Newcastle University

A state-of-the-art anaerobic digester which converts manure from pigs and cattle into green energy is set to be installed at Cockle Park Farm thanks to an £860,000 cash injection.

Being set up to help farms become more sustainable, the aim is to work with North East farmers, land managers and other related businesses to find new ways of producing renewable energy from waste.

Anaerobic digestion is a process by which microorganisms break down biodegradable material in the absence of oxygen to produce a methane and carbon dioxide rich biogas which is suitable for energy production.

The new digester will form part of the new Centre for Renewable Energy from Land (CREEL) being launched by Newcastle University.

Project lead Dr Paul Bilsborrow, based in the university’s School of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development, said: “A great deal of work has gone into planning this project so it’s very exciting that we have finally received both funding and planning permission for this project.

“Anaerobic digestion offers huge potential in terms of utilizing the methane from animal waste and converting it into renewable energy which will be used to heat and power buildings on farm.

“By working together with the agricultural industry we hope to develop new ways of making anaerobic digestion a viable process for uptake by farms across the UK.”

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