Terschelling explores turning livestock manure into green gas for 600 homes
Terschelling could soon power hundreds of homes with green gas made from livestock manure. A new study shows this could cut emissions, boost sustainable energy, and help farmers while preserving the island’s nature and landscape.
| Key Data | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Terschelling, Friesland (Netherlands) |
| Potential green gas output | Enough for 500–600 homes (20% of island’s permanent residences) |
| Number of farms involved | 8 dairy farms |
| Process | Mono-manure digestion (converting manure to biogas, then green gas) |
| Emissions reduction | Methane and nitrogen |
| Funding needs | Subsidies required; potential financiers: Dutch government, Province of Friesland, Wadden Fund |
| Stakeholders | Municipality of Terschelling, LTO Noord, Agrarisch Terschelling, Ekwadraat |
| Next steps | Feasibility confirmed; awaiting funding for implementation |
The Municipality of Terschelling is responsible for local governance, including sustainable development and environmental policies on the island. This initiative aligns with its role in balancing agricultural interests, nature conservation, and the energy transition to create a future-proof community.
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Manure from livestock on Terschelling could turn island into green gas provider
Municipality of Terschelling is exploring, in collaboration with the agricultural sector, whether manure can be converted into green gas. The aim is for the island to contribute to future-proof agriculture, reduced emissions, and increased locally generated sustainable energy. A feasibility study by consultancy firm Ekwadraat indicates that manure digestion could be a promising option for this purpose.
From manure to green gas
Dairy farming plays a significant role on Terschelling. Farmers help maintain the open landscape and meadow bird areas, contributing to the island’s recreational value, cultural history, and livability. At the same time, the sector faces major challenges, including the need to reduce methane and nitrogen emissions while ensuring agricultural businesses remain viable in the future.
According to the feasibility study conducted by Ekwadraat on behalf of LTO Noord, Agrarisch Terschelling, and the Municipality of Terschelling, mono-manure digestion could help address these issues. The study suggests that the manure from eight dairy farms on Terschelling could be centrally digested and processed.
On Wednesday, 1 April, the Municipality of Terschelling and Ekwadraat presented the study’s findings, after which the report was officially handed over to LTO Noord.
What is mono-manure digestion?
Mono-manure digestion involves processing only animal manure. The manure is treated in a sealed, oxygen-free installation where bacteria convert it into biogas. This biogas can then be upgraded to green gas of natural gas quality, which can be used locally or supplied to the gas grid.
The system not only helps reduce methane and nitrogen emissions but also contributes to the production of sustainable energy. Thus, manure digestion could be a significant step in Terschelling’s energy transition.
Opportunities for agriculture, nature, and energy
With this approach, Terschelling aims to demonstrate how agriculture, nature, and energy can be integrated into a single system. By digesting manure, a more circular form of agriculture could emerge, contributing to reduced emissions, nature restoration, the energy transition, and the greening of homes on the island.
According to the study, the expected gas production would be sufficient to supply approximately 500 to 600 homes with gas, accounting for about 20% of all permanently inhabited houses on Terschelling.
Councillor for Agriculture Anco Goldhoorn sees the initiative as more than just a technical solution: “The urgency to restore natural values and further reduce nitrogen pressure is significant. This project offers the opportunity to link agriculture, nature restoration, and sustainable energy production within a future-proof system. Additionally, a reduction in nitrogen emissions could positively impact other challenges on the island, such as housing construction.”
The agricultural sector also sees opportunities. Arie van Zwol of LTO Noord, Terschelling branch, states: “Farmers on Terschelling face significant practical limitations, including difficulties in disposing of their manure. Manure digestion could provide a solution for a profitable and nature-inclusive agricultural sector that also contributes to the island’s energy transition.”
Next steps
Several agricultural entrepreneurs have already expressed interest in participating. However, the study indicates that implementation without subsidies is not feasible due to the limited scale of livestock farming on Terschelling.
The report identifies the Dutch government, the Province of Friesland, the Regio Deal, and the Wadden Fund as potential financiers. With support from these parties, the project could be further developed into a concrete plan for Terschelling.