Record numbers of farmers in Denmark sell renewable energy
Renewable energy is one of agriculture’s fastest growing secondary activities.
More than 2,000 farms in Denmark sell green energy alongside their agricultural operations.
According to the latest figures from Statistics Denmark, the number of farms that sell renewable energy in addition to agricultural operations has increased by 91.1% since 2007. More specifically, the number increased from 1,201 to 2,305 farms in 2023.
"The new figures clearly show that farmers are playing an active role in the green transition by combining good farm management with sustainable energy production,” says Flemming Nør-Pedersen, Vice-CEO, the Danish Agriculture & Food Council.
Pig production - an important catalyst
Danish pig production is currently focused on Vision 2050, a plan that will deliver better animal welfare and improved health in Danish pig production. The vision incorporates the ambition for 2030 whereby 60% of Danish pig manure will be supplied for biogas production.
The supply of manure for biogas production goes hand in hand with the requirement for frequent slurry discharge which reduces methane emissions. Discharge takes place when the slurry reaches a height of 10 cm or, at most, every seven days. The slurry is either transferred to slurry tanks or delivered to biogas plants where it is used to produce energy. Frequent slurry discharge means that the bacteria that converts carbon to methane is prevented from developing in the usual way. Consequently, the emission of methane in pig production is reduced.
Frequent slurry discharge can be carried out in several ways. In Denmark, producers are working with the wire-type cleaner, which as well as being effective in removing slurry, also reduces odour from the housing units and provides for slurry cooling.