South Gloucestershire Launches Greenpoint Project to Convert Grass Cuttings into Biomethane
- South Gloucestershire Council is launching an initiative to utilize grass cuttings as a power source.
- This innovative approach aims to significantly reduce carbon emissions.
- The project is also expected to lower energy costs for local residents.
In a pioneering initiative, South Gloucestershire is converting grass cuttings from local verges into biomethane through an anaerobic digester, aiming to supply energy to approximately 40,000 residents in Bridgwater, Somerset. Alan Armstead, commercial director at Cannington Enterprises, which is overseeing the fuel processing, expressed optimism about future possibilities of blending grass with food waste to enhance energy production. The Greenpoint project is designed to reduce carbon emissions and lower the costs associated with domestic food waste collection. A council spokesperson noted that while the concept of using grass in anaerobic digesters is not new, the challenge lies in efficiently collecting sufficient quantities from highway verges and amenity areas. Currently, the amount of grass collected is limited, and it is being mixed with maize and other crops to optimize energy output. The facility is not yet equipped to accept grass cuttings, but this may change soon. The council is working with Geneco AD plant operators, who are in the final stages of obtaining approval from Ofgem to allow the delivery of cut grass co-mingled with food waste. This collaboration aims to explore the potential for reducing carbon emissions through innovative waste management practices. The Greenpoint initiative is part of the ADEPT Live Labs 2 program, a three-year UK-wide effort focused on decarbonizing local road networks, highlighting the commitment to sustainable energy solutions in the region.