From Waste to Power: How Biogas Engines Turn Farm By-products into Energy

Rising energy costs, unpredictable prices, and the need for more sustainable farming practices are pushing UK farmers and AD operators to look for smarter solutions. One technology that continues to prove its value is biogas combined heat and power (CHP), a reliable way to generate electricity and heat from materials many farms already produce.

With more than 600 CHP systems delivered in the UK and over 10,000 engines installed globally across industries including agriculture, 2G Energy Ltd has been at the forefront of helping farmers and anaerobic digestion (AD) operators turn waste into a resource.

How biogas CHP works on a farm

Biogas is created when organic material such as slurry, silage, crop residues, or food waste is processed in an anaerobic digester. Instead of letting this gas (methane) go to waste, a biogas engine converts it into useful energy:

• Electricity to power dairy units, poultry sheds, grain dryers, or AD pumps
• Heat to support digester operation, warm livestock buildings, or dry/process organic waste such as woodchip
• CO₂ capture from CHP exhaust (in some applications, such as greenhouses) to fertilise crops
• CO₂ capture from raw methane to produce liquefied CO₂, which can be sold into the market as fertiliser or for other commercial uses

This creates multiple benefits: reducing waste, lowering energy bills, and improving farm efficiency.

Why biogas CHP matters for AD operators

For commercial AD operators, CHP engines are the crucial link between gas production and revenue. Reliability and efficiency are key:

• Even a 1% increase in availability on a 500 kW AD site can add around £13,000 per year in additional income.
• Modern biogas engines, like those from 2G, achieve higher electrical efficiency, meaning less biogas is needed for the same power output.
• Long-term servicing and overhaul support help ensure uptime, protecting return on investment.
• That’s why focusing on system reliability, servicing, and lifecycle performance is often more valuable than simply choosing the cheapest engine.

The 2G advantage: proven technology, farmer-first support

As the UK subsidiary of 2G Energy AG, 2G Energy Ltd is based in Runcorn, Cheshire, with a dedicated local service team. Farmers and AD operators benefit from:

• Routine servicing to prevent breakdowns and keep CHP engines efficient
• Major overhauls matched to system lifecycle and financial goals
• 24/7 emergency support for peace of mind
• Genuine 2G parts to ensure reliability and long-term savings
• Over 30 years of global experience in the biogas sector

And with My2G online access, operators gain new digital tools to stay in control:

• A streamlined dashboard with clear performance data and fault history
• Remote start/stop control from any device
• Predictive maintenance insights through I.R.I.S. to prevent costly downtime
• Integrated access to service schedules, training, and parts
• A monthly CHP benefit report, showing savings and efficiency gains

Real-world examples

Across the UK, 2G biogas engines are already delivering results:

• Poultry farm in mid-Wales – Installed 2 × 250 kW biogas CHP units alongside a new AD plant. Electricity powers lighting, pumps, and farm buildings, while heat supports the digester and poultry sheds, cutting energy bills significantly, without subsidies.
• Fruit grower in Gloucestershire – Replaced 3 × 499 kW ageing CHPs with 2G engines. Improved efficiency means less biogas is needed, while greater reliability secures more income.
•  Farm in Coventry - Originally installed 2 × 500 kWe biogas CHP units, and has since added a further 500 kWe CHP to meet the extra power demand of its methane CO₂ capture system. This upgrade not only supports reliable energy generation but also creates an additional revenue stream through CO₂ capture.
• Greenhouse business – Uses CHP not only for electricity and heat but also captures CO₂ from exhaust to fertilise crops, maximising the full potential of biogas CHP.

Biogas CHP: future-proofing UK farming and AD

With rising energy costs and increasing pressure on the sector to improve efficiency, biogas CHP is more relevant than ever. It enables farms and AD plants to:

• Reduce reliance on purchased grid electricity
• Unlock extra revenue streams from renewable energy generation
• Improve resource efficiency by making use of slurry, residues, and waste
• Strengthen long-term energy security and resilience for rural businesses

Talk to 2G about biogas engines

Whether you run a family farm with an AD unit or manage a large-scale anaerobic digestion plant, 2G Energy Ltd can provide the technology, servicing, and digital support you need to keep your biogas CHP reliable, efficient, and profitable.