Sustainable Technology & Rural Economy
The development and adoption of sustainable energy technology is core to the creation of a vibrant and dynamic rural economy. Renewable energy in all its forms, wind, water, solar, biomass and biogas offers real potential both as a method of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and being a viable rural diversification. As a tool of rural regeneration renewable energy offers great potential for reducing rural energy poverty, stimulating local industry and providing the service sector and tourism with a marketable green image whist lowering their energy bills and boosting rural employment.
Harper Adams is firmly committed to the renewable agenda and in October 2004 set up the Sustainable Technologies Network. The aims of the Network are to:
- Operationally test and demonstrate mature or near-market sustainable technologies.
- Increase public awareness of sustainable technologies and provide learning opportunities through open days, seminars and conferences.
- Establish a network of individuals with an interest in sustainable technologies and facilitate discussions between members.
- Work with universities to facilitate the commercialisation of research.
- Provide support, advice and guidance to groups/ individuals wishing to adopt sustainable technologies.
The Sustainable Technologies Network, in conjunction with both the public and private sectors, has invested in a number of different technologies on the Harper Adams estate, making use of facilities currently available. Some of these technologies include:
- Combined Heat and Power (CHP) from the combustion of biomass (download the Case Study below for more information).
- Photovoltaics (download the Case Study below for more information).
- Sustainable building design (download the Case Study below for more information).
- Anaerobic digestion of animal waste.
- An electric utility vehicle, charged by electricity produced from the College's photovoltaic array (download the Case Study below for more information).
Bioenergy West Midlands was developed by Harper Adams University College and the Defra Farming and Food Team, with the aim of promoting interest and activity in, and markets for, bioenergy in the West Midlands . Bioenergy West Midlands encompasses three main market areas, namely biomass, biogas, and biofuel (bioethanol and biodiesel). Promotion is achieved through the initiative’s website (www.bioenergywm.co.uk), the Alternative Energy Guide and through demonstration events, seminars, networks events and regional conferences.