Waitrose has become the first UK retailer to employ renewable natural gas (RNG) to fuel tractors at its farm, marking a significant step towards sustainable agriculture.
Waitrose had previously announced its intention to utilize its Leckford Estate farm in Hampshire, England, as a platform for experimenting with various eco-friendly agricultural techniques. This latest achievement underscores the company's commitment to environmental stewardship.
James Bailey, Executive Director of Waitrose, emphasized the purpose behind these efforts, stating, “Two years ago, we challenged ourselves to use Leckford as an experiment in farming best practices, to pave the way for genuine solutions to help conserve our soil, air, and water for future generations, and our biomethane lagoon does just that. An innovative example to help our farm and hopefully other farms reach net zero.”
At the heart of this groundbreaking initiative is the utilization of manure produced by the 500 cattle residing on the farm. This manure is collected and processed on-site, leading to the production of fugitive biomethane. Notably, this RNG not only powers farm machinery but also significantly reduces the farm's carbon footprint.
A dedicated facility has been constructed to produce sustainable fuel, with an estimated annual carbon savings of 1,300 tonnes. The lagoon, which spans the size of two-and-a-half Olympic swimming pools, contains the energy-rich liquid separated from farmyard manure. The solid material, known as digestate, is nutrient-rich and can be utilized as fertilizer for crops.
The lagoon captures gases, including methane, emitted during the decomposition process, and subsequently, these gases are purified and upgraded into biomethane gas. This biomethane gas, in turn, fuels compressed natural gas (CNG) tractors, marking a significant leap in sustainable farming practices. Notably, this facility stands as the largest of its kind in the UK.
The entire process follows a circular path, from cattle grazing in the fields to manure production, methane capture, and refinement. The byproduct is a natural fertilizer that will be directly applied to the farm's fields. Additionally, the monitoring system for the facility is powered by solar panels installed on farm buildings, further enhancing its sustainability.
The construction and design of this innovative facility were executed by Bennamann, a clean energy firm based in Cornwall, in collaboration with New Holland tractors.
Andrew Hoad, Head of Leckford Estate, highlighted the positive impact of these initiatives on climate change and nature conservation. He stressed the importance of reducing fossil fuel usage and capturing fugitive methane as part of their journey toward Carbon Net Zero, well ahead of their 2035 partnership goal. Hoad expressed his ambition for Leckford Estate to become a center of excellence for regenerative farming practices, fostering innovation, learning, and collaboration with the aim of supporting nature's recovery and mitigating the effects of climate change.
