Trade body calls on Chancellor to support anaerobic digestion to achieve the UK’s energy security and net zero ambitions

Trade body calls on Chancellor to support anaerobic digestion to achieve the UK’s energy security and net zero ambitions

ADBA has written to Rachel Reeves MP, Chancellor of the Exchequer, ahead of the highly anticipated Spring Statement on 26 March 2025.

In a letter written by Chair and former Secretary of State Chris Huhne and Chief Executive Charlotte Morton OBE, and  supported by nearly 100 members and industry representatives, the Anaerobic Digestion and Bioresources Association (ADBA) calls for the Chancellor to back the anaerobic digestion (AD) industry and its potential to grow, help achieve net zero, and produce clean, sustainable, and secure energy. The letter highlights the possibility of more than 1 billion pounds of inwards infrastructure investment that may be available if the Government makes positive policy decisions for the biogas sector.

In the letter, ADBA explains that “AD currently produces more than 13TWh of biogas used to produce renewable electricity and over 7TWh of renewable gas. This is expected to reach a combined total of at least 30TWh by 2030, significantly contributing to the UK’s clean power objectives. AD power is often generated in rural areas, supporting small businesses, farms, and communities across the country. Additionally, it plays a crucial role in decarbonising wastewater treatment, food recycling, and the UK’s world-renowned food and drink manufacturing sector.

The letter goes on to say: “The sector is poised for rapid growth but requires positive action from your government to realise this potential. At least £1 billion of investment in the UK AD sector is waiting to be unlocked, with interest from global investors as well as homegrown British businesses.”

“If your government makes the right decisions and the Treasury provides further support to the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero”, he adds, “the AD sector will experience significant growth, attracting billions of pounds of investment in the coming years. This will ultimately help you achieve your key growth mission.

The sector is alive, ready, and capable of playing its part in delivering net zero while generating homegrown, cheaper, greener, and more secure energy for the future. However, it requires action from you and your government to reach its full potential.”

Read the full letter with ADBA’s specific asks to the UK Government

-ENDS-

For further information, contact:

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

Notes to editors:

• About ADBA
  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. adbioresources.org
• About the AD industry
  • There are currently 756 AD plants operational in the UK
  • The entire industry digests approximately 36 million tonnes of organic waste each year – organic material that would otherwise emit greenhouse gases including highly potent methane, if left untreated in landfill.
  • An estimated 21TWh of biogas is produced each year by the AD industry – this green gas is either used to generate electricity and heat via a combined heat and power (CHP) unit or upgraded to biomethane and injected directly into the national gas grid.
  • The industry currently delivers savings of 1% off the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions every year.
  • An estimated 4,800 people are currently employed in the AD and biogas industry in the UK.
  • Overall the industry grew by 5 per cent last year as the closure of older, smaller plants was outweighed by big-scale units feeding into the gas grid.
  • Fully deployed, by 2030, the UK AD and biogas industry expected to:
    • create 30,000 direct and 30,000 indirect jobs.
    • save the UK 27 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent = taking 1/3rd of all cars off the road, by 2030.
    • heat 6.8 million UK homes with the 8 billion m3 of biomethane generated

• How AD works

Anaerobic digestion (AD) is the natural breakdown of organic matter when deprived of oxygen in a container called digester. The process produces biogas and a residue called digestate – a stable, nutrient-rich substance used as a biofertiliser which restores soil health.