Holsworthy Biogas Plant
Who they are
Holsworthy in Devon is home to the UK's first
large scale anaerobic digestion plant. Biogas plants use gases
generated from animal waste to generate electricity. Holsworthy has
suffered recently as a result of the continuing recession and major
disease outbreaks in the agriculture sector. The Biogas plant has
created a number of jobs for the local area as well as helping to
support the local farming industry.
What they do
The plant turns cattle, pig and poultry manure
and organic food waste into electricity which is sold to the
National Grid and will pipe hot water for heating the local school,
health centre, hospital and local homes.
The plant has helped eliminate the smells
associated with spreading slurry, which can have a detrimental
effect on local tourism - immensely important for the region's
economy.
The plant also prevents the emission of almost
9,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide per year. Emissions of methane - 23
times more harmful than carbon dioxide - are also dramatically
reduced. In addition to this, it has reduced the amount of waste
being taken to landfill, as well as reducing levels of surface and
ground water pollution.
The Holsworthy Biogas plant delivers better
living, working and healthcare conditions in the area, as well as
helping create a cleaner future environment for us all.