UK Government to Explore Biomethane for Dispatchable Energy Support 

UK Government to Explore Biomethane for Dispatchable Energy Support 

The UK Government has announced a fresh initiative to evaluate the use of biomethane as a dispatchable energy source to enhance the flexibility of the country’s power systems.  

This move is detailed in the Clean Flexibility Roadmap for energy, which forms part of the government’s broader “Clean Energy Superpower” strategy to maintain grid stability while achieving higher renewable energy penetration. 

It marks a breakthrough moment for ADBA and the biogas industry with government for the first time recognising the strategic potential of the sector beyond simply being a supplier of heat and energy.  

The flexibility report recognises that unlike intermittent sources like wind and solar, biomethane can be stored and released when needed – when the sun doesn’t shine or wind doesn’t blow – offering a reliable, low-carbon backup that leverages existing gas infrastructure without requiring massive new grid investments. 

At the turn of the year, ADBA issued the landmark report The Role of Green Gas in Net Zero, which detailed how the cost of meeting Britain’s net zero targets in 2050 could be nearly £300 billion less than official projections if biomethane was used as back-up to wind and solar generation.  

The savings from greater use of home-grown renewable gas would amount to £415 every year for households over the period to 2050. ADBA’s analysis was undertaken with Business Modelling Applications, drawing on the AI-computer model used by Whitehall. 

The roadmap makes 17 references to biomethane and lists actions relating to this green gas that include: 

• Government working with the Network Energy Systems Operators (NESO) to clarify the role of biomethane in providing low carbon dispatchable power and refine its vision for biomethane’s 2030-2050 role alongside hydrogen and gas. 
• Ofgem and DESNZ enabling an increase in the injection of biomethane into the gas network which could deliver more low carbon dispatchable power. 

The government’s Clean Flexibility Roadmap was prepared by DESNZ, Ofgem and the National Energy System Operator, the key organisations governing the UK’s power supply, and issued on 23 July.

Its importance is self-evident. The report states, “The publication of this Clean Flexibility Roadmap with Ofgem and NESO marks a critical milestone in the government’s Clean Energy Superpower Mission. It is a pivotal document that will guide industry, government, regulators, consumers and other stakeholders as we collectively focus on achieving this mission.” 

For further information contact

Gareth Mottram, Policy Lead, ADBA
E: Gareth.Mottram@adbioresources.org