This week's “Powering Up Britain” announcement from the government, which could do so much to improve UK Energy Security, has received a lukewarm response generally. The ADBA Press Release below shows that disappointment within the biogas community goes deeper:
ADBA Press Release 30 March 2023:
ADBA responds to DESNZ “Powering Up Britain” plans
The Government today unveiled its “Powering Up Britain” papers setting out the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero’s (DESNZ) approach to delivering energy security and net zero.
Biomethane is referenced in the “Enhancing Security of Gas Supply” section of the UK Energy Security Plan, setting out the steps that DESNZ is taking to make the UK energy system more energy independent, secure and resilient.
Chris Huhne, Chairman of the Anaerobic Digestion and Bioresources Association (ADBA) commented:
“At a time when other European governments are boosting biogas as a key part of their policy, this energy security strategy shows little grasp of the potential of the sector or what is needed to unlock it.”
At least biogas and biomethane are mentioned – an advance of last April’s energy security strategy – but words are cheap. We need action on planning, regulation, bankability, grid connections and more to give Britain home-grown green gas.
Anaerobic digestion, which generates biogas, is a mature, readily available technology that can be scaled up far more rapidly than nuclear (1) and also supports the decarbonisation of carbon-intensive industries such as transport and agriculture.
The AD industry currently produces the equivalent of 42% of the power generated by the current nuclear infrastructure. It has the potential to reduce the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions by 6% by 2030.
“There’s so much more that AD and biogas could be bringing to the table when it comes to Powering Up Britain.”
(1) an AD plant can be built within two years. [Just think how much more quickly AD plants can contribute to UK Energy Security than, for example, nuclear plants!]
-PRESS RELEASE ENDS-
“Our view on this is that climate change is a real and imminent threat to our world, and it is up to us to take action without delay. We cannot afford to waste any more time.”
We are thrilled to share that UK businesses are responding to the challenge. For example, 85 retailers have already pledged to make their operations, including supply chains, net zero by 2040 through the BRC Climate Action Roadmap.
However, we must also acknowledge that there is much work to be done, and the clock is ticking.
The government's recent announcement regarding the ‘Powering Up Britain – UK Energy Security Plan' contains some positive measures to increase renewable energy, move to zero carbon logistics and build green skills. But we need to go further, faster.
The entire agricultural industry and all those that are involved in organic waste processing must make urgent investment decisions on vehicles and infrastructure to reach net zero transport by 2035. But the lack of UK Energy Security Plan detail on how new vehicle models and technologies will be brought to market at scale is putting these investment decisions on pause.
We need to work together on matters such as using biomethane to power heavy transport vehicles much better than in the past to find solutions and accelerate progress.
The anaerobic digestion industry is ready and willing to work with the government to drive renewable energy generation, including through biogas plants.
We welcome action to speed up planning, but the government must do more to incentivize industry investment in this area. The race to net zero must be a collaborative effort, and we have an opportunity to harness the power of the Anaerobic Digestion Industry to drive down emissions and stimulate green growth.
My friends, let us not waste any more time. We have the power to make a difference, and we must act now. Together, we can create a sustainable future for generations to come and it's time for our politicians to begin to lead us in this.
Why is UK Energy Security Such a Major Issue in 2023?
Energy security is a major concern for both developed and developing countries in 2023, like never before. That is due to the effect of reduced Russian natural gas supplies which pushed up the international price to between 3 and 4 times in less than one year in 2022/2023. If nations had paid attention to their energy security and had planned their energy supply for diversification and as far as possible to draw supplies from markets over which they had financial control the world economy would now be in a much better place.
In the UK the problem of high gas prices and a complete lack of an energy security policy until now has been more acute than in many nations due to our early move away from the use of coal to natural (nonrenewable) gas. This and perverse UK market mechanisms have meant higher energy prices than in most other nations which will remain high for longer.
In this section, we will look at how biogas energy, specifically the production of biomethane from anaerobic digestion, can help to improve national UK energy security.
What are Biogas Energy and Biomethane?
Biogas is a renewable energy source produced naturally through anaerobic digestion. It is made up of methane, carbon dioxide, and other gases that can be converted into heat, electricity, or biomethane. Biomethane is a purified gas that is similar to natural gas and can be used as a transportation fuel, for heating, and to generate electricity.
The Role of Biomethane in Energy Security
Biomethane production from anaerobic digestion can improve energy security in a variety of ways.
First, by providing a domestically produced energy source, it can reduce a country's reliance on imported fossil fuels.
Second, biomethane can be produced from a variety of organic feedstocks, which reduces a country's reliance on a single energy source. Third, biomethane production can create economic opportunities for farmers and rural communities.
UK Energy Security Benefits of Biogas Energy for Energy Security
Biogas energy has several advantages in terms of energy security. It is a renewable and domestically produced energy source that can help a country reduce its reliance on imported fossil fuels. Furthermore, biomethane production from biogas can generate jobs and economic opportunities in rural areas while utilising organic waste and lowering carbon emissions.
Integrating Biogas Energy with Other Renewable Sources
The production of biomethane from biogas can be combined with other renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power. This combination has the potential to create a dependable and sustainable energy system, with biomethane acting as a backup for intermittent renewable sources.
UK Energy Security – A Conclusion
Biomethane production from anaerobic digestion has the potential to improve national energy security by providing a locally produced and sustainable source of energy.
Biomethane production can create economic opportunities and reduce carbon emissions by utilising organic waste and supporting rural communities.
Biogas energy and biomethane production should be considered as a key component of every country's energy mix, not least in the UK for its role in improving UK energy security as they seek to transition to a more sustainable energy future.
