Promoting Micro, Slurry-based, On-farm AD (in Wales) Andy Bull Severn Wye Energy Agency This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme.

Intervention Strategy for Wales AD plant suppliers Welsh Government, Economic Development, Energy, Animal Health, Agriculture Academics (Wales AD Centre of Excellence) NFU, FUW and CLA Natural Resources Wales Severn Wye EA (as facilitators)

Digesting Cattle Slurry can: Facilitate better nutrient management Reduce fertiliser costs Build better soils Very significantly reduce GHG emissions Kill weed seeds and some pathogens Improve grass yields and reduce the frequency of ploughing/re-seeding Sequester carbon into the soil Reduce odour issues for neighbours Reduce the impact on water courses Oh – and produce some renewable energy!

Almost all current AD plants are bespoke. We are actively seeking an “off-the-peg” solution that: Fits a dairy farm of (multiples of) 120-150 cows Significantly reduces the current cost of installation Has low-maintenance costs Very effectively digests the slurry Can be easily adapted to fit: Heat production only CHP with export to the grid if available CHP to grid but balancing PV generation CHP on private wires

We are also actively seeking a cluster of dairy farmers that would like to investigate this model of AD plant installation. We will work with that cluster to: Find a suitable technical solution at an appropriate cost Liaise with regulators to ensure acceptability Work with WG and others to seek a business model that will work – this will probably require capital grant payments. Continue to lobby the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy to seek compatibility with FiT and RHI. Ensure that appropriate training is provided Publicise successes and failures in order that lessons can be learned.

Talking with two neighbouring farms in the Gwent Levels So cow are you doing? Talking with two neighbouring farms in the Gwent Levels Working with Planed (LEADER group) in Pembrokeshire and talking with several farms in SW Wales (high risk TB) Working with Menter Môn and Snowdonia NP in Gwynedd and working on clusters (some beef). Investigating a cluster approach on Anglesey. (low risk TB)

If we can get things going in Wales then we can establish a model for the remainder of the UK. Our Croatian partners are watching our progress with great interest. Our Dutch partners are doing great things in this sector already.

Training for On-farm AD Plant Owners Energy Now Event, Telford Feb 9th 13.30 – 14.30 Amaya Arias-Garcia Nick Green of the Environment Agency Short film to be produced subsequently

AgroCycle 3 year research and innovation project – June 2016-2019 To sustainably increase recycling and valorisation of waste from the agri-food sector across the supply chain €8 million - funded by Horizon 2020 (EU) and Chinese Government 26 partners - from 8 EU countries, China, and Hong Kong Contact – Lucy Hopwood NNFCC Copyright © NNFCC 2016

Andy Bull: andybiogas@severnwye.org.uk This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme.