Farmers and industry are invited to see first-hand the role on-farm anaerobic digestion (AD) can play on farms in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, being self-sufficient in energy, creating an alternative income and improving waste management.

An open day will be held on Wednesday 18^th June at Barrett’s Mill AD plant on Evergreen Gas’ demonstration site in Ludlow, Shropshire.

As well as focusing on the benefits of small-scale AD, the findings of an RASE report “Re-Fuelling the Countryside” will be discussed. British agriculture represents around 8% of all UK transport greenhouse gas emissions, coming from farm transport and other fossil-fuel driven machinery.

Farms have the potential to be a significant source of renewable energy and transport fuel generation. Biogas offers huge potential as a vehicle fuel through its ability to offset and future proof against the cost of conventional fuels.

The report outlines the opportunities and benefits for farmers and rural businesses in producing and utilising low carbon, renewable fuels, identifies barriers limiting uptake and development by technology providers and recommends actions for policy makers in a number of areas.

In 2012, Evergreen Gas received a grant from WRAP under the Developing Innovation in Anaerobic Digestion (DIAD) scheme to look at small-scale biogas upgrades for vehicle fuel. This upgrading plant is the first of its kind in the UK.

As well as viewing this upgrading plant, farmers and industry will have the opportunity to hear about other case studies that were identified in the report.

The event is free to attend and will include a light lunch. Please register in advance. For more information please contact Charlotte Johnston on charlottej@rase.org.uk or 07779572598.

The report will be officially launched on 16^th June in London. After that the report will be available to download for free on the RASE website.

RASE will also be hosting a seminar at the ADBA conference on Tuesday 2^nd July at 10am in the Purple Seminar Theatre.