22,000 pigs create clean energy in Australia’s first carbon farming piggery

Australia’s first carbon farming piggery has been registered and will be launched today at Blantyre Farms in Young, NSW, by Parliamentary Secretary for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency Mark Dreyfus and CEO of Australian Pork Andrew Spencer.

Farm owners Edwina and Michael Beveridge’s 22,000 pigs are now generating more than enough clean energy to power the entire property and the farm no longer pays a cent for electricity.

“Blantyre Farms is the first approved piggery project under the federal government’s Carbon Farming Initiative and is successfully turning waste and greenhouse gases into clean energy,” said Dreyfus.

The Beveridges have covered their effluent ponds and are capturing methane gas produced by pig manure. The methane is turned into renewable electricity using a biogas generator.

“Heat from the generator is also being used to keep the baby piglets warm in their sheds. Innovative local Brisbane company Quantum Power developed the technology and built the equipment for the project,” Dreyfus said.

“This CFI project has reduced our monthly electricity bill from $15,000 to zero, and the farm is now earning $5000 a month selling electricity back to the grid,” said Edwina Beveridge.

“Our methane digestion system is expected to pay for itself in three years. This makes good financial sense for our farm and is an investment in a healthier environment.”

The Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Senator Joe Ludwig, said the Beveridges are an example of farmers taking advantage of the Carbon Farming Initiative with real on-farm benefits.

“Blantyre Farms is a practical example of how primary producers can take advantage of the win-win Carbon Farming Initiative,” Minister Ludwig said.

“The Beveridges are saving money, generating income and helping Australia tackle climate change. Our farmers are on the front line against climate change, which poses risks to agricultural production through hotter, more unstable weather.

“The Carbon Farming Initiative is designed to work hand in hand with the carbon price. It allows farmers to earn carbon credits for cutting harmful greenhouse gases, then sell these to businesses that pay the carbon price and need to offset their liability.”

The CFI project uses the ‘Destruction of Methane Generated from Manure in Piggeries’ methodology determination, developed in collaboration with the Australian Government, the pork industry and scientists. There are three other methodology determinations and more than 40 under consideration, including a dairy methodology for cow manure.

Landholders wishing to apply for projects under the Carbon Farming Initiative should contact the Clean Energy Regulator, who can advise on the requirements for successful applications.