A landmark programme to reshape how renewable gas is injected into the UK’s gas network has been shortlisted for a prestigious award.
Delivered in partnership with energy innovation specialist Bohr, SGN’s six-site biomethane blending programme will introduce intelligent, real-time systems that reduce reliance on fossil propane.
The programme has been nominated for the Research and Innovation Project of the Year at this week’s ADBA Awards ceremony. SGN and Bohr are shortlisted alongside finalists from the US, Canada, South Africa and India, demonstrating the global commitment to biomethane innovation.
Transforming biomethane injection
Biomethane is a renewable, homegrown green gas produced from organic waste, which plays a vital role in strengthening UK energy security, supporting rural economies and enabling a cost-effective solution for decarbonising heat in homes and businesses that rely on the gas network today.
However, injecting biomethane into the gas network has traditionally depended on propane enrichment to meet calorific value (CV) requirements to comply with regulations. While necessary, propane introduces cost, carbon emissions and operational complexity.
SGN and Bohr’s solution changes that model. By deploying advanced blending technology across six sites in Scotland and southern England, the programme dynamically optimises CV at source. This reduces propane consumption while ensuring green gas entering the network consistently meets regulatory standards.
Commercial and environmental benefits
Reducing propane use delivers immediate and long-term value. It cuts fuel procurement, storage and logistics costs, while also lowering associated carbon emissions.
The intelligent blending approach also improves operational performance. By stabilising gas quality, it reduces flaring risk and can unlock marginal increases in biomethane injection volumes: improving asset productivity for producers without compromising compliance.
Crucially, the programme enhances resilience. Producers are less exposed to volatile fossil fuel prices and supply chain pressures, strengthening the commercial viability of biomethane projects at scale.
Setting a new benchmark
Joel Martin, Entry Connections & Special Projects Manager at SGN, said: “This programme shows what’s possible when innovation meets collaboration.
“By reducing reliance on propane, we’re improving the economics of biomethane for producers and delivering lower-carbon gas for our customers. It’s a practical step forward in building a more resilient, secure and sustainable energy system for the UK.”
Initiatives like this show how our gas network can evolve and represents why biomethane should be scaled to ensure more homes are heated by low-carbon gases.
The sites will eventually supply green gas to thousands of homes and will play a significant role in SGN’s ambition to supply the equivalent on one million homes with green gas by 2031.
