The Anaerobic Digestion and Bioresources Association (ADBA) has welcomed the National Energy System Operator’s (NESO) latest Future Energy Scenarios: Pathways to Net Zero, published today, which reinforces biomethane as a critical, low-cost solution to meet Britain’s energy and climate targets.
NESO stresses in the report that while progress towards decarbonisation has begun, a significant acceleration in biomethane production is essential to deliver affordable, secure and clean energy.
This year’s release is the first to explicitly consider the potential of biomethane in reducing UK carbon emissions, which ADBA hopes marks the beginning of a more ambitious government approach to the sector.
The report’s Holistic Transition pathway calls for at least 64 TWh of biomethane supply in the energy system by 2050, around double the estimate from the Biomass Strategy and nearly ten times current output.
References to biomethane in the report have jumped from just six mentions in 2024 to 57 in this year’s edition. Although ADBA believes the sector could deliver nearly twice as much as NESO suggests by 2050, the association described the report as a major step forward.
“These future energy scenarios are a big step forward in recognising the valuable role that biomethane can play in the transition to net zero,” said ADBA chair Chris Huhne.
“The real value should become even clearer when NESO produces its cost estimates, as we have shown that biomethane can save billions in overall energy system costs. The FES also backs our view that there is no obstacle to speedy growth of the biogas and biomethane sector from lack of feedstocks. The UK has plenty of wastes and recyclable crops that will stand our energy transition in good stead.”
Dr Gareth Mottram, ADBA policy lead, added: “This is a great first step in recognising the potential of biomethane and anaerobic digestion for energy security and decarbonisation of the UK. It is especially important to note that the only scenario that meets the UK Government’s international decarbonisation commitments under the Paris Agreement is the scenario that deploys the most biomethane, clearly showing there is no net zero without AD.”
The report warns that delaying action risks higher energy system costs and increased dependence on unsustainable fossil-based solutions. By contrast, widespread biomethane deployment can decarbonise heat, power and industry with minimal disruption.
NESO calls on government to provide long-term certainty to incentivise greater biomethane production, including policy mechanisms beyond the Green Gas Support Scheme, which ends in 2028.
It also recommends adopting gas blending targets similar to those in France and Denmark, and calls for a clearer vision of how low-carbon gaseous fuels, including biomethane, will fit into the UK’s future energy infrastructure.
Finally, the report recognises the potentially crucial role of biomethane production in delivering carbon removals, further enhancing its contribution to net zero targets.
ADBA welcomes network operators’ call for more biomethane
