Research by UEA and IFEAA shows that methane emissions from slurry storage on dairy farms in Cornwall, England, are up to five times higher than reported. While emissions are underestimated globally, capturing methane offers a significant opportunity for farmers to cut costs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Technologies to convert methane to biogas could save UK farms millions annually while contributing to climate goals.
A new study conducted by the University of East Anglia (UEA) and the International Fugitive Emissions Abatement Association (IFEAA) has revealed that methane emissions from slurry stores on dairy farms could be up to five times higher than official reports have previously indicated. The findings come from data collected from two dairy farms in Cornwall, significantly challenging the current calculations used by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) for reporting emissions.
However, the research brings both concern and opportunity. While methane emissions are higher than previously thought, the same study demonstrates the potential for turning methane into biogas, which could save the UK dairy sector over $500 million annually in fuel costs. An average dairy farm could save approximately $66,000 by capturing and converting methane into bioenergy.
Current reports estimate that methane emissions from manure management are far lower than emissions produced directly from the digestive processes of livestock. Yet, this new research indicates that methane emissions from slurry storage could account for nearly half of a farm’s overall emissions. Methane, a potent but short-lived greenhouse gas, plays a critical role in the global push towards achieving Net Zero emissions targets.
The study’s findings are based on measurements from slurry lagoons during 2022-2023. The results indicate that actual emissions were between 320 and 440 pounds of methane per cow per year—four to five times higher than the official estimate of 84 pounds per cow. Researchers argue that this discrepancy has significant implications for how governments prioritize their mitigation strategies.
Professor Neil Ward from UEA’s Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research stressed the need for urgent policy changes. The standard international methodology looks to be underestimating methane emissions from slurry storage. Fortunately, we already have the technology to capture and repurpose methane, which can reduce energy bills and allow farms to become energy independent.
According to the IFEAA, investing in this methane capture technology could significantly reduce the impact of agriculture on climate change while providing a lucrative income stream for farmers. The CEO of the IFEAA highlighted the economic potential: the technology exists for capturing and utilizing methane, which is currently contributing to greenhouse gas accumulation. With appropriate regulatory support and financial incentives, farmers could turn this challenge into a profitable solution.
The researchers urge the UK government to provide more financial support for slurry covers and associated gas processing technologies, simplify permitting processes, and offer tax breaks for investments in methane recovery. Former UK Environment Secretary George Eustice emphasized the importance of immediate action, stating that emissions from agriculture are higher than previously thought, but this methane can be captured and used as an alternative to fossil fuels, creating an additional income stream for farms.
This research signals an urgent call for the agricultural sector and policymakers to re-evaluate methane emissions and explore solutions that not only mitigate climate change but also present economic opportunities for farmers.
