Project Carbon Harvest represents an unprecedented approach to AD in the UK. Our new anaerobic digestion (AD) plants will be the UK’s first to be developed without Government subsidies and the first to capture biogenic CO2 for geological storage.

As we break new ground – both literally and figuratively – we recognise the importance to understand and, where possible, influence the ever-changing policy landscape.

Future Biogas’ policy team actively engages with a broad range of external stakeholders – from politicians and government departments, to industry trade bodies and academic researchers. This engagement helps inform effective strategic decision making, propelling us to the forefront of the AD industry.

The following introduces some of the team’s key priorities:

Unsubsidised biomethane

Our policy team regularly meets with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) to explain how Future Biogas is managing to break away from subsidies. The government has established that the current Green Gas Support Scheme (GGSS) – set to close in 2028 – will be the AD industry’s last tariff-based support mechanism. DESNZ now wants to develop market-based policy capable of driving the development of new biomethane plants and delivering additional green gas – without spending taxpayer money.

Permanent GHG removals (GGR)

As members of the government’s GGR expert group, our expertise is helping shape the policy and regulations of the nascent removals sector. The UK’s Net Zero Strategy (2021) estimates that up to 80 million tonnes of removals will be required each year by 2050 – scaling up from the negligible levels delivered today. This growth will require the development of new reporting, monitoring and reporting standards, the construction of new infrastructure, and the introduction of supportive policy.

Regenerative arable farming

Future Biogas also engages with DEFRA to explain how biogas can support farms’ transition to more sustainable practices. Increasingly, policymakers are considering soil health – how to improve it, how to measure improvements, and how to incentivise these positive changes. As the government develops and expands the ELMS, new incentives could reward the use of digestate – recognising its ability to restore soils, displace artificial fertilisers and sequester carbon in soils.

Government engagement

Future Biogas regularly responds to calls for evidence and consultations from governments and private organisations.

In December 2023, we were invited by the Energy Security and Net Zero (ESNZ) committee to the House of Commons to give evidence on the role of bioenergy within the UK’s Net Zero energy mix - watch here.