New research has found methane emissions from slurry stores on dairy farms may be up to five times greater than official statistics suggest.
Methane emissions from dairy farms are higher than thought, according to a study by the University of East Anglia (UEA), published today (3 October).
However, if captured and turned into biogas, emitted methane could be worth more than £400m a year to the sector in saved fuel costs, or around £52,500 for an average dairy farm, the study suggests.
Capture technology already exists, and if rolled out, researchers say conversion of methane to biofuel could reduce emissions equivalent to an estimated 5.8%.
Conducted by the UEA as well as the International Fugitive Emissions Abatement Association (IFEAA), the research is based on measurements from two dairy farms in Cornwall.
It suggests that the ‘Tier 2’ calculations used by countries to report their emissions annually to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) may not be robust.
Current National Inventories of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions report that enteric emissions - those coming directly from animals’ digestive systems - are three to nine times greater than those from manure management, including the storing and spreading of slurry and manure.
However, the findings suggest the balance between enteric emissions and those from manure management could be much closer to 50:50.
The study's authors also call for greater focus from researchers and political leaders on emissions from manure management.?
Prof Neil Ward, of the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research at UEA, said the standard international methodology looked to be underestimating methane emissions from slurry storage.
He said: “Fortunately, we have the technology to turn this problem into a business opportunity for farmers who can reduce energy bills and become energy independent if they capture and make use of methane as a fuel.
“If emissions from manure management are being significantly under-estimated, this not only means that official estimates are inaccurate, but also that priorities around mitigation options might be being distorted.
“This research therefore represents an urgent call for action and further work to better understand methane emissions from manure management.”
Researchers analysed measurements of slurry lagoon emissions from the two farms during 2022-23. The lagoons were covered with airtight covers and the methane captured.
They found slurry lagoons produce far more methane than suggested by official estimates, such as those based on methods developed by the IPCC.
Actual emissions from the farms were 145kgs per cow per year and 198kgs kgs per cow per year respectively.
This is four to five times higher than the existing official figure of 38kgs per cow reported in the UK’s National Inventory.
The study's recommendations for government include research and development priorities, increasing grants for slurry covers and extending such financial support to associated gas processing equipment.
Prof Penny Atkins, IFEAA CEO, said the technology exists for capturing, processing and utilising the methane that is currently lost to the atmosphere and contributing to GHG accumulation.
"[It] looks economically promising particularly if an incentives framework for capital investment on farms, coupled with regulatory support, can be implemented," she said.
“The cumulative contribution of methane from dairy farm manure management is significant and this data shows we must act now to curb emissions.”
Researchers also suggest simplifying planning and permitting processes, and tax breaks for supply chain investment in methane recovery and use, such as investments by milk processors in supplier farms.
