- The United Kingdom funded the ammonia-harvesting scheme with £600,000
- The project, potentially leading to hydrogen production, is currently being tested.
The United Kingdom government-funded ammonia-harvesting technology project that targets reducing the environmental impact of ammonia emissions from livestock is currently in the testing phase. The ammonia-harvesting technology installed at the pig farm coordinating the trials under the PigProGrAm scheme will potentially lead to hydrogen production.
The project, funded by the UK with £600,000 ($763,980), brings together farming and engineering expertise to provide a farm-focused solution to harvest green ammonia from pig waste, which could lead to hydrogen production. The research project team comprises a group of industry leaders – AHDB, Beta Technology, the University of Leeds, Duynie Feed, a commercial pig unit in North Yorkshire and the newest partner, Membracon, which specialises in water treatment, clean water recycling and effluent solutions.
The projects and engagement relationship Manager at AHDB, Zanita Markham, stated that the project is a step forward in reducing the environmental impact of pig farms, which not only enables meeting environmental targets but could have a significant positive effect on the public perception of pig farming. He added that the team hopes the PigProGrAm project would be the first stage of a more substantial demonstration of the potential of this innovative approach to harvesting green ammonia from livestock and contribute to meeting UK’s net-zero emission target.
“Our innovative Downflow Gas Contactor (DGC) is a patented, multiple award-winning technology that excels in a wide variety of gas separations applications, such as industrial carbon capture, as well as biogas enhancements. 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,” says Aman Sohl from Membracon, after the equipment was installed in July.
Agriculture is a major source of ammonia emissions, which can negatively impact biodiversity through nitrogen accumulation on land and acidification of water courses. This project looks at multiple areas of pig production, including feed, to help create a more sustainable livestock industry in the UK.