House of Commons Event: Greening the Gas Grid without Subsidy

The event focused on decarbonising the UK gas grid without government subsidy and its role in achieving net zero and improving energy security. Over 50 people attended from a range of backgrounds, from politicians and civil servants, to press, trade bodies, academics, and industry professionals. The event highlighted the significance of biomethane in decarbonising the UK economy, especially in sectors with high heat demand and limited electrification options.

Event Outline

The event opened with an introduction by Rachael Burford, Chief Political Editor for the Evening Standard, emphasising the importance of gas in the UK energy mix and highlighting the lack of political focus on greening the gas grid. This followed by some introductory statements from the panellists, which included:

1. Bill Esterson MP, Chairman of the Energy Security and Net Zero Committee and the event sponsor.

2. The Lord Redesdale, political leader in UK energy decarbonisation.

3. Howard Forster, COO of Cadent Gas.

4. Philipp Lukas, CEO of Future Biogas.

The introductory statements highlighted the importance of biomethane in supporting the UK’s net zero ambitions: readily recognising its proven history both in the UK and internationally for decarbonising heat demand at scale. The Lord Redesdale emphasised that biomethane is here and ready to deliver.

The conversation quickly moved onto discussing the unsubsidised model and how this works for AstraZeneca. Philipp Lukas highlighted the journey that AstraZeneca went on reducing their energy requirements before looking to purchase biomethane. The importance of unsubsidised being that they cannot be accused of using taxpayer money to fund their decarbonisation.

Following this, the wider attributes of a strong anaerobic digestion industry were discussed. Decarbonisation of agriculture, improving UK soil quality and biodiversity, and creating robust carbon removals were all highlighted as key benefits. Audience member Jonathon Scurlock of the National Farmers Union (NFU) made the point that this model is paramount to ensuring economic and environmental stability in UK agriculture.

Conclusions

The overall response was positive, a call to action to make critical policy changes and establish the UK as a global leader in renewable gas production. The event will provide valuable insights for the Energy Security and Net Zero Committee and Future Biogas will be following up with event attendees to invite them to visit the first unsubsidised site, Moor Bioenergy, when it is operational in the new year.