A new study by Scottish Renewables has found that the anaerobic digestion (AD) industry in Scotland could more than double in size in the next two years.

The AD process involves farm slurry, vegetable peelings, paper and other organic material decomposing inside a closed chamber to produce gas, which is then used to generate electricity.

Currently, 16 such plants are already in operation in the country, while planning permission has been approved for an additional 24.

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Stephanie Clark, Policy Manager at Scottish Renewables, explained: "Food waste is a source of fuel for anaerobic digesters, and we expect that an increase in the amount of food waste collected by local authorities will now lead to a significant increase in the number of AD plants in Scotland.

"The food waste is being diverted from landfill where it would have rotted and produced polluting methane gas. Instead, the waste is broken down by micro-organisms and converted into energy, providing electricity and heat to homes and businesses and reducing carbon emissions."

(JP/CD)