ABSTRACT
This introduction provides an overview of key concepts discussed in subsequent chapters of this book. The book looks at anaerobic digestion (AD) as a waste treatment and fuel source option, and therefore as a financial income stream. It first presents a brief history of AD, essentially to provide an understanding of the development of the technology from its earliest inception as a relatively crude means of treating waste to its current, highly sophisticated means of producing renewable energy. The book then takes a step-by-step approach to leading the reader through the key issues, from selecting the feedstock through to how a plant works and what the basic requirements are, and from the financial and regulatory issues to the practicalities of implementation. It helps a potential biogas plant owner to form a decision of whether AD is the right technology for them and select the solution that is most appropriate to their needs.
