George Drewett (FCG WhiteAvon)

A client of ours is in the process of installing a small-scale on-farm AD unit. The decision to do this was driven by the fact that the business can utilise all the electricity and the majority of the heat.

The slurry that will enter this unit is supplied by an indoor robotic milking herd, resulting in a consistent slurry product. We are informed that this will enable a stable diet to the AD Unit and, therefore create even gas production.

The AD requires approximately 4 cubic metres of slurry per day and will produce 10 kW per hour of electricity and 20 kW per hour of heat. Our feasibility calculations suggest, this will generate a payback of approximately 7 years and also contribute towards reducing carbon emissions.

The utilisation of electricity and heat needs to be aligned to production, and no doubt in time, the use of battery storage and heating vessels will be used to make better use throughout a 24-hour period.

We have a number of clients carrying out feasibility studies and assessing the best use of renewables, and we work very closely with the company Empowered for advice on this.

To get in touch with Empowered for advice, please contact them on info@empoweredprojects.co.uk  

To learn more about small-scale AD and how we can assist you in this, contact George Drewett on georgedrewett@fcgagric.com  or contact your local FCG Office.