On-farm anaerobic digestion: a disaggregated analysis of the policy challenges for greater uptake

Abdo, H ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9279-0035 and Ackrill, R ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0739-1812, 2021. On-farm anaerobic digestion: a disaggregated analysis of the policy challenges for greater uptake. Energy Policy, 153: 112258. ISSN 0301-4215

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Abstract

In recent years, the multifunctionality of farming activities and diversification of on-farm income sources have increasingly included renewable energy generation. The uptake of on-farm anaerobic digestion (AD), however, continues to lag behind other renewable energy activities. Moreover, on-farm AD is not only a source of renewable energy, but also a means of farm waste management and thus a means of enhancing environmental quality. This paper provides an in-depth analysis of the policy barriers that might explain this limited uptake, and identify key directions for future AD policy design. We draw on a mixed-methods research design, with data collected by questionnaires, interviews and a round-table workshop of stakeholders. We analyse our data using a framework that disaggregates ‘policy’ into meta, meso and micro levels of Policy Means and Policy Ends. We conclude that future policy must recognise the synergies between on-farm AD as a source of renewable energy and as a means of waste management, reflected in instrument mix and instrument calibration. Calibration-stability is also found to be of critical importance. We also offer new insights and understanding around the application of our chosen policy framework, notably how it can analyse policies that are nested within large, complex policy systems.

Item Type:	Journal article
Publication Title:	Energy Policy
Creators:	Abdo, H. and Ackrill, R.
Publisher:	Elsevier
Date:	June 2021
Volume:	153
ISSN:	0301-4215
Identifiers:	Number Type 10.1016/j.enpol.2021.112258 DOI 1425928 Other S0301421521001270 Publisher Item Identifier
Divisions:	Schools > Nottingham Business School
Record created by:	Linda Sullivan
Date Added:	22 Mar 2021 09:24
Last Modified:	31 Mar 2022 03:00
URI:	https://irep.ntu.ac.uk/id/eprint/42550

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