On-farm digestion simplified
On-site digesters in farms streamline the process by directly channeling slurry from manure pits to the digesters, offering farmers an efficient way to capitalize on their slurry’s potential. This approach avoids the need for additional, energy-rich substrates and eliminates land use for energy crops while reducing transportation of waste and digestate.
Foreground features a slurry pump linked to the digester
Utilizing fresh manure optimizes the retention of over 80% of potential biomethane, thus maximizing energy output and profit. The system is ideal for operations with at least 60 dairy cows or the equivalent, requiring daily collection and pumpable manure to ensure efficiency.
Regenerative agriculture showcased
Farm-based digesters embody regenerative farming by transforming fresh cow manure into electricity, heat, and valuable agricultural inputs. Applying the digestate as fertilizer releases nitrogen slowly into the soil, benefiting local biodiversity and aquatic environments.
Furthermore, regular application of digestate enriches biogeochemical cycles in soils, enhancing carbon retention and improving animal welfare by ensuring daily manure removal from stables.
Sustainability validated
Research by Wageningen University & Research confirms that on-farm digesters can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 82% compared to traditional manure management. Integrating a Nitrogen stripper further cuts nitrogen emissions by 65%.
Farmers adopting this technology can generate certified carbon credits, selling them to promote sustainable practices and accelerate investment returns.
Choosing farm-scale over larger collective digesters
Opting for an on-farm digester over larger communal biogas plants brings several advantages, as detailed below:
| Aspect | Farm-scale digester | Large collective digester |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Compact, with a silo less than 12 meters high and 100 – 1500 m³ volume | Large, starting from 10,000m³ total volume |
| Investment | Starting at €100,000 | Starting at €1,500,000 |
| Permit Process | Less complex, smaller environmental footprint | Complicated due to larger scale |
| Workload for Farmer | Minimal, mostly automated, about 15 mins of monitoring daily | Intensive, complex management required |
| Biology | Simple, utilizes existing bacterial flora in manure | Requires fresh, high-energy substrates for optimal performance |
| Land Use | No additional land needed for energy crops | Often requires land for energy crops |
| Transport | None, integrated into farm operations | Significant, involves external waste transport |
| Pathogen Risk | Minimal, closed-system on a single farm | Potential cross-contamination between farms |
| GHG Reduction | Up to 82% biomethane capture using fresh manure | Less effective, slower collection processes |
| Animal Welfare | Improved barn climate from daily manure removal | Potential for poor conditions under animals |
| Financial Benefits | Directly benefits the farmer | Often controlled by larger industrial entities |
Market offers and European alignment
Biolectric leads the European micro-methanization market with over 300 installations. Competitors include Ener-G (UK), Rota Guido (Italy), Biogas Plus (Netherlands), and Green Service Group (Belgium).
Alignment with EU goals
Farm-scale anaerobic digestion supports the EU’s carbon neutrality ambitions under the Renewable Energy Directive (RED III), setting a standard for 100% manure digestion in the coming years.
In conclusion, farm-scale digesters provide an effective solution for modern agriculture, transforming fresh manure into clean energy and enhancing farm sustainability. As the EU aims for lower emissions and greater environmental stewardship, these digesters are poised to play a crucial role in Europe’s green transition.
