The Anaerobic Digestion and Bioresources Association (ADBA) welcomed (on 12 December) a UK Government announcement of their plans to extend the Green Gas Support Scheme (GGSS) by two years to 31 March 2030. The news was officially delivered by Lord Alan Whitehead, Minister of State for DESNZ, as he addressed the ADBA National Conference on 10 December (pictured).
The extension of the GGSS provides essential policy stability for the UK’s rapidly growing biomethane sector, safeguarding investment and ensuring the continued development of new and existing anaerobic digestion (AD) projects, said ADBA. At a time when the UK must accelerate progress towards its net zero targets, strengthen energy resilience and reduce dependence on fossil gas imports, the new commitment marks a significant vote of confidence in the industry.
Chris Huhne, Chair of ADBA, commented: “This is exactly the certainty the industry needed. Today’s announcement demonstrates that the Government recognises the critical role biomethane plays in delivering net zero and bolstering the UK’s energy security. By extending the Green Gas Support Scheme, ministers are ensuring that investment can continue to flow and that new plants can continue to come online, delivering clean, reliable, home-grown gas. We now look forward to working with DESNZ on the long-term framework that will allow this industry to reach its full scale deployment.”
ADBA has repeatedly highlighted the risk of a policy cliff-edge and has called for continued support to maintain project momentum. The Government’s decision helps bridge the gap while work continues on a long-term successor scheme capable of unlocking the industry’s full contribution to future carbon budgets.
The UK’s biomethane industry has expanded significantly under the GGSS, supporting rural economies, reducing emissions from waste and agriculture and providing a dependable renewable gas supply. ADBA will continue working closely with ministers and industry partners to shape the next phase of policy and maximise the sector’s economic and environmental potential.
