Biogas association joins REA

The process of combining AfOR and the REA will be completed by the end of this year and will strengthen the REA’s position as the UK’s largest trade association representing the UK renewables industry, according to a press release. The REA’s membership in the UK will for the first time exceed 1,000 companies and individuals.

Today’s announcement will see AfOR’s Managing Director Jeremy Jacobs become the REA’s Technical Director. AfOR’s certification activities, covering compost and biodegradable packaging, will move to the REA’s wholly owned subsidiary Renewable Energy Assurance Ltd (REAL). AfOR staff and REAL have already been working together for two years on the Biofertiliser and Green Gas Certification Schemes. AfOR’s training programs will continue as part of the REA’s program of training courses for members and non-members.

REA's Gaynor Hartnell (left) and AfOR's Jeremy Jacobs. (REA Photo)

In addition, AfOR’s technical enquiry service will continue as the REA Organics Recycling Group. This group will assist members with enquiries concerning quality standards for compost and digestate; the collection, treatment and use of biodegradable resources; permitting and planning; compostable packaging schemes; and any other subject relating to the treatment of biodegradable resources.

“I am absolutely delighted with this move, which will strengthen the REA’s position as the leading trade association representing the UK’s renewables industry,” said REA Chairman Martin Wright. “In particular, the scientific and technical expertise of the AfOR staff will greatly enhance the REA’s advocacy on behalf of the organic waste-to-energy sector. It also makes strategic sense to house all organics certification activity under one roof.”

The Association for Organics Recycling, set up in 1994 and numbering 300 members, is the leading trade organization for the biodegradable waste management industry in the UK. Its members are active in composting, anaerobic and aerobic digestion, and the provision of fuels for biomass heat and power. Like the REA, the association is a not-for-profit organization.

“We chose to merge with the REA because many of our members are increasingly active in anaerobic digestion and the supply of renewable fuels,” said AfOR’s Jacobs. “This move will therefore bring tangible benefits to existing members of both associations. In addition, our certification activity has natural synergies with the two existing biogas certification schemes run by the REA’s subsidiary company REAL.”