Preparations are being made for an EU-funded trial that will test the feasibility of producing renewable energy from aquaculture and agriculture waste.
The project group known as BiFFiO will begin testing whether small-scale anaerobic digesters can be efficient in turning fish and cattle waste into biogas and fertiliser for use in the agriculture sector.
The group has been formed from 11 partners including the Scottish Salmon Producers’ Organisation, British Trout Association and the University of Liverpool.
Over the last 12 months, the group has designed and installed the prototype system comprising of four anaerobic digesters at the Wood Park dairy farm, part of University of Liverpool School of Veterinary Science. Once testing is initiated, the group will assess its efficiency over a period of 14 months, with the project closing at the end of 2016.
Jamie Smith, Scottish Salmon Producers’ Organisation, said, “Drawing on the skills and experience of individuals from other industries is one of the many ways aquaculture can benefit from collaborative projects. Investigating the sustainability of a waste management solution demonstrates our commitment to seek out appropriate environmental solutions that could further enhance the sustainability of our industry.”
Andy Smith, British Trout Association, said: “We have known for some time that fish waste is a valuable resource with real commercial value and this multinational collaborative trial will point us in the best direction to unlock this potential”.
The project is funded by the European Union.
