What is this tool intended for? 

ADAdvisor is intended to help industries evaluate the feasibility of anaerobic digestion as a waste management and energy recovery solution. It allows users to assess how different organic feedstocks can be processed to generate biogas, offset fossil fuel consumption, and produce nutrient-rich digestate for agricultural applications. By integrating economic analysis, it also helps businesses determine the financial viability of adopting anaerobic digestion technology. 

How does this tool work? 

The tool operates through an online interface where users input site-specific data, including location, energy consumption, and available feedstocks. It provides default values from an industry-supported database but also allows manual input for greater accuracy. The tool analyses feedstock characteristics, biogas yield, and digestate composition, then matches the data with suitable digester technologies. Users can configure system parameters, such as organic loading rates, hydraulic retention time, and energy recovery options, including combined heat and power (CHP). The tool generates a detailed techno-economic report, including investment costs, potential savings, and environmental benefits such as greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions. 

Who might use this tool and with which types of stakeholders? 

ADAdvisor is designed for decision-makers in industries that generate organic waste, including municipal water and sanitation utilities, solid waste management utilities, livestock operations, meat processors, and dairy and milk processing facilities. It is also useful for environmental consultants, technology providers, and researchers working on anaerobic digestion and bioenergy projects. 

What stages of a process can this tool support? 

The tool supports the early planning and feasibility assessment of anaerobic digestion projects. It helps users determine whether anaerobic digestion is a viable solution for their waste streams before making investment decisions. It can also be used for scenario analysis, allowing users to compare different digester configurations and business models. 

What skills, capabilities, and resources are required to use this tool? 

ADAdvisor is designed to be accessible to users with limited experience in anaerobic digestion. It provides built-in recommendations and alerts to guide decision-making. Users benefit from having basic knowledge of waste management, energy use, and economic assessment. Access to site-specific data on feedstock availability, energy costs, and regulatory requirements enhances the accuracy of assessments. 

Where can this tool be used? 

The tool is primarily designed for use in Australia, as it incorporates state-specific regulatory considerations. However, its methodology and feedstock database make it adaptable for use in other locations with similar industries and anaerobic digestion applications. 

Case examples of where this tool has been used 

No specific case studies are mentioned in the sources, but the tool has been validated using Australian industry data and tested for real-world applications in water utilities, livestock, and meat processing sectors.