Gas from non-conventional sources – such as biomethane and coal bed methane – is likely to play an increasingly important part in our gas supply. It has the potential to contribute to both energy and environmental objectives. Biogas produced from renewable sources, by anaerobic digestion or gasification of biomass materials, can contribute significantly to the UK’s renewable energy targets.
The UK Renewable Energy Strategy (RES) (links to National Archives version of this website)) said that “the Government, in partnership with Ofgem, the gas grid companies (National Grid and the Gas Distribution Network Owners), and trade associations (from the gas and renewables sectors), is publishing guidance to the GB gas regulatory regime aimed at potential biomethane producers”.
On 29 December 2009 DECC published a document entitled Biomethane into the gas network: a guide for producers that discharges this commitment.
It outlines the main legal, technical and regulatory requirements specific to the gas market in Great Britain. This will help producers of biogas, who may not have considered injecting it into the gas grid, to make an informed choice between the various marketing options.
Prospective producers of biogas/biomethane are strongly advised to seek further information and advice from the relevant Gas Distribution Network, and from professional advisers such as legal and technical engineering advisers.