Thursday 12 August 2021

‘Net zero is unachievable without anaerobic digestion’

Anaerobic digestion is being worryingly overlooked as an answer to slashing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

That is the claim made by the World Biogas Association (WBA), which has warned not to underestimate what anaerobic digestion can provide; producing biogas, biomethane and biofertiliser from organic wastes that emit methane.

In light of the IPCC’s recent report, the WBA claims it could help deliver the ‘rapid reductions in GHG emissions and in particular methane’ that the report states are needed to address climate change.

The WBA has also referenced the International Energy Agency (IEA) and UN Environment Programme (UNEP) as other bodies calling for biomethane to decarbonise the energy sector.

Charlotte Morton, WBA Chief Executive, commented: "Research from the WBA and other biogas trade bodies has demonstrated our industry's potential to deliver a huge reduction in global GHG emissions, especially methane, within the next few years.

"Crucially, anaerobic digestion, the technology that produces biogas, also known as renewable natural gas or biomethane, is ready to deliver on that potential now.

“The British government must show the leadership required in speedily committing to an integrated strategy that will deliver the full potential of anaerobic digestion in the UK by the end of the decade and in ensuring that all other countries follow suit.

“Without anaerobic digestion fully deployed, it will simply be impossible to keep below 1.5 degrees by 2030, nor to achieve net zero by 2050”