be no biogas from fish waste on the island. Because without it, there would be a lack of hygiene and the risk of spreading infection. That's why Landia's support is so important to this scheme.
[Biogas from Fish Waste article first published November 2019.]
