Biomethane represents a viable, proven technology to heat and power homes and businesses. Increasing biogas production offers hundreds of thousands of customers a choice in how they heat their homes as the UK transitions to net zero.
We already supply over 300,000 homes equivalent with biomethane on the SGN network today and nationally there is over 11TWh of connected biomethane capacity.
IEA report on outlook for biogas
The International Energy Agency (IEA) work to provide policy recommendations and facilitate sustainable energy solutions. They recently released a groundbreaking report highlighting the immense potential for global biogas production.
Their analysis provides a comprehensive assessment of sustainable feedstock availability, emphasising the growing momentum of biogas as policymakers seek to enhance energy security, economic competitiveness, and reduce emissions.
You can read the full report here.
Key insights from the report
- Nearly one trillion cubic metres of natural gas equivalent of biogases could be produced sustainably each year using today's organic waste streams. This represents 25% of today’s global natural gas demand!
- The technologies and supply chains required to produce biogases are mature and score highly on energy security metrics. Meanwhile, biogas production from certain feedstocks can avoid methane emissions which provides negative lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions.
- Biomethane is set to be the fastest-growing form of bioenergy to 2035. It has seen a remarkable growth rate of 20% annually over the past five years. Countries such as Denmark, Spain, India and China have established ambitious biomethane production targets for 2030, demonstrating the global commitment to this energy source.
Our role at SGN
We’re committed to harnessing the potential of biomethane. We want to heat and power the equivalent of one million homes by 2031.
Our teams are working to unlock the significant biomethane generation potential in our network areas of the UK and beyond. By leveraging proximity to existing gas network infrastructure, we aim to incentivise connections to our pipes, enable larger-scale developments, and reduce costs for producers to enhance the competitiveness of biogases.
Biomethane supports the decarbonisation of our domestic, industrial and commercial customers. Our efforts are geared towards creating local value, reducing emissions, and bolstering energy security for all.
In conclusion, the IEA report underscores the world of opportunity that renewable gases present for energy policymakers today. As we continue to innovate and expand our capabilities to increase biomethane production, SGN is proud to be at the forefront of contributing to a greener, securer energy future.
