Clean Energy Future

A farm in south-west NSW has become the first approved piggery project under the Government’s Carbon Farming Initiative.

Blantyre Farm in Young is a shining example of how primary producers can save money, generate income and help meet Australia’s commitment to reducing emissions.

Edwina and Michael Beveridge, the operators of Blantyre, manage about 22,000 pigs – and their manure.

By capturing harmful methane emissions produced by this manure, and installing a biogas fuelled generator, the Beveridges have reduced their monthly electricity bill from $15,000 to zero.

In fact, the Beveridges are earning $5,000 a month by selling electricity back into the grid.

Now that the project has been approved under the Carbon Farming Initiative, the Beveridges are poised to trade the offsets they generate for carbon credits.

These credits can be sold to businesses wishing to offset their own emissions, such as companies who are liable to pay the carbon price.

The power generation project is expected to pay for itself in three years.

‘This makes good financial sense for our farm,’ Ms Beveridge said.

The project uses the Destruction of Methane Generated from Manure in Piggeries methodology, developed by the Government, the pork industry and scientists – and approved earlier this year.

Industry experts have estimated that the carbon value of the Beveridges’ project is worth $2.50 to $3.50 per pig, without taking into account the potential savings from generating electricity.

Landholders wishing to apply for projects under the Carbon Farming Initiative should contact the Clean Energy Regulator, who can advise on the requirements for successful applicants.