Biogas industry trade association ADBA has used the UK government treasury's own model to cost the investment needed to achieve Net Zero in the UK. They have found that net zero cost could be drastically reduced if they stopped ignoring the potential of maximising “green gas” from biogas. In this their latest PR they explain that using the UK government's computer model shows that fully developing biogas power would result in a massive reduction in the bill.
The rest of the world “gets it”, so how long will it be before the penny drops in UK government circles? Will they ignore this ADBA PR too?
Read on for the shocking news about this huge waste of every UK citizen's money in the press release below:
Anaerobic Digestion & Bioresources Association PRESS RELEASE – 8 December 2024:
NET ZERO COST COULD BE CUT BY MORE THAN £400 A YEAR FOR EVERY BRITISH HOUSEHOLD
The cost of meeting Britain’s net zero targets in 2050 could be nearly £300 billion less than official projections, according to new analysis drawing on the computer model used by Whitehall.
The savings over the period to 2050 – equivalent to £415 for every household every year – would come about from a greater use of home-grown renewable green gas in the energy mix.
Green gas could also save £22 billion in capital and operating costs in just the next six years in meeting the Government’s goal of a clean power system by 2030 – £133 a year for each British household.
The analysis draws on the AI-assisted whole energy system model used by the UK’s Department of Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) and the National Energy System Operator (NESO).
Green gas is made from rotting organic matter – food waste collected from homes and supermarkets, farm manures and slurries, industrial waste like whisky mash, rotational energy crops, and wastewater sewage sludge.
The use of green gas – biogas and biomethane – has not been analysed in the official computer modelling studies commissioned by civil servants despite its rapid growth in the United States and mainland Europe.
The analysis conducted by BMA (Business Modelling Applications) using its AI-assisted DecisioTM whole energy planning system was commissioned by the UK’s green gas association, the Anaerobic Digestion and Bioresources Association (ADBA).
The study compared the National Energy System Operator’s (NESO) 2024 Pathways to Net Zero with a projection that allows green gas to replace more costly parts of the transition to net zero.
Green gas saves money by keeping our lights and heaters on when there is little wind and no sun, economising on much bigger investments in intermittent renewables that are otherwise needed to ensure security of supply.
The study projects a £36 billion saving in offshore wind investment (an 18 per cent reduction) and £10.5 billion saving in onshore wind investment (a 36 per cent reduction). Smaller savings in nuclear power stations, transmission investment, and hydrogen production have also been identified.
The net overall cost saving from using more green gas in the transition to Net Zero is assessed at £298 billion, or nearly 7.5 per cent.
Like the official forecasts, the study foresees that the economy is likely to be far more electric than today, but it finds cheaper ways of maintaining resilient power with green gas back-up.
Biomethane is a good substitute for fossil gas and is easy to store both in the existing gas grid and in storage facilities like the old Rough gas wells in the North Sea. It can also be converted into hydrogen cheaply with low conversion losses, unlike the process of making hydrogen from electricity.
“Biomethane is the big green battery that can keep us warm and well-lit in dark winters more cheaply than other identified pathways to net zero” said Chris Huhne, the chairman of ADBA. “This study is a wake-up call to look at more cost-effective options for net zero”.
Dr Gareth Mottram, ADBA’s policy lead, said: “This analysis shows the value of biomethane as a turn-on, turn-off energy source that can significantly cut the costs of operating the whole energy system. Biomethane is the perfect complement to intermittent renewables like solar and wind.”
READ THE FULL ANALYSIS REPORT HERE
Chris Huhne and Dr Gareth Mottram can be contacted through the ADBA press office: please call Jocelyne Bia on +44 (0)7910 878510 or +44 (0)20 3176 0592 or email jocelyne.bia@adbioresources.org.
— NET ZERO COST PR ENDS —
About ADBA
The Anaerobic Digestion and Bioresources Association (ADBA) represents the UK’s anaerobic digestion (AD) and biogas industry. Their mission is to unlock the full potential of AD technology, reducing net zero cost, helping the UK meet emissions targets and build a circular economy. Learn more at adbioresources.org.
About BMA (Business Modelling Applications)
BMA is a UK-based leader in software and AI-powered decision intelligence. Their innovative tools, like the Decisio™ platform, combine advanced AI, data management, and net zero cost analytics to help organisations make smarter, faster decisions. Specialising in complex planning for asset-intensive businesses, BMA focuses on boosting financial performance and managing risks. Discover more at businessmodelling.com.
About Biogas and the Current State of Development of Anaerobic Digestion Technology in the UK:
Green Energy and the Role of ADBA
What is ADBA?
The Anaerobic Digestion and Bioresources Association (ADBA) represents the green gas sector in the UK. This sector plays a crucial role in recycling organic waste into two valuable resources:
- Energy, such as biogas for heating and electricity.
- Eco-fertiliser, which supports sustainable agriculture.
Across the UK, nearly 750 anaerobic digestion (AD) plants are actively contributing to a greener future.
Household Context in Great Britain
Key Figures
- The latest data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows there are 28.4 million households in the UK.
- For the island of Great Britain (excluding Northern Ireland), the household figure is slightly lower, estimated to be 800,000 fewer than the UK total.
Energy Costs
- The typical annual electricity and gas bill for households is approximately £1,738.
- This figure is based on the price cap set by Ofgem for the January to March period.
Comparing ADBA's Approach to the Net Zero Strategy
Financial Benefits of ADBA's Approach
When compared to the National Grid Electricity System Operator (NESO) 2024 Pathway to Net Zero, ADBA’s approach offers substantial savings:
- £298 billion in net present value (NPV).
- The savings account for both operational (opex) and capital (capex) costs over time.
- These figures are calculated using a 2% real interest rate as the discount rate.
Why Does This Press Release Matter?
The savings highlight the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of prioritising biogas and AD technology in the UK's journey to net zero emissions.
Summary Table
| Aspect | Figures/Details |
|---|---|
| UK Households (ONS) | 28.4 million |
| GB Households (Estimate) | 800,000 fewer than UK total |
| Typical Annual Energy Bill | £1,738 (Jan–Mar, Ofgem price cap) |
| Savings (NPV) with ADBA model | £298 billion (compared to NESO Net Zero Pathway) |
| Discount Rate for NPV | 2% (real interest rate) |
ADBA's Biogas Industry Takeaway
ADBA’s quest is transforming waste into value, providing sustainable energy and fertiliser while saving billions on the path to net zero.
With nearly 750 plants nationwide and measurable economic benefits, anaerobic digestion is the most neglected cornerstone of the UK’s green energy strategy.
