Political agenda: 16 December 2016

“Green gas has been left somewhat in the shade”

As the energy storage bandwagon has been gaining speed, and low-carbon generation chugging along relatively steadily, green gas has been left somewhat in the shade. However, this could be about to change.

Former shadow energy secretary Caroline Flint has taken up the green gas mantle and set out a four-point plan to help it “realise its potential”.

She, naturally, has the backing of the Anaerobic Digestion and Bioresources Association (ADBA), but also that of Matthew Bell, chief executive of the Committee on Climate Change, who said that AD will have a significant role in helping the UK meet its carbon budgets.

There is also growing momentum in the sector, as it has doubled in size over the past 12 months, with almost 90 plants injecting green biomethane into the gas grid.

The sector will be looking to business and energy secretary Greg Clark, and the BEIS ministerial team, to pick up on the good work and help push it forward.

So far, Clark has been quiet on the issue of green gas, but has spoken of his determination to ensure the UK hits its carbon budgets and plays its role in tackling climate change.

Putting some departmental focus behind green gas, especially given that there is growing and cross-party support for the technology, would be warmly welcomed.

Plus, for the government, it would help solve security of supply problems, boost UK business and the economy, and tick the green agenda box.