On farm solution

Agricultural biogas plants ensure additional profit for farmers

Slurry and manure as cheap substrates

Why invest in anaerobic digestion right now? Recycling slurry through an AD plant provides a sustainable system for adding value to farm waste, and boosting farm income. A 100% slurry system means that there is no requirement to grow additional forage crops. It is possible to simply utilize the existing farm waste stream. Adding value to waste, gives one such opportunity to boost efficiency.

The investment is manageable and the automatic operation of PlanET’s state-of-the-art technology means less time and effort. Most project calculations show a return on investment capital (ROIC) of more than 10% once investment, fixed and variable costs and electricity generation revenues have been considered. Furthermore, on farm AD plants generally benefit from high levels of public acceptance and do not normally require additional space.

Operator testimonials

Bernard Dehling, operator of a 75kW plant in North Rhine-Westphalia says:

“My dairy farm and AD plant work perfectly together. One of the great advantages is that the revenues generated from the plant help to subsidise expensive nutrient transport costs. Plus, PlanET’s proven technology (PlanET eco cover and SulfurCut) was able to cope with the high sulphur content in winter, reducing levels from 1000ppm to 50ppm.”

Theodor Aue, plant operator in Saxony-Anhalt adds:

“The reliable pump, digester and CHP technology means I only need to spend around 15 minutes each day controlling the plant. The plant’s efficiency easily remains at 94% which allows me to concentrate on the core business, my dairy farm.”

Professional testimonial

Dr Klaus Wemken is a well-respected agriculturist and bioenergy consultant who advises dairy farms on the energetic use of slurry, manure and residuals to secure additional income. Wemken has developed a questionnaire to help farmers to determine the feasibility of an anaerobic digestion plant. The core questions and statements are summarised:

1. Will you continue the cattle breeding in the medium term?
2. Are sufficient substrates such as slurry, manure and silage residuals available?
3. Is the farm in creditworthy position and willing to apply for credit?
4. To reduce risk the digester built should be able to cope with other substrates than the originals intended for use
5. It is recommended that farms select an AD plant manufacturer with its own R&D department as this helps to ensure proven technologies that have been regularly developed.

Download: PDF Case Study PlanET on farm solution 250 kW France

PlanET on farm solutions are tailor-made and meet the needs of agricultural farms in order to integrate a plant in an already existing business successfully.