Biomethane is a ‘meaningful contribution’ to UK’s target, says IGEM

Pictured above: IGEM’s CEO Oliver Lancaster (left) visiting the Glenrothes Biomethane site.

When the UK Government announced a more challenging target to reduce the UK’s emissions, the news was welcomed by the Institution of Gas Engineers and Managers (IGEM) in its 2021 policy paper Engineering a Sustainable Gas Future. “Government and industry must act with urgency,” the paper says. “IGEM sees the potential for increased biomethane injection, hydrogen blending and hydrogen for transport all offering a meaningful contribution to the UK’s 2030 target.”

The paper highligts how IGEM’s authoritative technical work also directly supports the use of other gases that will help decarbonise the energy system, such as the growing number of biomethane connections to the gas grid and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) for transport applications.

Despite the challenging nature of such ambitious targets, the good news is certain infrastructure is already in place, for example through “the existing network of gas pipelines,” according to IGEM’s 2022 Policy Position Paper Resilience in our Future Energy Mix. Natural gas should be replaced with a combination of hydrogen and biomethane, working in partnership with an increased use of electricity, the paper says. Analysis shows that a balanced combination of low carbon gases and electricity is the optimal way to decarbonise the UK energy system.

Look out for IGEM’s publications and activities — including its exhibition stand # J40 at the World Biogas Expo, taking place on 9-10 July at the NEC Birmingham, United Kingdom. Register free at www.biogastradeshow.com .  Kelly France, Senior Communications Manager at IGEM: “Make the most of this opportunity to connect with industry experts driving the future of sustainable energy.”