Rural Energy Solutions That Work for You
Farms and rural communities face unique energy challenges — high costs, unreliable supply, and wasted resources. Our practical bio-energy solutions turn these problems into opportunities. From anaerobic digestion plants that process farm waste to community heating schemes powered by local biomass, we design systems that reduce costs, increase energy independence, and create new revenue streams. No jargon, no empty promises — just solutions that work in the real world.
Farm Integration — Making Energy Work for Agriculture
Farms produce waste — slurry, crop residues, spoiled feed. That waste represents lost energy and potential revenue. Our anaerobic digestion systems convert these materials into biogas (which can power generators or be upgraded to biomethane) and digestate (a nutrient-rich fertilizer that reduces the need for synthetic alternatives).
We've installed systems on farms across the UK, from small family-run operations to large commercial enterprises. One dairy farm in Somerset now produces 1.2MW of electricity annually — enough to power 800 homes — while reducing their fertilizer costs by 40%. Another arable farm in Lincolnshire processes 25,000 tonnes of crop residues each year, generating £350,000 in annual revenue from electricity sales and gate fees.
The key? Systems that work with — not against — existing farm operations. We design plants that fit into available space, integrate with current waste management practices, and require minimal additional labor. Our monitoring systems provide real-time data on plant performance, so farmers can focus on what they do best: growing food.
Community Energy Projects — Powering Rural Futures
Rural communities often pay more for energy — and have less reliable supply — than urban areas. But they also have access to local biomass resources that can power community heating schemes, microgrids, and small-scale electricity generation. We work with parish councils, community energy groups, and local authorities to develop projects that keep energy pounds circulating locally.
In Cumbria, we helped a village of 350 homes transition from expensive oil heating to a biomass district heating system. The project uses locally sourced woodchip (from sustainably managed forests within 20 miles) to provide heat and hot water to homes, the village hall, and the primary school. Residents now pay 25% less for heating — and the system supports three local jobs in fuel supply and maintenance.
Another project in Devon involved installing a 500kW anaerobic digestion plant to process food waste from local businesses and farms. The plant provides electricity to 400 homes and heat to a local greenhouse operation. Excess digestate is used by nearby farms, closing the nutrient loop. The community energy cooperative that owns the plant has reinvested £120,000 in local projects over the past three years.
Village Heating Scheme
350 homes switched from oil to biomass district heating, reducing costs by 25% and creating 3 local jobs.
Community AD Plant
500kW plant processes local food waste, powers 400 homes, and provides heat to greenhouses.
Local Reinvestment
£120,000 reinvested in community projects from cooperative profits over 3 years.
Energy Independence — Taking Control of Your Supply
Rural businesses and communities are often at the mercy of distant energy markets — and the infrastructure that connects them to those markets. Power cuts, price spikes, and supply disruptions hit rural areas hardest. Bio-energy offers a path to greater energy independence.
Consider the case of a rural estate in Norfolk that installed a 200kW biomass boiler to heat its farm buildings, holiday cottages, and estate offices. Previously, they spent £45,000 annually on heating oil. Now, they use woodchip sourced from their own sustainably managed woodlands — at a cost of just £12,000 per year. The system paid for itself in four years, and the estate now has a reliable, local fuel supply that won't be affected by global oil price fluctuations.
For farms with anaerobic digestion plants, energy independence means more than just cost savings. One of our clients — a large dairy farm in Cheshire — now produces 98.3% of its own electricity. During a recent power cut that affected the surrounding area for 18 hours, their operations continued uninterrupted. The farm's milking robots, cooling systems, and lighting all ran on biogas-generated electricity. That's the kind of resilience that makes a real difference to rural businesses.
Economic Benefits — More Than Just Energy Savings
Bio-energy projects don't just save money on energy bills — they create new economic opportunities for rural areas. From jobs in plant operation and maintenance to new markets for agricultural products, these projects can revitalize local economies.
Take the case of a 1.5MW anaerobic digestion plant we installed in Yorkshire. The plant processes 45,000 tonnes of food waste and agricultural residues annually. It directly employs 8 people in plant operation and maintenance, and supports another 12 jobs in fuel supply and logistics. The plant also provides a new market for local farmers — who now receive £25 per tonne for crop residues that were previously burned or plowed back into fields.
The economic benefits extend beyond the plant itself. The digestate produced by the plant is used by local farmers as a fertilizer, reducing their need for synthetic alternatives. One nearby farm reported a 30% reduction in fertilizer costs — saving £18,000 annually. Another benefit: the plant's heat is used to dry woodchip for a local biomass fuel supplier, creating a symbiotic relationship between the two businesses.
Direct Jobs
8 full-time positions in plant operation and maintenance.
Indirect Jobs
12 additional jobs in fuel supply and logistics.
New Markets
£25/tonne for crop residues previously burned or plowed back.
Fertilizer Savings
30% reduction in fertilizer costs for local farms.
Ready to Explore Rural Energy Solutions?
Every farm and rural community has unique energy needs — and unique resources that can be turned into energy. Whether you're looking to reduce costs, increase energy independence, or create new revenue streams, we can help you explore the possibilities.
We start with a free, no-obligation assessment of your site and resources. Our team will visit your location, discuss your goals, and provide a clear, jargon-free report on the options available. No sales pressure, no empty promises — just practical advice from people who understand rural energy challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much space do I need for an anaerobic digestion plant?
Space requirements vary depending on the scale of the plant. A small farm-scale system might require 1-2 acres, while a larger commercial plant could need 5-10 acres. We design systems to fit available space — and can often integrate plants into existing farm layouts. The key is having enough space for the digester tanks, gas storage, and feedstock handling areas. We'll conduct a site assessment to determine the optimal layout for your location.
What feedstocks can be used in anaerobic digestion?
Almost any organic material can be used — but some work better than others. Common feedstocks include:
- Animal slurry and manure
- Crop residues (maize, grass, straw)
- Food waste (from farms, food processors, or local businesses)
- Energy crops (specifically grown for AD)
- Spoiled feed or silage
The best feedstocks for your plant will depend on what's available locally and the specific design of your system. We'll help you identify the most suitable materials for your location.
How long does it take to build an anaerobic digestion plant?
Construction typically takes 12-18 months from planning to commissioning. The timeline depends on factors like plant size, planning permissions, and site conditions. Here's a rough breakdown:
- Planning and permits: 3-6 months
- Site preparation: 2-3 months
- Civil works: 3-4 months
- Plant installation: 4-6 months
- Commissioning and testing: 2-3 months
We'll provide a detailed timeline for your specific project during the planning phase.
