Photo by Hannah Chapman, The Northern Farmer
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Askham Bryan College (UK) recently welcomed a Biolectric installation at their Westfield Farm. The introduction of the farm-scale anerobic digester is part of their so called “The Electric Cow”-project, aimed at educating their students on sustainable agriculture. “The Biolectric digester is more than just an investment in technology”, the spokesperson of Askham Bryan College says. “It’s an investment in the future of farming.”
Located near York, the agricultural Askham Bryan College operates Westfield Farm. The farm houses a herd of 170 dairy cows and works with various advanced technology equipment. As part of “The Electric Cow”-project, they now also welcomed a 22kW Biolectric digester to harness renewable energy from their dairy waste.
With the farm-scale biogas installation, the slurry produced by the college’s herd is converted into renewable energy. According to the spokesperson for Askham Bryan College, it offers students a unique, hands-on learning experience on renewable energy and waste management technologies in farming: “Students can observe and study the entire process – from the collection of slurry to the production of biogas and the use of digestate as fertiliser – gaining practical knowledge that will be invaluable in their future careers.”
By embracing this technology, the farm is able to reduce its dependency on external energy sources and lower its greenhouse gas emissions by capturing methane. It goes to show that, with the help of technological solutions, farming remains both a productive and sustainable sector, able to face the challenges of the 21st century.
The introduction of the digester thus demonstrates the college’s commitment to eco-friendly farming practices and renewable energy education. “The Biolectric digester is more than just an investment in technology; it’s an investment in the future of farming. As the agricultural industry faces increasing pressure to reduce its environmental impact, the college is leading by example, demonstrating how modern technology can be harnessed to create sustainable, energy-efficient farming operations.”
