The UK Anaerobic Digestion and Bioresources Association (ADBA) is continuing to urge the UK Government to support the growth of the anaerobic digestion (AD) and biogas industry as a significant player in addressing the climate emergency and achieving the UK's Net Zero by 2050 target.
Charlotte Morton, ADBA Chief Executive, said, "We welcome the PM's calls for investment in cleaner, greener technologies. We, however, need action, and as far as the AD and biogas industry is concerned, we are still seeing too little commitment from the UK Government to realize our sector's potential. AD is a mature, readily available technology which can significantly reduce the carbon footprint of hard-to-decarbonize sectors such as heat, transport and agriculture. It also recycles organic wastes into valuable green resources to create a sustainable circular economy in line with the Government's Resources and Waste strategy.”
Evidence is piling up of the positive role that AD and biogas can play across multiple sectors. The UNFCCC has recognized biogas as an important player in addressing climate change and urges all countries to ensure it is included in their Nationally Determined Contributions. Last December, Chris Stark, CEO of the UK Committee on Climate Change, told ADBA’s National Conference delegates that "the role of AD and biogas in the next decade is pivotal, and without it, we won't reach our Net Zero goal by 2050.”
The National Farmers Union also highlights the pivotal role AD plays in decarbonizing farming and in achieving their Net Zero by 2040 goal.
"This summer", Morton continued, "we will be hosting the World Biogas Summit in Birmingham, which will demonstrate the vital contribution biogas makes around the world – the industry could reduce global emissions by at least 12% by 2030. A few months' later at COP26, the eyes of the world will be on the UK to provide the leadership needed in the fight against climate change. We are in last chance saloon. The UK cannot achieve Net Zero without biogas. Nor can the rest of the world. The PM must demonstrate his commitment by taking the necessary steps to promote the deployment of biogas in the UK to its full potential as a matter of urgency if we are to meet our climate change objectives. Actions speak louder than words."
