Future Biogas and AstraZeneca bring the UK’s first unsubsidised biomethane plant online

• AstraZeneca is the first company in the UK with commitments to using biomethane at scale to fuel the discovery, development and manufacture of medicines.

• The Moor Bioenergy plant in Lincolnshire will supply 100 GWh of renewable energy annually to AstraZeneca UK, equivalent to 20% of the Company’s total global gas consumption, displacing approximately 18,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) emissions per year from fossil gas.

• This partnership supports AstraZeneca’s Ambition Zero Carbon goal to use 100% renewable energy for its own operations by the end of 2025 and achieve science-based net zero by 2045.

Future Biogas and AstraZeneca today announced that the UK’s first unsubsidised biomethane plant dedicated to fuelling the life sciences sector is operational. Located in Gonerby Moor, Lincolnshire, the plant will provide clean heat for all of AstraZeneca’s R&D and manufacturing in the UK, supporting sustainable production of medicines.

The plant, which will operate 24/7, will generate enough biomethane to heat the equivalent of over 8,000 homes a year and boost the UK's green energy capacity. This is another step towards the Company’s ambition to creating a cleaner, more sustainable future for people, society and the planet.

Liz Chatwin, VP, Global Sustainability and SHE at AstraZeneca, said, “We are committed to climate action and innovation in sustainability to decarbonise healthcare. By investing in unsubsidised biomethane capacity, we’re proud to contribute to reducing carbon emissions while strengthening the UK’s renewable energy infrastructure.”

The plant also features innovative carbon capture technology, which collects carbon dioxide (CO2) produced during biomethane generation. This CO2 can either be reused in other industries or in the longer-term it can be permanently geologically sequestered underground, removing CO2 from the atmosphere.

Feedstock supplied to Moor Bioenergy will be crops sourced close to the plant, with local farmers supported to drive sustainable farming practices. Five-year feedstock contracts will offer farmers greater financial security, helping to mitigate the challenges of fluctuating food crop prices and climate change. Feedstock will be certified by International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) – an independent body which verifies that crops are traceable and grown in accordance with strict social and environmental criteria .

Philipp Lukas, CEO of Future Biogas, said, "With the launch of Moor Bioenergy – the UK’s first unsubsidised biomethane facility in partnership with AstraZeneca – we are proving that innovation and bold vision can drive real change. This project is not only about generating clean, renewable gas, it’s a powerful call to all companies to decarbonise industrial gas and heat use."

About Future Biogas

Future Biogas is one of the largest producers of biomethane in the UK. Following investment from 3i Infrastructure plc and RWE Renewables, Future Biogas is working to reshape the biogas industry with its unsubsidised offering – Project Carbon Harvest. This project is helping decarbonise both agriculture and industry by making high-quality, unsubsidised green gas from sustainably grown inputs.

For more information, please visit https://www.futurebiogas.com.

About AstraZeneca

AstraZeneca is a global, science-led biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development, and commercialisation of prescription medicines, primarily for the treatment of diseases in Oncology, Rare Diseases, and BioPharmaceuticals, including Cardiovascular, Renal & Metabolism, and Respiratory & Immunology. Based in Cambridge, UK, AstraZeneca operates in over 100 countries and its innovative medicines are used by millions of patients worldwide.

For more information, please visit www.astrazeneca.co.uk.