Biomethane offers a practical route to decarbonising heat, transport and industry, while also strengthening energy security by making use of locally sourced waste streams and reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels. In doing so, it plays an important role in supporting the UK’s wider net zero ambitions.
What is biomethane?
Biomethane is a renewable gas produced from organic waste materials through anaerobic digestion or gasification processes.
The process involves breaking down the organic materials, resulting in a gas mixture primarily composed of methane (CH₄) and carbon dioxide (CO₂), with small amounts of other gases like hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) and ammonia (NH₃).
Biogas is not a fossil fuel. Fossil fuels, such as coal, oil and natural gas have been subjected to heat and pressure over millions of years. In contrast, biogas is produced from organic materials through relatively quick biological processes.
What are the benefits of biomethane in the UK?
As well as the environmental benefits, the sector could support up to 56,700 jobs by 2050, with average wages around 20% higher than the national average and many roles based in rural communities.
In addition, biomethane offers an 85% UK content advantage, meaning that for every £1 invested, 85p remains within the UK economy – the highest proportion of any renewable or low carbon technology.
To read the full report, visit the Green Gas Taskforce website.
How does biomethane support net zero?
Biomethane helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions by replacing fossil fuels with renewable gas generated from waste and sustainable feedstocks.
What is the difference between biomethane and natural gas?
Natural gas is a fossil fuel, while biomethane is a renewable gas produced from organic materials and waste sources.
How is biomethane produced?
Biomethane is produced through the treatment of organic materials such as food waste, agricultural residues and sewage. These feedstocks are broken down through anaerobic digestion to produce biogas, which then undergoes a purification process that removes carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, and water resulting in a clean fuel.
Can biomethane be injected into the gas grid?
Yes. Once treated, biomethane can be injected directly into existing gas networks. This allows it to be transported and used in homes, businesses and industry without requiring changes to existing infrastructure.
How does biomethane contribute to energy security?
By using locally produced organic waste and renewable resources, biomethane reduces reliance on imported fossil fuels. This helps improve supply resilience and supports a more diverse and flexible energy mix.
Biomethane and Future Energy Resources
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