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Power cuts raise questions for electrified future

On 9th August the lights went out for approximately 1.1 million electricity customers. Electricity failed, and although the power outage was connected to a lightening strike, it was just one of many and represents an apparently rare and unexpected event. The lightening caused simultaneous but independent power losses at Hornsea off-shore wind farm and Little Barford gas power station.

As we look to the future, to a world where we have achieved net zero emissions, many look to electricity as the answer. Now, a fully electrified future looks like it may not be the best option for guaranteeing energy security.

It is vital that our energy system is able to provide uninterupted energy for customers across the country. The lights going out is one thing, but a power outage cutting off the heat and immobilising the masses, is quite another.

It is therefore vital that green gas is not overlooked as we map out plans for our future energy system. Biomethane is a home growth energy source that cuts emissions in some of the hardest to decarbonise sectors, while preventing methane emissions from our organic waste streams. It is a ready to use technology that can be deployed now to help meet the urgent need to cut emissions in the next 10 years.

On top of that, biogas can be produced all year round and provides a form of energy storage in periods of low electricity supply from wind and solar, improving the security of our power supply. It is clearly a crucial part of our future energy mix.

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