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The Anaerobic Digestion and Bioresources Association (ADBA) is pressing the UK government for an urgent timetable to include biomethane in the emissions trading scheme (ETS), which currently categorizes biogas alongside fossil fuels. This classification is hindering billions in potential investments in an industry vital for job creation in economically disadvantaged areas. ADBA chair Chris Huhne has expressed bewilderment at the government’s sluggish response to rectify what has been acknowledged as a significant oversight.

Energy Security and Net Zero Secretary Ed Miliband has endorsed biomethane as a viable and cost-effective route to achieving net zero emissions. In a recent discussion, he recognized the importance of policy certainty in fostering investment and sector-wide growth.

He noted that his department is working on proposals for a consultation regarding a future biomethane policy framework, with plans to release these by the end of the 2025-26 financial year. This framework will respond to feedback gathered from an earlier call for evidence in February 2024.

However, the ETS authority has yet to determine how biomethane can be integrated into the trading scheme, leaving a cloud of uncertainty over the sector's growth. Charlotte Morton, OBE, chief executive of ADBA, acknowledged the government’s interest in supporting the anaerobic digestion industry, but stressed the need for a clear timetable to prevent UK companies from falling behind. She emphasized the necessity of confirming that carbon captured from anaerobic digestion can be transported through alternative methods, rather than solely through pipelines, to facilitate timely investments in what is the most cost-effective form of carbon capture and storage available.