Manure-powered milk logistics

Valio, a Finnish dairy cooperative owned by 4,100 milk producers, aims for carbon-neutral milk production by 2035. The Vuorenmaa dairy farm in Haapavesi has produced biogas from cow manure for over a decade, using it for on-farm energy. Since 2021, it has also converted half of its annual 1,200 MWh biogas into compressed biomethane for use in Valio’s logistics fleet, including a dedicated milk truck. This biomethane-powered truck refuels at the farm during milk collection, ensuring stable demand and supporting cost-effective production. The farm also sells biomethane to private vehicles. Benefits include greater energy self-sufficiency, new revenue streams, and reduced need for chemical fertilisers, as the biogas process enhances nutrient availability. This case exemplifies sustainable rural bioeconomy innovation within the BRANCHES project’s multi-actor approach.