A major research project, backed by £600k of government funding, aiming to reduce ammonia emission impact from livestock has been launched.
Testing has begun for the PigProGrAm scheme at the pig farm running the trial with the scheme looking to demonstrate a farm-focused solution for harvesting green ammonia from pig waste that could lead to the creation of hydrogen.
The team working on the project consists of many industry leaders: AHDB, Beta Technology, University of Leeds, Duynie Feed, a commercial pig unit in North Yorkshire and Membracon – a new partner who specialise in water treatment.
Aman Sohl, Membracon, said: “Our innovative Downflow Gas Contactor (DGC) is a patented, multiple award-winning technology that excels in a wide variety of gas separations applications, such as industrial carbon capture, as well as biogas enhancements.
“The DGC will be used on this ambitious project to help generate a route for the livestock sector to become truly sustainable; considering the true practices of a circular economy, while retaining a sound financial profile to continuing operations.”
By harvesting ammonia from pig waste, emissions will be lower and the byproduct creates a useable resource for high-quality fertiliser and, potentially, hydrogen. Agriculture is a major cause of ammonia emissions leading to a negative impact on biodiversity through nitrogen accumulation and acidification of water courses. The project is looking to help create a more sustainable pig production industry across the UK.
AHDB projects and engagement relationships manager, Zanita Markham, said: “We hope that the PigProGrAm project will be the first stage of a larger demonstration of the potential of this innovative approach to harvesting green ammonia from livestock and will contribute to the UK meeting its net-zero emission target.
“The project is a step forwards in helping reduce the environmental impact of pig farms which not only enables us to keep meeting environmental targets but could have a significant positive impact on the public perception of pig farming.”
The PigProGrAm – Developing a Circular Economy for UK Pig Production Through Green Ammonia Harvesting – project was successful in gaining funding from the Farming Innovation Programme delivered by Defra and UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)