September 4, 2023

 

New UK scheme aims to cut ammonia emissions from swine, livestock

 

Testing has commenced as part of the UK's PigProGrAm scheme, which seeks to mitigate the environmental impact of ammonia emissions originating from livestock, following the installation of ammonia-harvesting technology on a commercial pig farm located in North Yorkshire, Northern England, Agriland reported.

 

The PigProGrAm scheme is designed to showcase a farm-centric solution for extracting green ammonia from pig waste, potentially leading to the creation of hydrogen, a valuable tool in the battle against climate change.

 

This research project, supported by GBP 600,000 (~US$757,000; GBP 1 = US$1.26) in funding from the UK government, involves collaboration among various entities, including the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), Beta Technology, the University of Leeds, and Duynie Feed.

 

Ammonia emissions from agriculture are a significant contributor to environmental issues, negatively impacting biodiversity through nitrogen accumulation on land and acidifying watercourses.

 

The latest addition to the research team is Membracon, a specialist in water treatment, clean water recycling, and effluent solutions. In July, the company installed its patented and award-winning downflow gas contactor (DGC) on the pig farm.

 

This technology is utilised in various gas separation applications, including industrial carbon capture and biogas enhancement.

 

Aman Sohl from Membracon said that 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.

 

The harvesting of ammonia from swine waste holds the promise of reduced ammonia emissions. The byproduct of this process can serve multiple purposes, including the production of high-quality fertilizer and the potential generation of hydrogen.

 

Zanita Markham, projects and engagement relationship manager at the UK Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board, expressed hope that the PigProGrAm project would represent the initial phase of a broader demonstration of the innovative approach to green ammonia extraction from livestock.

 

She said the project has the potential to contribute to the UK's net-zero emission target and reduce the environmental footprint of swine farms, which, in turn, could positively influence public perceptions of swine farming.

 

-      Agriland