UK farmers are being encouraged to see waste as a resource rather than a problem, with five grants being awarded under the £10m Defra Anaerobic Digestion Demonstration Programme to help to highlight the benefits of anaerobic digestion. Agricultural projects are included in those that will be show-cased in the programme, the latest of which are due for completion in 2011.

AD is a proven way of successfully managing waste at the same time as generating renewable energy. It works by producing bio-methane following the AD of biodegradable products, such as manures and slurries, food waste and sewage sludge. The bio-gas can then be used as a renewable energy source for heat and power.

For farmers, the benefits of employing AD technology are widespread, as Charlie Overs, compensation surveyor at Bruton Knowles, and member of the renewable energy group, explains: “AD has long been used by the farming industry but it is only in recent years that the technology has become more sophisticated, with an advanced version of AD now available, which effectively doubles gas production, making it more commercially viable.

“The advantages to farmers of using AD as a waste disposal management system are numerous and include, for example, the opportunity to diversify into self-sufficient units producing their own power, heat and fuel. AD by-passes the need to produce separate fuel for these purposes, simultaneously making a positive environmental contribution.

“As well as providing the chance to sell excess energy, AD is an alternative to landfill for biodegradable waste, and the by-product can be used or sold as a substitute for inorganic fertilisers, reducing the cost of farm inputs by up to £260/ha (£105/acre) .”

Farmers have been called to action this year to cut the spread of nitrates into river systems and those with land in Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (NVZs) are asked to comply with a number of rules for assessment by the environmental agency, something Charlie believes AD can help with.

He explains: “A further incentive to farmers to use AD is that it can help meet the new NVZ regulations by reducing the amount of waste to be stored on farms in readiness for spreading outside of time restrictions.

“Bruton Knowles has set up its new ‘renewable energy group’ in response to these issues, to understand the requirements and implications of AD, whether it be to advise on an extension to incorporate an anaerobic digester, or to assist the agricultural community in identifying suitable sites and negotiating land access.”

The renewable energy group at Bruton Knowles provides a range of targeted services, including producing project feasibility reports, researching and applying for grants, submitting planning applications, providing advice on valuation and taxation, as well as on related business and financial structures.