ADBA brought together members and industry experts at its Spring Members Meeting on 30th April 2025 at Coventry University. The event covered critical updates across policy, methane mitigation, technical innovation, and government engagement. With attendees from multiple sub-sectors within the AD industry, it stimulated vital discussion and knowledge sharing at a pivotal time for the sector’s development.
Policy and Market Update | ADBA Policy Team
Dr Gareth Mottram provided the semi-annual policy and market update, highlighting ADBA’s extensive engagement with government consultations:
The Consultation Landscape
- ADBA submitted responses to 12 major government consultations totalling 254 questions, 90 pages, and over 34,000 words
- Recurring topics of consultations included ETS scope expansion, infrastructure, CO₂, and investment
- Key submissions included Land Use Consultation, Invest 2035: the UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy, and Electricity Infrastructure Consenting in Scotland
- Critical areas included ETS pricing that currently penalises biomethane, delayed food waste collection implementation, and planning inconsistencies
Current Market Conditions
- The AD sector comprises 754 operational plants with 2,987 MWbiogas capacity
- 130 biomethane plants producing 117,310 m³/hr of biomethane for the gas grid
- Gas prices showing stable trends with potential for near-term rises
- Fertiliser prices experiencing steady climbs, reinforcing the value of digestate
- RTFC prices showing medium-term growth, supporting biomethane economics
Growth Potential
- Biomethane could reach 50 TWh by 2030 (8% of gas demand) and up to 120 TWh by 2050 (20-90% of future demand)
- Diverse feedstock opportunities from rotational crops, waste streams, and sewage sludge
- Significant potential for carbon removal through biogenic CO₂ capture
Public Affairs Update | ADBA External Affairs Team
Cameron Ball highlighted ADBA’s ongoing engagement with government stakeholders and political representatives:
- Continued dialogue with government departments to ensure AD sector interests are represented in policy development
- Engagement across party lines to build support for the AD industry’s role in achieving net zero targets
- Strategic positioning of biomethane as a critical component of UK energy security
Innovative Tech Spotlight: High-Sulphur Spent Carbon Reactivation
Matt Gough from CPL Puragen Activated Carbons presented breakthrough technology for high-sulphur spent carbon reactivation:
- New processes extending the life of activated carbons used in biogas upgrading
- Significant cost savings for operators through enhanced carbon regeneration
- Environmental benefits through reduced waste and improved resource efficiency
Methane Emission Mitigation: ADCS as the Comprehensive Solution
The ADBA Technical Team addressed critical questions around methane monitoring with their presentation “MEAD is Right? LDAR is sufficient… The Answer is ADCS”:
- Anaerobic Digestion Certification Scheme (ADCS) provides a comprehensive framework for monitoring and managing methane emissions
- ADCS offers superior performance compared to traditional LDAR (Leak Detection and Repair) methods
- Implementation helps operators meet regulatory requirements whilst demonstrating environmental responsibility
- This certification scheme addresses policy risks around fugitive methane emissions that could impact the sector
Update from Government | DESNZ Representatives
James Davis, Head of Biomethane Team at DESNZ provided insights into government policy direction:
- Government commitment to supporting biomethane as part of the energy transition
- Recognition of AD’s role in achieving net zero targets
- Ongoing development of frameworks to support sector growth whilst ensuring environmental protection
Implications for AD from the New Land Use Framework | ADBA Policy Team
Dr Gareth Mottram outlined how the new Land Use Framework will affect AD operations:
- Single AD plants deliver multiple simultaneous benefits – emissions reduction, renewable energy, soil health, food production, waste management, and energy resilience.
- AD creates complementary rather than competing systems for food, fuel and climate objectives.
- Policy reforms required – incentives, frameworks, obligations, planning streamlining, and capital support.
- Infrastructure needs – data systems and training programmes for optimal deployment.
- AD supports government priorities – biodiversity, climate adaptation, circular economy, and rural diversification.
Update from Gas Data | Dr Daniel Lee, Technical Director
Dr Daniel Lee provided updates on data management and technical standards:
- Latest developments in gas quality monitoring and reporting
- Technical requirements for biomethane injection into the gas grid
- Best practices for data collection and compliance
Audience-Led Discussion: Tell us Your Problems!
The discussion session allowed members to raise key challenges:
- Direct dialogue between members and ADBA leadership on sector issues
- Identification of priority areas for ADBA advocacy and support
- Commitment to address member concerns through policy and technical initiatives
Key Outcomes and Next Steps
Based on member feedback, ADBA will be introducing additional policy and political insight calls throughout the year to ensure members stay informed of rapid developments affecting the sector.
ADBA’s Priority “Sector Deal” with Government
- Stop penalising biomethane in ETS pricing to defossilise energy
- Make biomethane eligible for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP) status
- Introduce Permitted Development Rights (PDRs) for injection conversion and small on-site waste AD
- Accelerate greenhouse gas removal (GGR) allowances from AD
- Implement gas blending mandates and renewable fertiliser obligations
- Support three future revenue streams: energy, carbon allowances, and nutrients
Charlotte Morton OBE, ADBA Chief Executive, emphasised the association’s dedication to supporting members through these dynamic times, whilst Chris Huhne, ADBA Chair, reinforced the sector’s core message: “There is no net zero without AD.”
The Spring Members Meeting reinforced the AD sector’s critical role in achieving net zero targets whilst addressing practical challenges through innovation, sound policy, and collaborative industry efforts.
ADBA extends its gratitude to Coventry University and Professor Benny Tjahjono, Professor of Sustainability and Supply Chain Management, for hosting the event and their assistance throughout. We also appreciate their insightful comments that enriched the discussions and provided valuable academic perspectives on the AD sector’s development.
For more information, contact our Policy Team at policysupport@adbioresources.org.
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