Feasibility study to assess how opinions and perspectives differ of AD bioenergy

A study carried out in two locations in southern England assessed how opinions and perspectives differed of anaerobic digestion (AD) bioenergy developments between intra- and inter-community stakeholder groups. The locations were chosen to represent a non-controversial development versus a controversial AD plant. Attitudes of the surrounding community and stakeholders to an operational AD plant, implemented with extensive community liaison at Dorchester (JVEnergen), were compared with another AD plant at Crouchlands Farm, West Sussex, which is experiencing challenges to planning. Within the communities of both locations, attitudes of different demographics were compared through focus group discussions and on-line surveys, as well as between location comparisons. Results are discussed in terms of pre-planning involvement between communities and developers.