David Collins, MSc, FRGS, is an independent specialist in Biogas & Sector Advisor on Biodigestion at the Renewable Energy Association.   He runs the REA Biogas Group, which includes operating biogas companies and those connected with the industry.  The Group meets regularly at the REA and is tasked with removing barriers to the development of Biogas in the UK.

In 2006 he co-wrote the the Scottish Standard for Digestate from anaerobic digestion for application to farmland, sonsored by Scottish Enterprise and SEPA.   This was used as the foundation for the current Quality Protocol and PAS110 Standard, and he is now running the REA Biofertiliser Certification Scheme which will administer the scheme from its launch in Spring 2009. In effect this removes Digestate from the category of waste and recognises and promotes it as a valuable biofertiliser.

David is the initiator and author of a feasibility study for a project to establish a Pilot Biogas plant in Southwark, London.  A former Research Fellow at City University, London, he conducted a study for the Greater London Authority on Anaerobic Digestion of Biodegradable Waste in the urban context as a contributor to Renewable Energy.  The study was the winner of Bromley Council Environmental Awards 2002 for "Exceptional Commitment to the Environment.