The UK's Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) launched the mid-scheme review of the Green Gas Support Scheme (GGSS) yesterday (24 March).
The GGSS is a government environmental scheme that provides financial incentives for new anaerobic digestion biomethane plants to increase the proportion of green gas in the gas grid. The scheme is open to applicants in England, Scotland and Wales for four years from 31 November 2021.
DESNZ's eight-week consultation is set to address a number of items, including proposals to extend the scheme’s application deadlines, maintenance of current tariff guarantee and commissioning deadlines, continuation of current digestate management measures, as well as methane leakage mitigation in GGSS plants.
The department committed to a mid-scheme review in March 2021 to consider its effectiveness, and review several areas for potential amendments.
"In this consultation, we’re seeking views on our proposals for policy amendments as part of the mid-scheme review, and aim to implement any amendments during the 2023-2024 financial year," said DESNZ.
DESNZ is also gathering views on a post-GGSS biomethane policy framework.
Chris Huhne, chairman of the Anaerobic Digestion and Bioresources Association (ADBA), commented: "The key to a successful review will be the recognition that biogas – anaerobic digestion – can take many waste streams and turn them into useful energy and fertiliser, so we need a flexible support package that maximises the lifespan of existing assets while encouraging new development."On the detail proposals for comment, we are pleased to see proposals such as the continuation of the 50% waste feedstock thresholds and the scheme extension, but those disallowing the conversion of CHPs to biomethane are a source of worry as a potential blow to some areas of our sector.”ADBA will be coordinating an industry-wide response the consultation, which closes on 18 May.
Interested parties can respond to DESNZ'S mid-scheme review here.
UK government launches mid-scheme review of Green Gas Support Scheme
