We are pleased to formally announce the formation of the Green Gas Taskforce, a campaign which brings together the GB biomethane industry, the GB gas networks – including SGN – and key sector groups.
The Green Gas Taskforce is a collaboration between ten of GB’s largest biomethane generators, shippers and traders, all five British gas networks, and four important industry groups. The Taskforce will be producing a series of key reports and analysis, outlining the scope for growth of biomethane in Great Britain and the significant contribution it can deliver to the decarbonisation and energy security of the country.
Preliminary analysis from the bioeconomy consultancy NNFCC has concluded that there is sufficient sustainable feedstock available to generate 50 TWh of biomethane by 2030 and up to 120 TWh by 2050. For context, 50 TWh of biomethane in 2030 would represent up to 8% of GB gas demand and 120 TWh in 2050 would represent between 20% and 90% of GB gas demand. These levels of generation could be achieved without impacting food production or availability on other sectors, such as SAF. These levels of green gas production are already being achieved in Denmark where 40% of gas supply came from domestic biomethane in 2023. By 2030, France expects biomethane to supply 16% of gas used in its distribution network.
The Taskforce will be led by Charles McAllister, and co-chaired by Nic Crowe of Grissan Renewable Energy and SGN Business Development Director Marcus Hunt.
Charles McAllister, Director of the Green Gas Taskforce, said: “It is an honour to lead this campaign to promote greater injection of domestically produced biomethane and other green gases into the GB gas grid. Drifting into reliance on greater overseas imports is contrary to the national interest, so biomethane production should be a policy priority to increase our energy security, reduce our carbon emissions and drive rural green growth. We have already outlined to government the policy reforms needed to unlock greater green gas supply. GB has massive potential to increase biomethane production, transported via a world class asset in the gas grid to be used in homes, factories and power stations just as natural gas is today.”
Marcus Hunt, Chair representative of the gas networks, said: “The gas network across GB serves over 22 million homes and 500,000 businesses, secures 140,000 jobs and operates at a reliability rate of 99.99%. The gas network will play a critical role in the transition to Net Zero, including in decarbonising households, businesses and power generation. The increased use of biomethane in the gas grid is a no regrets option which will allow end users to decarbonise with no change to customer experience.”
Nic Crowe, Chair representative of the biomethane producers, said: “The 130 existing biomethane sites along with those in development can provide enough gas to heat 1.2 million GB homes, but the potential for this fuel source is far greater. Biomethane is essential to deliver a lower cost energy system, especially for home heating, clean power 2030 and to ensure industry is decarbonised without impacting productivity. Today’s research shows that by 2050, biomethane could supply a significant proportion of GB gas demand, delivering energy security, jobs, and sustainable decarbonisation.”
