Agri-Energy Industry Innovation Day

Join the Agri-Energy Industry Innovation Day on 23rd November at the Pavilions of Harrogate, Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate.

Facilitated matchmaking sessions will be held, for innovative energy technology providers to meet University of Leeds academics and end-users, e.g. rural businesses, and to help identify any challenges where research could provide the solution.  There will be opportunities for you to meet new companies, discover new technology and discuss challenges. Hear about how to use the University of Leeds Research Farm as a demonstrator site and meet experts in agriculture and energy.  There will also be opportunities to exhibit (free but get in contact to discuss requirements, please). 

Agriculture and protected cropping are energy intensive sectors and responsible for approx. 10% of total UK GHG emissions. Energy consumption on a per hectare basis varies between farm types and depends on adopted practices and state of facilities. In general, protected cropping and intensive livestock farming, where livestock is kept at high stocking densities in environmentally controlled sheds, have high energy profiles.

For example, intensive poultry farms have the highest energy use (46GJ/ha) followed by intensive pig farming. Dairy farms use considerably more energy than beef and LFA grazing livestock (1.5GJ/ha) farms due to milk parlour operations and housing animals. Consumption profiles also differ according to farm type and can be seasonal or are low but with daily peaks. Low carbon transport options are also increasingly in focus. Many farms are off-grid and most operate on constrained budgets. However, rural businesses view on-farm renewable energy systems as a welcome diversification opportunity albeit one that is not without its challenges.  

Aims and objectives of the day:   

• opportunity for networking;

• discover new technology from SME companies;  

• meet end users and explore the challenges and possible solutions; 

• talk with academic experts at University of Leeds about using the Research Farm as a demonstrator site, and opportunities to collaborate on future projects; 

• opportunities to share your work – have 15 pitch slots plus space for posters/stands at lunch time.

Outline agenda: 

• 10.00 - 10.30: arrival and refreshments 

• 10.30 - 10.50: welcome and refreshments

• 10.50 - 12.30: morning session – pitches from energy tech providers; industry end-users; academics 

• 12.30 - 13.30: lunch and networking 

• 13.30 - 15.45: afternoon sessions:  
  1) exploring mutual interest 
  2) outlining end-user challenges 

• 15.45 - 16.00: next steps and closing 

Registration

Booking is essential. Register your place online.