Net Zero Cost Could be Cut by £415 a Year for British Households: A Call for UK Biogas Policy Reform

Shrewsbury, UK - The UK Government in danger of missing out on saving UK citizens a Net Zero cost comparable to the much maligned withdrawal of the annual winter heating support payment, according to a recent report.

As the global energy landscape evolves, green gas - biogas and biomethane - has emerged as a pivotal solution in the drive toward achieving net zero emissions. Despite its potential, recent findings reveal a significant policy oversight in the UK, where green gas remains underfunded and underutilized, particularly when compared to initiatives in the EU and the United States.

This disparity is spotlighted in a new study commissioned by the Anaerobic Digestion and Bioresources Association (ADBA). Conducted by Business Modelling Applications (BMA) using the advanced Decisio™ AI-assisted planning system, the study highlights the critical role green gas could play in reducing emissions, stabilizing energy systems, and saving UK households £415 annually.

ADBA said very clearly in their announcement that: "Net zero cost could be cut by more than £400 a year for every British household" at https://blog.anaerobic-digestion.com/netzero

Green Gas (Biogas and Biomethane): A Missed Opportunity in the UK

Green gas is derived from decomposing organic matter, such as food waste, agricultural residues, and sewage using the anaerobic digestion process.

By capturing methane emissions from these sources, it provides a renewable alternative to fossil natural gas. Purified biogas, known as biomethane, is chemically identical to natural gas and can be directly injected into the existing gas grid.

While the European Union has embraced green gas as a cornerstone of its energy strategy-spurring rapid sector growth in nations like France, Italy, and Spain-the UK has lagged behind.

This reluctance stems from what industry experts call a chronic underestimation of green gas's potential. The UK government's biomass strategy projects a modest 35 terawatt hours of energy production from green gas, far below recent studies suggesting the sector could generate 5 to 16 times that amount.

"Policy neglect has kept the green gas sector in Britain small," the report notes.
"The result is a critical underfunding that has hampered development and left the nation heavily reliant on other energy sources."

Comparing Global Approaches to Green Gas

The international response to the energy crisis ignited by Russia's invasion of Ukraine underscores the urgency of transitioning to renewable energy. The EU has identified biogas as one of three key responses to energy insecurity, while the US has seen rapid expansion in the sector thanks to supportive legislation like the Inflation Reduction Act.

In contrast, the UK's green gas sector has seen limited support, primarily focused on transportation and small-scale biomethane grid injection projects. Experts argue that this narrow scope has stifled growth, even as studies show that green gas could serve as a cost-effective, scalable solution for energy storage and backup power.

Insights from the Decisio™ Study: A Cheaper Path to Net Zero

ADBA's commissioned study provides a stark contrast to the UK government's projections, revealing the potential for significant cost savings and enhanced energy resilience. By integrating green gas into its energy model, the UK could save £298 billion by 2050, reducing household energy costs and lowering the need for costly nuclear and hydrogen infrastructure.

The analysis also highlights green gas as the optimal solution for addressing the challenge of seasonal renewable energy storage. Unlike batteries or hydrogen produced through electrolysis, biomethane offers an affordable, scalable option for energy backup during periods of low wind and solar output.

A Call for Policy Reform

Steve Last, Website Creator for IPPTS Anaerobic Digestion Community, underscored the disproportionate allocation of resources to green gas compared to other energy technologies. He stated:

"Despite its proven benefits, the funding and attention allocated to green gas remain disproportionately low. The UK government must reassess its priorities and recognize that green gas is not a niche solution but a vital component of a sustainable, cost-effective energy future."

Looking Ahead: Unlocking the Potential of Green Gas

As the International Energy Agency projects global biogas growth of up to 26% annually by 2035, the UK has a crucial opportunity to realign its energy policies.

By addressing the systemic underestimation of green gas's potential, the nation could unlock significant environmental and economic benefits, paving the way for a more resilient and affordable path to net zero.

For more information, please contact Steve Last at https://blog.anaerobic-digestion.com/net-zero-cost-savings/

11 Adswood Grove
Shrewsbury
Shropshire
SY3 9QG
T: +447578170878
M: steve@anaerobic-digestion.com
Contact: Steve Last

The IPPTS Anaerobic Digestion Community is a dedicated platform for sharing insights and resources on biogas and biomethane technology. With a mission to support sustainable energy solutions, the community provides industry updates, expert analyses, and guidance to advance the role of anaerobic digestion in achieving global energy goals. Visit https://blog.anaerobic-digestion.com/net-zero-cost-savings/ for more information.

This release was published on openPR.