The On Farm AD Summit, held just a week ago, was an incredible event that brought together experts and leaders in the field of renewable energy for agriculture. We want to extend our sincere thanks to the fantastic team at NNFCC The Bioeconomy Consultants for organizing such a successful summit. The event would not have been possible without the generous support of Askham Bryan College, who not only hosted the summit but also serves as a prime example of how circular, farm-scale energy solutions are already creating real benefits in practice. Their Biolectric AD plant, installed last September, demonstrates the potential for small-scale anaerobic digestion (AD) systems to transform farming operations.
We also want to express our gratitude to the farmers who support Biolectric. You are the heart of the small-scale AD movement, and it’s thanks to your efforts that these systems can thrive. Your dedication helps pave the way for more farms to adopt sustainable, circular energy solutions, and we’re proud to have you as part of the Biolectric family.
The summit featured insightful presentations from a wide range of sector leaders, including technology providers, banks, farmers’ testimonies, milk cooperatives, and government representatives. With over 100 attendees, the event was a testament to the growing interest in sustainable energy solutions for agriculture. It was an honor to present Biolectric’s vision and values to such a diverse and engaged audience, and we’re committed to pushing forward with the integration of small-scale AD systems in dairy and pig farms not just in the UK, but worldwide.
Key Takeaways from the Summit:
- Massive Potential for AD: Currently, only 3% of the UK’s annual 60 million tonnes of animal waste is processed through AD, leaving significant untapped potential in the sector.
- Biolectric’s Leading Role: Of the 700 AD plants operating in the UK, 70 use slurry or farm waste exclusively, with 23 of those being Biolectric installations. This demonstrates the growing acceptance and adoption of small-scale AD systems in the farming community.
- Incentivizing GHG Reductions: There’s a clear need for recognition and rewards for farms that make significant greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions through AD systems. Establishing standard calculations is crucial to ensure fairness across the sector.
- Sustainability and Economic Resilience: The focus on sustainability and farm economic resilience should be the driving forces behind the adoption of AD systems, rather than electricity prices alone.
- Support for Farmers: To accelerate the growth of small-scale AD, farmers need immediate support. Recommendations include offering a 150% tax allowance, capped grants for CAPEX, premium export tariffs, and relaxed planning regulations to enable rapid expansion.
Celebrating Success: Biolectric Awards
The summit was also an opportunity to recognize the outstanding achievements of our farmers. Two prestigious Biolectric awards were presented:
- Golden Cowpat Award: Askham Bryan College received the Golden Cowpat for having the highest-performing Biolectric small-scale AD system across our 420+ installations. This recognition is a testament to their commitment to innovation, sustainability, and practical learning, as well as to the hard work of their farm team and the exceptional Biolectric UK team that made it all possible.
- Platinum Cowpat Award: Goodall’s Farm received the Platinum Cowpat for achieving an impressive milestone of 1 million kWh in net production prior to the summit. This achievement highlights the efficiency and potential of small-scale AD systems in contributing to farm energy needs while improving sustainability.
We look forward to continuing our collaboration with farmers like Askham Bryan College and Goodall’s Farm, as well as with the broader agricultural community, to drive the adoption of small-scale anaerobic digestion systems and accelerate the transition to circular, sustainable farming practices.
To learn more about Goodall’s Farm and the Platinum Cowpat Award, click here.
