ADBA welcomes network operators’ call for more biomethane

Today (July 14), the National Energy System Operator (NESO) published its 2025 Future Energy Scenarios: Pathways to Net Zero, reinforcing biomethane as a critical, low-cost solution for meeting Britain’s energy and climate goals. 

NESO emphasises that while decarbonisation efforts have begun, significant acceleration in biomethane production is imperative to realise affordable, secure and clean energy. 

ADBA (Anaerobic Digestion and Bioresources Association) welcomes this updated release, the first to explicitly consider the potential of biomethane on reducing the UK carbon emissions. We hope this is a first step to delivering real change for the UK and how the government approaches accelerated ambition for the sector.  

NESO’s Holistic Transition pathway has set out the need for a minimum of 64TWh of biomethane supply in the energy system by 2050, around double the estimate from the Biomass Strategy and nearly ten times today’s output.  

The number of mentions of biomethane in the report has also increased from 6 in 2024 to 57 in 2025. While conservative in relation to ADBA analysis, which shows the sector can go nearly twice as far as suggested in the FES by 2050, the report represents a great stride forward for the industry.  

“These future energy scenarios are a big step forward in recognising the valuable role that biomethane can play in the transition to net zero. The real value should become even clearer when the NESO produces its cost estimates as we have shown that biomethane can save billions in overall energy system costs.1 

“The FES also backs our view that there is no obstacle to speedy growth of the biogas and biomethane sector from lack of feedstocks. The UK has plenty of wastes and recyclable crops that will stand our energy transition in good stead.” 

– Chris Huhne -ADBA Chair 

 “This is a great first step in recognising the potential of biomethane and AD for energy security and decarbonisation of the UK. It is especially important to note that the only scenario that meets the UK Governments’ international decarbonisation commitments under the Paris Agreement is the scenario that deploys the most biomethane, clearly showing there is no net zero without AD.” 

– Dr. Gareth Mottram -Policy Lead ADBA 

 NESO warns that delaying action risks higher energy system costs and dependence on less sustainable fossil-based solutions. By contrast, widespread biomethane deployment helps decarbonise heat, power, and industry with minimal disruption. 

 The FES 2025 says government needs to give certainty around a long-term support mechanism to incentivise greater biomethane production. Long term policy mechanisms, beyond the Green Gas Support Scheme ending in 2028, will ensure a consistent pipeline of new production projects. These mechanisms should include the kinds of gas blending targets that have worked so well in France and Denmark.  

It also calls for clarity around the role of future low carbon gaseous fuel networks. A clearer vision is needed about the scale and role of biomethane in the future and what this means for optimal use of gas infrastructure. 

Finally, it recognises the potentially key role biomethane production can play in carbon removals. 

[1]https://adbioresources.org/newsroom/the-role-of-green-gas-in-net-zero/ 

– ENDS –

For further information, contact:

Alasdair Rogers, Communications Manager
e: alasdair.rogers@adbioresources.org; tel: +44 (0)20 8434 5407

Or

Jon Hughes, Head of Content/Editor in Chief

E: jon.hughes@adbioresources.org; tel: +44 (0)20 3176 0590

Notes to editors:

• The Anaerobic Digestion and Bioresources Association (ADBA) is the trade association for the UK anaerobic digestion (AD) and biogas industry. ADBA’s vision is to see the full potential of the UK AD industry realised so it can help the UK achieve its emissions targets and other policy goals, creating a truly circular economy. www.adbioresources.org
• Launched at COP22 in Marrakesh in 2016, the World Biogas Association (WBA) is the global trade association for the biogas, landfill gas and anaerobic digestion (AD) sectors, and is dedicated to facilitating the recycling of all organic wastes and residues through biogas globally. It believes that the global adoption of biogas technologies is a multi-faceted opportunity to produce clean, renewable energy, bioCO₂, natural fertilisers and other valuable bioresources while addressing energy and food security and resolving global issues related to development, public health, and economic growth. www.worldbiogasassociation.org