In this edition of Asute’s People Powered Profile, Aaron Rayner, Recruitment Partner at Astute People, sits down with Gary Hague, UK Farm Development Director at Biolectric, to discuss the current state of the UK Anaerobic Digestion sector.
As the demand for sustainable waste management and renewable energy solutions grows, the AD industry is experiencing rapid expansion, alongside a set of unique challenges.
Gary shares insights on the key trends shaping the future of the industry, the obstacles it faces, and the opportunities for both businesses and talent within this increasingly vital sector.
Can you tell us about your journey into sustainability and what led you to Biolectric?
My journey into renewable energy started back in 2010 when I co-owned a biomass company.
That experience gave me a real appreciation for the potential of decentralised energy and the role agriculture can play in driving sustainable solutions.
In 2015, I came across Biolectric and was immediately drawn to their approach—small-scale anaerobic digestion, right on the farm, turning slurry into electricity.
Since then, I’ve seen Biolectric evolve significantly.
The engineering has come a long way, with efficiencies improving year on year thanks to constant R&D and refinement. What was already a great idea back then is now a mature, proven technology,and one that’s more relevant than ever.
I love being out on our dairy farms that are literally powered by cows.
It never gets old.
Seeing a waste stream transformed into clean energy, helping the farmer cut costs and carbon at the same time.
That blend of innovation, impact, and on-farm practicality is what keeps me inspired every day.
What does Biolectric do, and how is it helping UK farmers transition to renewable energy?
Biolectric is a pioneer in small-scale anaerobic digestion, designed specifically for livestock farms, particularly dairy and pig farms.
We install on-farm biogas units that convert slurry into renewable electricity and heat. Unlike solar or wind, our systems produce power 24/7, regardless of the weather, giving farmers consistent, reliable energy.
With recent energy price hikes, the business case has never been stronger.
Producing your own power on-site gives farms a level of independence and cost stability that’s increasingly valuable.
What are the key benefits of small-scale anaerobic digestion for farming businesses?
There are several, but the biggest is control.
Farmers, whether dairy or pig, can transform a waste stream into a clean energy source that generates electricity, heat, and a nutrient-rich digestate.
Our systems run 24/7, all year round, and don’t rely on sunshine or wind, which is a huge plus in the UK climate. It reduces reliance on fossil fuels, stabilises energy bills, and improves nutrient management.
With energy costs rising, producing your own power is a smart financial decision.
How do you help farmers balance environmental goals with commercial success?
We start by listening.
Every farm is different, and we tailor our approach accordingly.
Our systems are financially viable without subsidies, and we help farmers understand the return on investment clearly. One of the big advantages of anaerobic digestion is that it takes a readily available waste stream, slurry, and turns it into reliable, round-the-clock renewable energy.
Whether it’s a pig unit with year-round slurry or a family-run dairy farm, we aim to make sustainability profitable.
Why does the dairy industry need to consider small-scale anaerobic digestion (AD)?
The dairy industry is under increasing pressure to reduce emissions, improve nutrient management, and build resilience against rising costs.
Small-scale AD offers a practical, on-farm solution to all three.
It transforms slurry into renewable electricity and nutrient-rich digestate, turning a waste stream into long-term value.
Unlike large-scale AD or centralised energy systems, small-scale AD is decentralised. The energy is produced and used on-site, reducing transmission losses and giving farmers control over their own energy supply.
It’s weather-independent, runs 24/7, and improves energy security.
Crucially, this isn’t future tech, it’s here now.
Biolectric has over 450 installations across Europe and a factory capable of producing more than 500 units per year.
It’s scalable, proven, and ready to deploy across the UK dairy sector.
What’s been one of your most rewarding projects or milestones at Biolectric?
There have been many, but hosting our first open day in Cumbria stands out.
We had farmers from across the region, including dairy and pig producers, see a live system in action and speak directly to one of our customers.
It built real momentum and trust.
Hearing a farmer say, “This is the solution I’ve been looking for,” makes everything worthwhile.
How important are partnerships with organisations like DEFRA to achieving your goals?
They’re absolutely vital.
We need collaboration between innovators, farmers, and government to scale solutions like anaerobic digestion.
DEFRA plays a key role in shaping the policy and regulatory environment that enables this technology to thrive, especially for sectors like dairy and pig farming, where nutrient management and emissions are under scrutiny.
When policy supports practical, on-farm change, it creates lasting impact.
What skills or qualities do you look for when growing your team at Biolectric?
We look for passion, integrity, and a problem-solving mindset.
Technical skills can be developed, but having a real interest in sustainability and a proactive attitude is essential.
It’s also important our team understands livestock farming, be it dairy, pig, or mixed operations, because building trust with farmers is central to what we do.
How can the sector better attract the next generation of sustainability professionals?
We need to do a better job telling the story of just how innovative and meaningful this work is.
There’s so much happening at the intersection of farming and clean tech, but we need to show young people that careers in agri-tech and renewable energy can be hands-on, rewarding, and future-facing.
More real-world exposure, through internships or mentoring, can really open the door.
What advice would you give to someone starting out in renewables or agri-tech today?
Be curious, get on-farm, and take the time to learn how different operations work, whether it’s a pig unit, a dairy farm, or a mixed system.
This sector rewards people who listen, solve problems, and stay grounded.
And don’t lose sight of the mission, we’re tackling real challenges that matter to the future of food security and the planet.
What’s next for you and Biolectric?
We’re focused on scaling across the UK, supporting both dairy and pig farmers to unlock the value of biogas.
That means growing our team, building strong regional partnerships, and helping farms go further, through digestate valorisation and carbon tracking.
Crucially, the technology keeps getting better.
I’ve seen first-hand how Biolectric’s commitment to R&D has continually improved system performance and efficiency. Every generation of units brings smarter design and better outputs.
More and more farmers are recognising the value of 24/7, weather-independent energy, and we’re ready to meet that demand.
Our goal is to make small-scale AD the go-to renewable energy solution for UK livestock farms.
Want to be part of the next People Powered Profile?
We’re always looking to spotlight the individuals driving progress across engineering, energy, and infrastructure.
If you’re a leader, specialist, or hands-on problem solver with a story worth sharing – get in touch.
Drop us a message to be considered for a future feature.
We’d love to hear from you.
More People Powered Profiles
- Antony Smith, Founder and Managing Director of W2E-UK LTD, discussing his career in the energy sector
- Darren Smith, Senior Manager at BioConstruct NewEnergy Ltd, discussing the UK Anaerobic Digestion sector
- Mike Leigh, Assistant Operations Manager at Lakeside EFW, sharing insights into his engineering career
