It is no secret that despite its ability to provide cheap gas, hydraulic fracturing – or fracking – is meeting a lot of resistance from environmental groups, and many members of the public are also sceptical about the alleged “side effects”. Opponents tend to prefer “greener” energy – including wind or solar – both of which also require large open spaces and do not really help beautify the environment.

Using what is probably the greenest source of energy out there, a UK company has now said that anaerobic digestion of grass from pastureland could feed gas directly into the grid, adding that the proposed 1,600 hectares of farmland it would need to harvest the grass could heat 6,000 homes. The project still has to receive approval, and sceptics are doubtful about its economic viability. Reports indicate that UK cows have also started to unionise in opposition to the plans…