[Ryan]

Social acceptability surrounding biogas is more critical than ever to ensure the long-term success of a project. To boil it down to two words, it would be education and engagement.

While in the development stages, projects need to engage with their future communities, explaining what biogas is and the community problem it is solving. Communities need to be made aware of the benefits facilities bring, and that any concerns (ex., odour or general safety) have clear solutions.

There is an understandable hesitancy to announce/discuss projects before permitting is completed; past that stage, communities have reported feeling that developers are informing them of a future project rather than asking them their thoughts. It is also important that engagement does not end at project completion. Beyond being responsive to potential complaints, facilities that have experienced the largest success have integrated into their communities, hosting recurring educational visits and attending community events.

I think it’s important to remember that people care deeply about where they live, and their communities, and they want to ensure the businesses that operate there are in the community’s best interest. AD creates more than just carbon-neutral (or negative) electricity or fuel. It solves waste management problems and efficiently recycles nutrients.