Pig plop could bring home the bacon for Danish energy contractors

Thousands of jobs for specialist contractors in the biomass industry could be unlocked as Denmark takes steps to improve the sustainability of its pig meat production, according to professional services consultancy Procorre.

The biomass industry, which has come under close scrutiny in recent times, is now being addressed by agricultural ministers across Europe who are attempting to clean things up, leaving Denmark in a position to capitalise on the potential changes.

According to Denmark’s largest trade union, 3F, biomass currently produces around 10% of the country’s energy.

However, the report shows that if all of the 23 billion litres of waste from Denmark’s 18.9 million pigs was used to produce biomass, the figure could rise to around 50% by 2050 and in turn create 23,700 jobs.

An official report from the Danish Agriculture and Food Council (DAFC) shows that between 1994 and 2014, pig meat exports from Denmark increased dramatically.

If the upwards trend continues, in conjunction with tightening environmental regulations, Procorre expects renewables knowledge to be at premium.

James Alexander, director of global mobility at Procorre, said: “The potential for a surge in the biomass industry in Denmark is significant as the country strives to improve the sustainability of its growing pig meat industry.

“We’re expecting an uplift in demand for skilled biomass professionals in the country presenting a great opportunity for contractors in engineering and project management roles.”