The aim is to offer UK companies, farming enterprises, or other organisations active in the UK biogas sector the opportunity to send potential or current employees for on-site experience and training at German biogas plants, laboratories or factories. The project is principally aimed at young people looking to develop a “hands on” career in the green economy. Travel, subsistence and half board expenses are fully supported by the funding, which has been awarded by the EU Leonardo programme.
Welcoming the news, Environment Minister Lord Taylor of Holbeach said: “I am delighted that the Renewable Energy Association has been successful in obtaining this funding to provide training and work experience in Europe for employees from the UK biogas industry. This is an important step to help the industry gain the relevant skills that it needs as the sector expands”.
The project, which will be run in partnership with the German Biogas and Bioenergy Society (GERBIO), will offer a range of additional benefits to participants, from health and safety training to first hand engagement with German language and culture. Participants will emerge with a “Europass” – a language and skills CV recognised across the EU.
“Earlier this year, our report ‘Made in Britain’ [4] made clear that fostering the skills necessary for the transition to a low carbon, high renewables economy must be a national priority. This project is the REA’s first practical step in boosting the UK skills base,” explains REA Chief Executive, Gaynor Hartnell. “Anaerobic digestion helps meet a range of environmental and waste management objectives. It also offers fantastic diversification opportunities for UK farmers, increasing the inclusiveness and resilience of our energy supply. Finally, it is one of the most versatile energy technologies, with the potential to provide renewable heat, power and transport fuels.”
According to REA’s Head of Biogas, David Collins, the course represents a unique learning opportunity not currently available in the UK. Since the UK AD industry is still in development, companies have to guard their technical knowledge closely to maintain early-stage competitiveness; however the German industry, with 20 years’ experience and 7,000 plants, is in a better position to be able share this valuable knowledge with current and aspiring biogas professionals.
“As well as having its own very active Biogas Sector Group, the REA also works closely with REAL to manage the Green Gas and Biofertiliser Certification Schemes, so we are perfectly placed to carry out this project,” says Collins.
The scheme starts in September this year and will run until May 2014. Applications will formally open on the REA website next week. In the meantime, candidates are invited to register an expression of interest by email: leonardo@r-e-a.net
For additional information:
Renewable Energy Association
