Biomethane has been connected from a farm in Cambridgeshire to the Gas National Transmission System (NTS) ‘for the first time’ at the end of July, according to the National Grid Group.
Murrow Anaerobic Digestion (AD) plant in Cambridgeshire, operated by Biocow Ltd, produces the renewable gas made from cattle manure and straw.
The recently established pipeline will support flows of up to 15,000 standard cubic metres per hour, enough for the annual gas consumption of 10 average households every hour.
Ian Radley, Head of Gas Systems Operations at National Grid said: “Alongside hydrogen, biomethane will play a critical role in the journey to Britain achieving net zero.
Alongside hydrogen, biomethane will play a critical role in the journey to Britain achieving net zero.
“We’ve collaborated closely with Biocow on this innovative project to ensure we met their needs and ultimately successfully connected their site to the National Transmission System; supporting the transition to a low carbon economy and paving the way for similar projects in the future.”
Chris Waters, Managing Director of Biocow Ltd said: “This joint project with National Grid is a very important first step in Biocow’s keen commitment to continue pioneering new and innovative ways to inject green gas into the grid.
“We look forward to continued collaboration with National Grid in the future as we continue to develop our site at Murrow.”
The Anaerobic Digestion and Bioresources Association (ADBA) says AD has a ‘central’ role to play in waste policy in the UK.
According to ADBA, of the 674 anaerobic digestion (AD) plants in the UK, just over 100, treat solely food waste, over three times as many treat agricultural wastes and 164 wastewater, while the rest treat a combination of different organic wastes.
ADBA says AD is a widely available ‘circular economy technology’, which has been recognised as the preferred technology for managing residual food waste, as acknowledged in the recently published Policy Connect report, which called for more focus on energy from waste in the UK’s waste policy.