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

Hafez Abdo and Rob Ackrill

Energy Policy, 2021, vol. 153, issue C

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.

Keywords: Agricultural energy and waste systems; Anaerobic digestion; Policy design; Policy ends and means; Renewable energy; Waste management (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:enepol:v:153:y:2021:i:c:s0301421521001270

DOI: 10.1016/j.enpol.2021.112258

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