The Midlands Net Zero Hub commissioned District Eating to produce a series of reports that identify sources of heat and CO 2 from farms and food waste to quantify the energy available from agricultural and food waste. The project aimed to increase the understanding of the links between energy and the agri-food sector, while also examining mechanisms for change by highlighting agri-food supply chain opportunities and new business models. The project was split into three work packages: WP1 – Mapping – The project carried out a mapping study to highlight the opportunities for the development of low-carbon horticulture by understanding the potential for working with the agri-food sector to deliver local heat and power. This helped to match producers of food and waste from agriculture / horticulture with heat and power generation facilities and identify potential energy customers. WP2 – Micro-feasibility Studies – To examine the outputs of the mapping exercise in more detail, three micro-feasibility studies were conducted to demonstrate how a range of opportunities to co-locate heat users and generators could be exploited. This culminated in the development of business case development for three very different approaches. WP3 – Future Project Development – The final work package looks to develop the main opportunities that WP2 highlighted, with a view to directing the next phase of the project.
