Ambitious plans by Grosvenor Farms to develop an anaerobic digester and a neighbouring biogas upgrading facility to recycle cow manure into biomethane – a renewable natural gas – generating enough energy to heat 5,000 homes a year, were approved. 

The proposed facilities at Lea Manor Farm and nearby Grange Farm in Chester, Cheshire, will reduce carbon emissions on the farm by approximately 2,500 tonnes CO₂ equivalent per year as well as contributing to the UK’s energy resources via the national grid, helping to reduce the nation’s reliance on fossil fuels. 

In addition to enabling the generation of renewable energy, anaerobic digestion produces high-quality organic fertiliser – removing the need for resource- intensive chemical fertilisers on the farm. The technology helps to improve air quality by reducing pollutants such as ammonia and removes methane, lowering greenhouse gas emissions.