A scheme has launched that will certify that green gas is indeed what is says it is.
The
Green Gas Certification Scheme (GGCS) will track
biomethane transactions through the supply chain to ensure it is green and provide confidence in the
renewable gas sector. It has been established by trade group the
Renewable Energy Association (REA) and is being supported by a number of energy providers including
British Gas,
E.ON and
National Grid.
Biomethane, or green gas, is a form of renewable energy. It includes biogas from anaerobic digestion, landfill gas or syngas from synthetic gas production. National Grid says biogas could eventually supply up to half of the UK’s domestic gas needs.
A small number of 'biomethane-to-grid’ projects are now up and running and this number is expected to grow when the Government launches the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) this summer. The RHI will subsidise small generators of renewable heat.
"There is huge interest in renewable gas. I’m delighted that we’ve now got two sites up and running. More are set to follow once the Renewable Heat Incentive starts later in the year," said Gaynor Hartnell, chief executive of the REA.
Confidence in the market
Those behind the GGCS hope it will bring confidence in renewable gas for consumers and encourage green gas producers to inject into the grid.
"The Green Gas Certification
Scheme is a simple and reliable way to eliminate double-counting of registered green gas" said Steve Sharratt, chief executive of Bio Group, which operates Adnams Bio Energy plant in Southwold, Suffolk, and is a founding member of the GGCS.
John Pettigrew, National Grid's chief operating officer for Gas Distribution, also welcomed the scheme. "The Green Gas Certification Scheme is a great step forward for renewable gas, stimulating demand from consumers who want to reduce their carbon footprint."
The certification
scheme is open to green gas producers, suppliers and other traders. It is being managed by Renewable Energy Assurance Ltd, a subsidiary of the REA.
Like this story? Please subscribe to our free weekly e-newsletter at the top of the page for more content like this.
Related content:
Renewables
