Unclear policy is stalling rollout of renewables on livestock farms

Changes could help more farmers recognise the benefits of slurry-based anaerobic digestion systems, a conference was told.

Fundamental changes in policy, planning and funding are urgently required to encourage wider adoption of the technology, said the event, which looked at the future for on-farm anaerobic digestion and methane capture.

Hosted by Askham Bryan College, York, the event brought together around 100 farmers, policy-makers, funders and industry to discuss the opportunities for smaller-scale energy generation using on-farm slurry.

It highlighted success stories of farms that are currently using the technology, including Askham Bryan’s own college farm.

In contrast to larger AD plants, small-scale on-farm anaerobic digestion (SOFAD) plants are solely fed by slurry from the animals on a farm, with no additional feedstocks.

An estimated 90 million tonnes of livestock manure is annually available in the UK, but only 3% is currently processed by AD – falling far behind other European countries.

Although UK funders are willing to back smaller-scale anaerobic digestors, the lack of support and awareness at government level is stalling progress and imposing paperwork that is not scale appropriate.

NFCC principal consultant Lucy Hopwood said: “We have heard this week how SOFAD addresses so many areas such as methane capture, clean air and displacement of fossil-fuel fertilisers, as well as renewable energy.

“But there was frustration in the room about the multiple issues faced when trying to scale this technology. Legal, scoping and development costs are often inordinate in relation to the risks.”

Funders, planners and insurers follow criteria that is designed for much larger scale facilities, said Ms Hopwood. Small AD plants were being built in less than a week, but one taking 18 months to get through planning, even when no objections.

Grant funding

“From a funding perspective, AD technology has not been included in any of the recent Defra productivity or slurry grants and we are also unclear as to what the future policy priorities are.

While the systems can stack up for farmers without financial support, they will hold off if they are unsure whether this investment aligns with the policy priorities which may dictate what support is available in the future, so we need clarity to enable them to move forward.

Wider recognition of the benefits and acknowledgement of their value, with tax breaks and carbon credits for this technology would also make investment more attractive, as would a planning and permit system that fully recognises the differences between small-scale and large-scale AD.

“It seems to be a topic that falls through the gaps between different government teams although we are hopeful that the new Circular Economy Taskforce, who were in attendance this week, might change this.”

Better information needed for decision-makers

Lack of clear and information is holding back farmers from investing in anaerobic digestion, conference delegates heard.

This was holding back early stage research and decision making, both for farmers and the wider community. The NNFCC is working with the industry and local and national Government, hoping to address this issue.

Gary Hague (pictured right), from Biolectric, which helped coordinate the conference, said: “All the farmers at the summit who have installed small-scale AD plants declared that the technology is a ‘no-brainer’ for their business and they would do it again.

“We need to give confidence to the wider farming community to adopt this technology and, in turn, create a more circular farming system that builds on-farm resilience and supports the net zero agenda.

“It was fantastic to hear from North Yorkshire Combined Authority, who supported the Askham Bryan College AD plant, about their ambitions in this area and we hope other local authorities will follow their lead.”

AD plants could help ensure energy security

Support for anaerobic digestion could help ensure energy security – and meet the UK’s net zero ambitions, says an industry body.

The Anaerobic Digestion and Bioresources Association (ADBA) says it has written to Chancellor Rachel Reeves – urging her to support the sector and its potential to produce clean, sustainable and secure energy.

The letter from ADBA chairman and former secretary of state Chris Huhne and ADBA chief executive Charlotte Morton OBE, supported by nearly 100 ADBA members and industry representatives.

£1bn investment

It suggests more than £1 billion of inwards infrastructure investment may be available if the government makes positive policy decisions that help the biogas sector.

Anaerobic Digestion currently produces more than 13TWh of biogas used to produce renewable electricity and over 7TWh of renewable gas. This is expected to reach a combined total of at least 30TWh by 2030.

Achieving those expectations will significantly contribute to the UK’s clean power objectives – and boost the rural economy.

Energy from anaerobic digestion – using feedstocks such as slurry, food waste and energy crops – is often generated in rural areas, supporting small businesses, farms, and communities across the country.

Additionally, it plays a crucial role in decarbonising wastewater treatment, food recycling, and the UK’s world-renowned food and drink manufacturing sector, says the letter.

“The sector is poised for rapid growth but requires positive action from your government to realise this potential,” it adds. “At least £1bn of investment is waiting to be unlocked.”

Global investors as well as British businesses are poised to invest in the sector if the government makes the right decisions and the Treasury provides further support to the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero”, says the letter.

If that happens, “the AD sector will experience significant growth, attracting billions of pounds of investment in the coming years. This will ultimately help you achieve your key growth mission.

“The sector is alive, ready, and capable of playing its part in delivering net zero while generating homegrown, cheaper, greener, and more secure energy for the future. However, it requires action from you and your government to reach its full potential.”