5 - Current projects

In order to provide much needed information to the industry on the performance and economics of on-farm Anaerobic digestion (AD) in Northern Ireland, the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute installed an on-farm anaerobic digester on their Hillsborough site during 2008.

Main research objectives

1. Determine the baseline performance of on-farm digestion utilising, in the first instance, dairy cow slurry.
2. Research methods for enhancing digester performance.
3. Research post digestion treatments of digestate.
4. Research methods for efficient use of energy produced.
5. Determine the contribution of AD to plant nutrient management.
6. Determine lifecycle benefits of AD.

• Research objective 1 has been completed: Performance summaries for anaerobic digestion of dairy cow slurry
• Research on objective 2 is currently on-going: Performance summaries for anaerobic digestion of dairy cow slurry co-digested with grass silage
• Research objectives 3, 4, 5 and 6 are currently progressing under DAERA funded research projects.

Contact

For more information contact: Anaerobic digestion group