There is huge untapped potential from affordable, scalable biomethane - that was the standout message at SGN’s biomethane summit last week.
‘Accelerating Green Gas for Producers and Industry’ brought together around 100 stakeholders to discuss the policy levers and practical measures that can ensure more can be done to reuse our existing modern network for green gases, delivering both economic and environmental benefits.
Delegates from NESO, Green Gas Taskforce, ADBA and other industry partners, were joined by special guest Dr Alan Whitehead CBE, Minister of State for Energy Security & Net Zero, who highlighted biomethane’s importance for a secure and affordable low-carbon system.
We probably have the best gas network in the world and have a tremendous opportunity to repurpose this fantastic asset.
Dr Alan Whitehead CBE
Minister of State for Energy Security and Net Zero
As the first Minister to hold biomethane within his ministerial brief, Dr Whitehead confirmed that one of his key priorities is to champion the sector’s growth.
As part of this mission, the Minister confirmed that the Government plans to consult this spring on a new biomethane policy framework, covering biomethane’s optimal role across the energy system and the potential policy approaches needed to support the industry.
Biomethane is a proven, low-carbon gas that is already making a measurable contribution to the UK’s energy mix. It reduces emissions, enhances energy security and supports rural economies through domestic feedstock supply chains. Crucially, biomethane offers rapid decarbonisation without disruption to customer homes or businesses.
More than 130 biomethane plants are already connected to the UK’s gas network, with studies suggesting there is potential to reach 120TWh by 2050. SGN alone aims to deliver 11.5TWh of green gas by 2031, enough to supply the equivalent of one million homes.
In his opening address, SGN’s Chief Strategy & Regulation Officer Tony Green explained a whole-sector approach to guiding investment decisions, network access and long-term certainty is needed to scale biomethane.
He said: “Biomethane is already working today at scale. We have an opportunity to seize this momentum and create a system where green gas can reach its full potential. If we align policy, investment and connection processes, we can accelerate green gas at the pace the UK needs.
“SGN is fully committed to bringing more green gas into our network to offer customers a cost-effective and seamless route to reducing carbon emissions.”
SGN is encouraging producers, investors and customers interested in developing or connecting biomethane projects to engage early. To find out more about opportunities to connect green gas to the network or to speak with SGN’s biomethane team, click here.
