Biomethane backed as rural growth engine in Scotland

Scotland could unlock £10bn of economic value and create about 8,000 jobs by dramatically expanding biomethane production, according to a new industry-backed report.

Launched at the Royal Highland Show at Ingliston by the Green Gas Taskforce and supported by SGN, the report claims Scotland has enough sustainable feedstocks to produce 19 terawatt hours (TWh) of biomethane by 2050 – equivalent to around half of the country’s current gas demand.

Welcoming the findings, climate action and rural affairs secretary Gillian Martin said biomethane had an important role to play in Scotland’s journey to net zero.

See also: What the biomethane revolution could mean for UK farms

“Biomethane and anaerobic digestion have an important role to play in Scotland’s transition to net zero, helping to reduce emissions while making better use of local resources,” she said.

“This report highlights the potential to support economic activity, including in rural communities, and strengthen our homegrown energy supply.”

Biomethane is a renewable gas produced through the anaerobic digestion of organic waste and agricultural feedstocks.

It can be injected into the existing gas network and used in homes, businesses and industry without requiring changes to boilers or other appliances.

The report estimates that expanding production could generate enough green gas to meet the equivalent demand of 76% of Scottish homes while supporting thousands of skilled jobs, many in rural areas.

According to the Green Gas Taskforce, only 2.5% of Scotland’s organic farm waste is currently used to produce biomethane, leaving significant scope for growth.

New income stream

Charles McAllister, director of the Green Gas Taskforce, said the technology could provide a new income stream for farmers while helping to decarbonise the energy system.

“Biomethane is a reliable, renewable and ready fuel with the potential to heat and decarbonise the equivalent of three-quarters of Scottish homes whilst providing a stable revenue stream to Scottish farmers,” he said.

The taskforce is calling on governments to set a national biomethane target and create a policy framework to encourage investment in new production plants.