DELIVER: decarbonising emissions from livestock: innovative valorisation of waste for energy resilience

Start date: 1 April 2023
End date: 30 September 2024
Funder: Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA)
Primary investigator: Dr Katie McDermott
Co-investigators: Dr Henry Greathead

Project title

Description

Co-Investigators
Professor Martin Tillotson ¦ Civil Engineering
Professor Paul Kay ¦ School of Geography
Professor Kang Li ¦ School of Electronic and Electrical Engineering
Professor Tim Cockerill ¦ Mechanical Engineering

This is a techno-economic feasibility study to integrate multiple modularised technologies through two work packages:

Solar PV, Battery, Heat pump

Valoraisation of waste through biofilm AD reactors, pressure swing absorber, CO2 liqufaction and containerised insect farm.

The aim of the study is to create viable diversification opportunities for livestock farmers while supporting them to reduce carbon and reduce energy costs.

The first part of the study will involve baselining energy demands before looking at energy reduction, generation, and storage opportunities.

In parallel, different waste samples such as pig slurry, and insect frass (larvae castings and excrement) will be analysed to identify the most viable waste feedstock for biogas and insect production using a newly installed 40ft walk-in insect bioreactor provided by insect technology company Entocycle.

Figure 1 below provides an overview of key project activities.

For the renewable energy stream:

Solar PV/Heat pump/battery

This data will be inputted into a modelling ideal energy system

For the livestock waste streams:

Sample analysis and data interpretation

4 samples sites;

2 for pig slurry; Dewhirst

Pig slurry, poultry manure and insect frass will be sampled from four locations throughout the various production stages. For pigs, sampling will accommodate weaner, grower and finisher stages. Samples will be analysed for nutritional, microbiological and biogas potential composition, which will inform the optimal integration of technology alongside providing preliminary data on the utilisation of an insect bioreactor.

Connect with us

X: @NationalPigCentre
LinkedIn: BACB Renewables

Outputs

https://www.feedstrategy.com/animal-feed-additives-ingredients/article/15542694/uk-jumps-into-insect-research-with-big-ambitions

In the news

https://biologicalsciences.leeds.ac.uk/biological-sciences/news/article/382/new-project-launched-to-boost-sustainable-farming

https://www.farminguk.com/news/study-to-explore-how-livestock-waste-and-insects-can-generate-clean-energy_62911.html

https://www.thescottishfarmer.co.uk/news/23636093.livestock-waste-insects-generating-clean-energy/