Cambridge University Park Farm Anaerobic Digestion Project
Turning Waste into Energy Through Circular Farm Innovation
At a Glance
Sector: Agriculture & Renewable Energy
Client Type: University Farm
Services Delivered: Strategic Rural Advisory, Environmental Innovation, Sustainable Farm Development
Key Outcome: Renewable energy generation from livestock slurry supporting a circular farming system
The Challenge
As farms face rising energy costs, increasing environmental expectations and growing pressure to improve resource efficiency, many are exploring new ways to improve resilience while reducing their environmental footprint.
At Cambridge University’s Park Farm, the ambition was to create a more sustainable farming system by making better use of existing farm resources. Rather than viewing livestock slurry as simply a waste product, the farm wanted to transform it into a valuable asset capable of generating renewable energy whilst supporting wider environmental goals.
The project formed part of a broader commitment to reduce carbon emissions, improve resource efficiency and support the long-term transition towards more sustainable agricultural systems.
Our Approach
The project centred around the development and operation of an anaerobic digestion (AD) plant that uses slurry from the University’s dairy herd to generate renewable electricity.
Key elements of the approach included:
✅ Converting livestock slurry into renewable energy
✅ Supporting a circular farm economy by using resources more efficiently
✅ Reducing reliance on imported grid electricity
✅ Improving slurry and nutrient management
✅ Supporting future farm electrification ambitions
The project also provided valuable learning about the practical operation and management of on-farm renewable energy systems.
Results & Impact
✅ Renewable electricity generated from livestock waste
✅ Reduced reliance on external energy supplies
✅ Improved utilisation of farm resources
✅ Reduced greenhouse gas emissions
✅ Enhanced farm sustainability and resilience
✅ Demonstrated practical circular economy principles in action
✅ Supported future opportunities for farm electrification
Why It Matters
The transition to more sustainable farming requires businesses to think differently about resources, energy and long-term resilience.
This project demonstrates how on-farm renewable energy can deliver multiple benefits, including carbon reduction, energy security, improved waste management and operational efficiency. It also highlights the growing role of circular economy thinking within modern agriculture, where waste streams can become valuable business assets.
As farms continue to adapt to changing environmental and economic pressures, projects such as this provide a practical example of how innovation can support both commercial performance and sustainability objectives.
Key Lessons
✅ Treat waste as a resource
✅ Look for projects that deliver multiple benefits
✅ Combine environmental and commercial objectives
✅ Consider energy resilience alongside carbon reduction
✅ Plan for long-term operational management and investment