Oct 1, 2025
Biomethane will not represent a significant advancement in low carbon technology.
Biomethane may find a role in Britain's net zero efforts, but a recent report clarifies it won't be a comprehensive solution. The "Making the Most of Biomethane" review from Regen and the MCS Foundation presents a measured argument for biomethane as a low-carbon alternative to fossil gas in sectors that are difficult to electrify. However, it cautions that supply limits, cost challenges, and sustainability issues will restrict its impact.
Currently, the UK generates about 33 TWh of biogas, with only 8 TWh upgraded to biomethane and added to the gas network; the remainder is utilized locally for power, heating, or industrial purposes. Projections suggest that even under optimistic scenarios, biomethane supply might reach a maximum of 120 TWh by 2050—still under 18% of existing gas demand, with some models estimating even lower figures. This discrepancy necessitates careful selection of biomethane applications by policymakers.
The report advises focusing on "dispatchable" power, high-temperature industries, long-distance transport, rural heating, and other areas where electrification or hydrogen solutions are not viable.
Sustainability concerns hinge on the type of feedstock used. Utilizing waste materials is generally more environmentally friendly, while cultivating energy crops could lead to land use disputes, biodiversity decline, and indirect emissions. Some feedstocks may produce emissions exceeding the limits of current support frameworks.
Furthermore, the report stresses that biomethane should not be an excuse to postpone decarbonization through more direct methods like electrification or heat pumps, and the injection into the grid shouldn't justify prolonged reliance on fossil gas where greener options are available.
In terms of policy, the authors advocate for a clear long-term plan for biomethane's role, strict sustainability standards, and support mechanisms similar to hydrogen funding models, such as contracts for difference. They emphasize the need for uniform carbon pricing across sectors to boost biomethane's competitiveness. Additionally, they highlight challenges related to legacy gas infrastructures, where declining volumes raise issues of cost recovery, asset depreciation, and network decommissioning.
In conclusion, while biomethane can play a part, its effectiveness will depend on stringent regulations and targeted applications. It is unlikely to replace gas on a wide scale but may assist in decarbonizing the most challenging sectors of energy use.
Currently, the UK generates about 33 TWh of biogas, with only 8 TWh upgraded to biomethane and added to the gas network; the remainder is utilized locally for power, heating, or industrial purposes. Projections suggest that even under optimistic scenarios, biomethane supply might reach a maximum of 120 TWh by 2050—still under 18% of existing gas demand, with some models estimating even lower figures. This discrepancy necessitates careful selection of biomethane applications by policymakers.
The report advises focusing on "dispatchable" power, high-temperature industries, long-distance transport, rural heating, and other areas where electrification or hydrogen solutions are not viable.
Sustainability concerns hinge on the type of feedstock used. Utilizing waste materials is generally more environmentally friendly, while cultivating energy crops could lead to land use disputes, biodiversity decline, and indirect emissions. Some feedstocks may produce emissions exceeding the limits of current support frameworks.
Furthermore, the report stresses that biomethane should not be an excuse to postpone decarbonization through more direct methods like electrification or heat pumps, and the injection into the grid shouldn't justify prolonged reliance on fossil gas where greener options are available.
In terms of policy, the authors advocate for a clear long-term plan for biomethane's role, strict sustainability standards, and support mechanisms similar to hydrogen funding models, such as contracts for difference. They emphasize the need for uniform carbon pricing across sectors to boost biomethane's competitiveness. Additionally, they highlight challenges related to legacy gas infrastructures, where declining volumes raise issues of cost recovery, asset depreciation, and network decommissioning.
In conclusion, while biomethane can play a part, its effectiveness will depend on stringent regulations and targeted applications. It is unlikely to replace gas on a wide scale but may assist in decarbonizing the most challenging sectors of energy use.