UK Government’s plans to scale up biomethane production

A LEADING food waste expert has welcomed the UK Government’s plans to ramp up green gas (biomethane) production which will heat around 230,000 homes

In August, the UK Government announced a £2bn Green Homes Grant, which will fund up to two-thirds of the cost of upgrading the energy performance of UK homes, impacting more than 600,000 homes in England, and saving people up to £600 per year on their energy bills.

A consultation was launched on a Green Gas Levy (22 Sept) as part of the Government’s plans to scale up biomethane, reduce emissions from the gas grid and help the UK reach its net-zero target.

Kevin Quigley, commercial director at food waste recycling and sustainability firm, Warrens Group, has welcomed the consultation as a significant step in the right direction to integrate biomethane into the Government’s net-zero strategy.

He said: “At Warrens Group, our fundamental purpose is to collect food waste and convert it into energy. Our passion is to strengthen ties with all organisations and communities in our local area to help address the UK Government’s Net Zero target by 2050.

“Our solution is one with longevity and reduced impact in comparison to environmental issues caused by traditional methods of food waste disposal.”

Fully deployed, the biomethane industry could deliver a 6% reduction in the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and provide heating for 6.4 million homes, creating tens of thousands of jobs and boosting energy and food production security.

Kevin added that the UK Government must not lose sight of its food waste recycling strategy in order for this to be successful.

He said: “It’s vital that the Government continues with its food waste recycling strategy as if we can’t source the feedstock then we won’t be able to generate the biomethane needed.”

Warrens Group has worked with local authorities, schools and businesses from a wide range of sectors over the years, to assist them with ideas on best practice, provide practical recommendations for operational improvement and help them achieve efficiencies.

“Our objectives have always been to remain industry leaders, driving change from traditional fossil fuel to biogas, minimising our carbon footprint through prevention and redistribution and catering to the UK Government’s Net Zero goals,” said Kevin.

As early adopters of the latest technologies and methods, Warrens recognises that natural gas is the future, leading them to embark on the exploration into the innovative possibilities available through the use of compressed natural gas (CNG).

The team has also committed to achieve a target of six CNG vehicle replacements per year for the next six years, enabling them to replace all of their diesel vehicles by 2025.

As part of Warrens Group’s ongoing efforts, it has installed a biomethane filling station, capable of fuelling 200 vehicles per day and it guarantees no losses in transmissions of gas from conversion to filling.

“Our stakeholders have been integral to the success of our initiative and we have received very positive feedback to drive our passion and ongoing commitment to the people and environment we serve.

“Biomethane is a really cost-effective way to decarbonise the UK’s heating infrastructure.”