The UK gas networks have submitted plans for the next regulatory period, running from 2026 to 2031, to connect well over 30TWh of new biomethane production capacity, according to the Institution of Gas Engineers and Managers (IGEM)1. The submission was set out alongside the launch of the Green Gas Taskforce (GGT), whose founding partners include Future Energy Networks (FEN), 10 of Britain's largest biomethane generators, shippers and traders, all five British gas networks and other green gas industry groups1.
The networks also intend to free up capacity in their pipelines for green gas through measures described as smart pressure control and reverse compression1. IGEM reports that 130 biomethane sites are already connected to the grid, with enough biomethane flowing through the network to heat up to one million homes1.
"The UK gas networks, have submitted ambitious plans for the next regulatory period between 2026 and 2031 to connect well over 30TWh of new production capacity"
Research by the bioeconomy consultancy Alder Bioinsights, presented at the taskforce's inaugural event and due to be published in full, indicates potential to increase biomethane production capacity at least tenfold by 20501. IGEM states the research points to sufficient sustainable feedstock in the UK to generate 50TWh of biomethane by 2030 and up to 120TWh by 20501. It puts 50TWh at 14% of current UK gas demand, and 120TWh at up to 90% of overall demand in 2050 under a scenario of significantly lower gas demand by then1. The same research is said to show gas volumes equal to the heating demands of over 10 million homes, or every home if combined with electricity through a hybrid heat pump1.
Biomethane is produced by anaerobic digestion of organic material such as food waste, sewage, manure and crops, and is described as low carbon or even carbon negative1. It is molecularly identical to fossil gas, so it can be supplied through existing pipelines and is compatible with existing gas systems used by households, commercial businesses and industrial sites1. IGEM states the analysis shows the government has significantly underestimated the potential biomethane production offers1.
| Measure | Figure |
|---|---|
| New capacity to be connected, 2026 to 2031 | Well over 30TWh1 |
| Biomethane sites already connected | 1301 |
| Existing network capacity | Heat for up to one million homes1 |
| Potential production by 2030 | 50TWh, or 14% of current gas demand1 |
| Potential production by 2050 | Up to 120TWh1 |
| Potential jobs by 2030 | Up to 60,000 skilled jobs1 |
Why it matters for households
Biomethane needs no change to pipes, boilers or appliances, because it is chemically the same as the fossil gas already delivered to homes1. That means additional volumes connected to the network raise the domestic share of gas supply that does not depend on imports, and the feedstock is described as domestic waste1. IGEM notes some households near production sites may already be heated entirely by biomethane without realising it1. The 2030 and 2050 figures are research estimates of feedstock potential, not committed capacity; the only firm commitment reported is the networks' 2026 to 2031 connection plan1. How much of the 30TWh reaches individual homes, and where, has not been reported.
What happens next
The Alder Bioinsights research is due to be published in full1. IGEM states that delivering the potential will require policymakers to embrace the research, set targets and provide industry support1. No government response, funding decision or regulatory determination on the 2026 to 2031 plans has been reported1.