Visiting AD systems in Belgium
Members of the Lynster Farmers Group getting to grips with a Biolectric micro-AD unit. Credit: Biolectric micro-AD
Biolectric, a manufacturer of micro-anaerobic digestor (AD) systems hosted a tour of its production facilities in Temse, Belgium for the Cumbrian-based Lynster Farmers Group. Formed in July 2023, the group comprises 48 farmer members that collectively manage around 5,000 hectares in the Lyth and Winster Valleys of Westmorland, Cumbria. With a focus on food security, environmental resilience, and community improvement, representatives from the group saw firsthand how Biolectric’s micro-AD systems can support sustainability and renewable energy production in agriculture.
“Our micro-AD technology takes slurry on dairy farms and turns it into biogas which is then used to produce heat and electricity,” according to Joseph Fayolle, UK and Ireland manager for Biolectric. “The system produces enough energy to not only make a farm completely energy independent, but also supply extra green electricity to the grid. This is achieved while simultaneously reducing up to 82% of greenhouse gas emissions from manure.”
During the visit, members of the Lynster Farmers Group had the opportunity to examine a micro-AD system, learn how the energy production process works and walk the AD unit production line.
“Biolectric is clearly an exceptional engineering company, and we are looking forward to working with them in the future,” explains John Geldard, chairman of the Lynster Farmers Group. “By utilising micro-AD, we can generate energy from slurry, reduce emissions and continue to ensure consumers have access to affordable, high-quality food.”
David Martin from Lords Plain Farm has been looking for a small-scale AD system for his farm for years and was impressed with the potential of Biolectric’s AD units. “Up until now, I haven’t seen a robust and affordable solution, so I wanted to see for myself how Biolectric works,” Martin notes. “From the visits it’s clear they’re a professional company with people who are determined to provide solutions to farmers so they can produce food and improve the environment.”
