UK looking to reap green energy from roadside verges

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A farm in Snowdonia has joined a pioneering European project which aims to transform problematic habitats into clean energy and new income sources for farmers. Research has begun at the National Trust farm, Hafod y Llan, to trial the use of a new technology, developed in Germany, which could turn soft rush, gorse and bracken crops into viable biomass fuel.

A farm in Snowdonia has joined a pioneering European project which aims to transform problematic habitats into clean energy and new income sources for farmers.

Research has begun at the National Trust farm, Hafod y Llan, to trial the use of a new technology, developed in Germany, which could turn soft rush, gorse and bracken crops into viable biomass fuel.

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The COMBINE project in Wales is being coordinated by non-profit company Severn Wye Energy Agency in partnership with the National Trust and the sustainable waste management organisation, Cwm Harry Land Trust. The project is funded by the European Union and the Welsh Government Trunk Road Agency.

Keith Jones, Environmental Advisor for the National Trust, said: “The crops we’ll be testing from our own estate are not suitable for animal feed or energy conversion technologies currently available. Basically they’re a bit of a nuisance for landowners at the moment.

"If the trial's a success, it will help secure the livelihood for small farmers and people in isolated areas, who are struggling with the rising cost of energy. And it could have the added benefit of improving biodiversity through improved land management."

Roadside mowing image via Shutterstock.

Read more at ENN Affiliate ClickGreen.