Increasing numbers of farmers in the South West are looking to anaerobic digestion to reduce waste and create energy, according to a renewables expert.

Sonya Bedford, head of the renewable energy team at Westcountry-based law firm Stephens Scown LLP, says she has received dozens of enquiries from landowners recently, “In my view, whilst the technology has been around for some time this is the next big renewable energy development for a number of reasons. Although the technology is complex and needs constant maintenance, it's a huge growth area in the region.

“There's a lot of interest in anaerobic digestion because it's a viable waste reduction solution for many farmers who want to power and heat their farm and other buildings, sell renewable energy to local customers or electricity to the Grid.”

Anaerobic digestion (AD) is a process where micro-organisms break down biodegradable material without oxygen. Agricultural waste, sewage sludge, amenity waste and household and food waste is collected, mixed and shredded in a digester before bacteria breaks it down, creating biogas and digestate. Biogas is used to generate heat and electricity, while digestate is a nutrient-rich by-product for conditioning and fertilising soil. Government policy and support from the rural community is helping to make AD more prominent in the renewable energy mix.

Sonya says, “AD can have a number of benefits for farmers including increasing profits, helping mitigate against climate change and disposing of waste material. Some farmers have an on-farm operation, while others may use a centralised plant, but this obviously involves higher costs.”

Costs vary depending on size, but typically a small 15kW plant fed by 150 cows might cost £150,000 while a larger centralised plant of 1MW capacity could cost £3-4 million, but could earn energy and gate-fee revenues of over £1m per year, according to Farming Futures.

She adds, “With the Renewable Heat Incentive and income from the Feed-In Tariff (FiT) scheme providing financial incentives, AD is a viable option for farmers. Set-up costs are usually high but there are funding streams available. Local farmers can also work together to reduce or share costs.”

Also with recent amendments to the Town and Country Planning Order, where permitted development rights for the installation of specific micro-generation equipment apply, no planning application needs to be submitted.

However, Sonya warns landowners should get advice before entering into any contract, “Inevitably it will be a large investment and farmers may not think about speaking to a lawyer first. It's particularly important when planning, buying new kit, negotiating contracts, dealing with feed stock supplies and digestate removal, warranties or installation.”

Stephens Scown has its own dedicated renewable energy team. For more information or to contact Sonya Bedford, visit www.stephens-scown.co.uk, email renewables@stephens-scown.co.uk or call 01392 210700.