ADBA CEO gives evidence on Gas Generation Strategy

ADBA PRESS RELEASE

Emphasising the strategic importance of biogas and its potential in oral evidence given to a hearing of the Energy and Climate Change Committee this morning [13 Feb] on the Gas Generation Strategy, Charlotte Morton, Chief Executive, the Anaerobic Digestion and Biogas Association, called for greater coherence of policy in support for anaerobic digestion and biogas, as the Strategy promises for other forms of unconventional gas.

Charlotte Morton, chief executive, ADBA said:

The omission [of biogas from the Gas Generation Strategy] is an extraordinary one. The government has already recognised the potential of anaerobic digestion within the Coalition agreement, however the support could be much greater. Given that we actually have a strategy for gas generation it seems bizarre that biogas – one of the best ultra-low carbon, domestically produced forms of gas – has not been considered.

 

The UK is one of the leaders in this technology, which can deliver 10% of the UK’s domestic gas demand, helping to address security of supply as well as green growth and the potential for a significant export market.

 

The growth of the industry is dependent on access to feedstock. Inclusion of biogas within the remit of the Office of Unconventional Oil and Gas would help to address the incoherent policy framework that currently affects the biogas market, by bringing oversight within one body.

Supporting Morton’s comments on the unique advantages of biogas, Professor Roger Kemp, IET Energy Policy Panel, told the Committee:

Biogas can be stored and as a result could help reduce the required peak electricity capacity. The present subsidy regime does not appear to recognise the additional benefit that could be gained by the upgrading of biogas to biomethane and the heat that could therefore be stored.