Bagley Biogas proves ACP’ s versatility
| Energy
Bagley Biogas is a joint venture between two neighbouring farms based on the outskirts of Baschurch, Shropshire. Both farms resources have been utilised in this additional business – not only machinery but multiple people who are on hand at the busiest times of the year.
T he system itself is a 850 kW electrical- 1060 kW thermal anaerobic digester. The plant site is located at Oaklands Farm, Bagley.
The site was selected as the positioning was best for the farms and surrounding community – unfortunately the ground on the selected area is poor so alternative methods to clamps walls were needed- these being essential for the build. ACP concrete LTD, were able to meet the desired wall heights with the strength being provided by a concrete slab removing the need to rely on poor ground to withhold such a substantial structure – no exposed steels are also beneficial as this reduces corrosion from effluents.
Both farms combined provide 710 acres of arable land that grows maize, hybrid rye and sugar beet these are all high yielding energy crops that supply feed stocks to then anaerobic digester throughout the year. The decision to bring these farms together has secured the market on the crops they produce – providing more stability for the existing farms that also still run as independent businesses.
Marches biogas are the anaerobic digestion engineers chosen to support this process. This company selected for multiple reasons. Firstly, having such quality technological anaerobic digestion engineers within the same county gives reassurance they are on hand when needed. Secondly neighbouring farms are running Marches Biogas plant they have
produced that are seemingly more efficient and developed than any others working in that area, it also allows more farmers to work together to grow knowledge and share ideas. The decision to use Marches Biogas is what has allowed this business to develop rapidly they designed, manufactured, installed and commission the AD facility as well as providing training and ongoing support to us throughout all stages. Additionally heat produced from both engines and the biogas boiler is utilised by a Alvan Blanch CD dryer – modelled on a 1960s design – this has the capability of drying multiple materials with what is a waste product of the existing renewable energy resources and also leaves opportunities for the future development and expansion of the business. www. farmingmonthly. co. uk January 2017 | Farming Monthly | 33