Major project aims to reduce ammonia emissions from livestock
21st August 2023
Testing has begun as part of a project to reduce the environmental impact of ammonia emissions from livestock, after ammonia-harvesting technology was put in place at a pig farm running the trials.
The PigProGrAm project aimed to find a farm-focused solution for the harvesting of green ammonia from pig waste that could also lead to the creation of hydrogen – a valuable tool in the fight against climate change.
The innovative Downflow Gas Contactor (DGC) was installed on a pig farm in July.
Harvesting ammonia from pig waste means that ammonia emissions will be lower. In addition, the byproduct from the process creates a resource that can be used in several ways, such as producing a high-quality fertiliser as well as potentially generating hydrogen.
The research team consists of AHDB, Beta Technology, the University of Leeds, Duynie Feed, a commercial pig unit in North Yorkshire, and newest partner Membracon.
Aman Sohl from Membracon said: “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.”
Zanita Markham, AHDB’s projects and engagement relationship manager, 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 project has received £600K of government money under the Farming Innovation Programme.
