An Investigation of the Potential Adoption of Anaerobic Digestion for Energy Production in Irish Farms

Authors

Niamh Power, Civil, Structural, Env. Engineering, Munster Technological University, Cork, IrelandFollow
Sean O'Connor, Department of Environmental Science, Institute of Technology Sligo, F91 YW50 Sligo, Ireland;
Ehiaze Ehimen, Department of Environmental Science, Institute of Technology Sligo, F91 YW50 Sligo, Ireland;
Suresh C. Pillai, Department of Environmental Science, Institute of Technology Sligo, F91 YW50 Sligo, Ireland;
Gary A. Lyons, Agri-Environment Branch, Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute, Large Park, Hillsborough BT26 6DR, UK
John Bartlett, Department of Environmental Science, Institute of Technology Sligo, F91 YW50 Sligo, Ireland;

Abstract

Anaerobic digestion (AD) has been recognised as an effective means of simultaneously producing energy while reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Despite having a large agriculture sector, Ireland has experienced little uptake of the technology, ranking 20th within the EU-28. It is, therefore, necessary to understand the general opinions, willingness to adopt, and perceived obstacles of potential adopters of the technology. As likely primary users of this technology, a survey of Irish cattle farmers was conducted to assess the potential of on-farm AD for energy production in Ireland. The study seeks to understand farmers’ motivations, perceived barriers, and preferred business model. The study found that approximately 41% of the 91 respondents were interested in installing AD on their farming enterprise within the next five years. These Likely Adopters tended to have a higher level of education attainment, and together, currently hold 4379 cattle, potentially providing 37,122 t year⁻¹ of wastes as feedstock, resulting in a potential CO₂ reduction of 800.65 t CO₂-eq. year⁻¹. Moreover, the results indicated that the primary consideration preventing the implementation of AD is a lack of information regarding the technology and high investment costs. Of the Likely Adopters and Possible Adopters, a self-owned and operated plant was the preferred ownership structure, while 58% expressed an interest in joining a co-operative scheme. The findings generated provide valuable insights into the willingness of farmers to implement AD and guidance for its potential widespread adoption.

Disciplines

Civil and Environmental Engineering

DOI

10.3390/environments8020008

Publication Details

Environments

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Small-Scale Anaerobic Digestion for Biogas Production)

Publisher

MDPI

Funder Name 1

European Commission

Award Number 1

2014TC16RFCB047

Funder Name 2

Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Republic of Ireland)

Award Number 2

IVA5033

Funder Name 3

Department for the Economy (Northern Ireland)

Award Number 3

IVA5033

Resource Type

journal article

License Condition

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Recommended Citation

O’Connor, S. et al., 2021. An Investigation of the Potential Adoption of Anaerobic Digestion for Energy Production in Irish Farms. Environments, 8(2), p.8. Available at: http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/environments8020008.