The next Labour government will prioritise renewable biogas as a cost-effective, locally-sourced, low-carbon source of heating.
This was announced last week by the Shadow Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, Caroline Flint, who described green gas as the “big overlooked area” in energy policy.
Drawing on analysis from National Grid that shows up to 50% of domestic gas needs could be met from green gas, Ms Flint said her party would commission a report on the policy and regulatory reforms needed to maximise the potential for the development of green gas, following the next election.
Ms Flint, whose Don Valley constituency is home to the first commercial biogas plant connected to the grid at Hatfield Woodhouse, argued that experience from around the world showed that green gas was an innovative solution to the challenges of affordability, energy security and carbon reduction.
Speaking at the Gas Industry Awards event, she claimed there were no technical or safety barriers to delivering green gas, which could not be overcome.
“Indeed, we know it is do-able because it is already deployed in other countries. Germany, France, Austria, Switzerland and the United States already have green gas being injected into the grid, providing a locally sourced and low-carbon source of heating.”
Her announcement was welcomed by Charlotte Morton, chief executive of the Anaerobic Digestion and Biogas Association, who said biomethane from anaerobic digestion could play a huge role play in increasing UK energy security and decarbonising difficult areas like heating and road transport.
However, she added: “Maximising our industry’s potential will only be possible if the next government diverts food waste from landfill and ensures it is collected separately.”
The anaerobic digestion and biogas industry will meet to discuss the sectors potential to deliver ultra-low carbon gas and electricity, supporting green economic growth and jobs, energy security and helping the UK to meet its climate change and emissions targets, on July 2-3 at UK AD & Biogas 2014 at the NEC in Birmingham.