Biogas plant spotting: Fuel for thought on the road to renewables
Over the past ten days, I had the chance to embark on a road trip through northern Europe, attending a friend’s wedding in the Czech mountains. Our journey took us through France, Belgium, and Germany on the way there, and on the return, we added Poland and Holland to our itinerary. As we cruised through the scenic European plains, I suggested a light-hearted game of “biogas plant spotting” to pass the time. While my teenage passengers initially groaned at the idea, the game surprisingly became a hit thanks to the sheer number of anaerobic digestion (AD) sites we spotted, which fuelled some rivalry.
While it started off as a bit of fun, by the time we counted nearly fifty biogas plants on our outbound journey, I began reflecting on the prominence of anaerobic digestion across Europe. Wind turbine spotting soon followed, and with a Google search revealing there are over 29,000 turbines across the region, that game quickly became too easy. The kids moved on to spotting yellow cars, complete with the obligatory punch in the arm. Boys will be boys!
Now, as I sit at my desk in the UK reflecting on “biogas plant spotting and our nation’s renewable energy strategy—especially considering recent changes by the new administration—I’m struck by how unclear the path forward seems, particularly when it comes to AD.
In contrast, the European Union is fully on board with anaerobic digestion, setting a bold target of 35Bcm of biomethane production by 2030 as part of its REPowerEU plan. Yet the UK’s stance on biogas seems more hesitant, potentially focusing more on electricity generation than gas. My recent journey across Europe allowed me to witness the hybrid renewable setups firsthand, and it prompted me to revisit ADBA’s roadmap for doubling UK biogas production by 2030.
ADBA’s 10-point Biogas Roadmap: A Plan for a Green Future
Earlier this year, ADBA (Anaerobic Digestion and Bioresources Association) laid out a comprehensive 10-point plan to the UK’s new government, calling for a rapid expansion of green gas production. This plan not only aims to address pressing environmental concerns but also seeks to strengthen the UK’s energy independence and security.
- Build 1,000 New Biogas Plants to Protect Against Price Surges
The 2022 energy crisis, sparked by geopolitical tensions, showed just how vulnerable the UK is to fossil fuel price volatility. By backing biogas plants with green gas contracts, the UK could shield itself from future price hikes, while creating 1,000 new AD plants by 2030. - Support UK-made Biofertiliser to Secure Food Supplies
Synthetic fertiliser prices have surged along with oil and gas costs. The biofertiliser, a byproduct of AD, could replace these synthetic options, helping to stabilise prices and keep UK food shelves stocked. - Clean Our Rivers and Beaches with AD for Farm Waste
Agricultural waste is a significant contributor to water pollution. Using AD on farms not only provides green energy but also addresses waste management and pollution, ensuring cleaner waterways. - Create 18,000 New Jobs in the UK’s Growing AD Sector
The AD sector is set to expand, and with ADBA’s roadmap, at least 1,000 new plants could create 18,000 skilled jobs across the UK by 2030. - Reform the Emissions Trading Scheme to Stop Penalising Green Gas
Currently, the UK’s Emissions Trading Scheme penalises biomethane as if it were fossil fuel-based, despite its role in methane abatement. Reforming this would encourage growth in the biogas sector. - Decarbonise Agriculture by Using Farm Waste for Energy
Agriculture is responsible for a significant portion of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions. AD offers a sustainable solution, helping to decarbonise the sector while providing a new source of energy. - Simplify Local Planning Approvals for New AD Plants
Many local authorities are unfamiliar with the AD approval process, creating unnecessary delays. Standardised guidance from the government could streamline the process and accelerate green gas plant development. - Ease Permitting and Grid Connections
Permitting delays remain a barrier to the growth of AD. By increasing funding for permitting bodies and simplifying grid connections, the UK can fast-track new projects. - Ban Food Waste from Landfills and Mandate Weekly Collections
Despite efforts, too much food waste still ends up in landfills. Mandating weekly food waste collections would ensure this valuable feedstock is used to produce green gas instead of rotting in landfills. - Curb Climate Change by Reducing Methane Emissions
Methane, a potent greenhouse gas, is a key contributor to short-term global warming. AD can help capture methane from waste, preventing it from being released into the atmosphere and significantly curbing climate change.
In the spirit of going further, I would make one addition:
- Improve Feedstock Conversion Efficiency
Single-stage AD systems are suboptimal, leaving a significant portion of feedstock undigested. By adopting pretreatment processes and dual-stage fermentation, efficiency could be dramatically improved, potentially doubling biogas output from the same footprint. This could be a game-changer in increasing renewable energy production without expanding land use.
ADBA’s 10-point roadmap, now with the potential addition of feedstock conversion improvements, not only aligns with the UK’s climate goals but offers a clear pathway to greater energy security and economic growth. As I look back on my recent trip, the widespread adoption of renewables across Europe stands in stark contrast to the UK’s more cautious approach. With the right policies in place, the UK has a chance to catch up—and biogas could play a crucial role in that journey.
