The Department for Energy Security & Net Zero (DESNZ) has announced an extension to the Green Gas Support Scheme (GGSS), set up to provide tariff-based support for biomethane produced via anaerobic digestion (AD) and injected into the gas grid, as a direct replacement for natural gas.
Following a Mid-Scheme Review consultation earlier this year, the application submission date has now been extended to 31st March 2028. It is expected that this will provide sufficient time for prospective applicants to apply for and commission the scheme before it closes.
Launched in November 2021 the GGSS policy is set by the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero and administered by Ofgem, who are responsible for assessing and, where appropriate, registering GGSS applications that have been submitted. Assessments are made based on the evidence submitted with the application and the circumstances specific to the biomethane production plant.
The Anaerobic Digestion & Bioresources association (ADBA) welcomed this news, with their chair, Mr Chris Huhne, saying:
“This extension of the application deadline for the Green Gas Support Scheme is great news for the industry. It follows the recommendation we had made to DESNZ in response to the mid-term scheme review they issued back in March. We had specifically requested at least two more years to allow AD operators to put the appropriate contracts and infrastructure in place to achieve the GGSS-eligibility ratio, and this will enable them to do so.”
“This also means that we can expect a good amount of new biomethane plants coming online in the coming years – driving a spike in sector growth similar to when the Renewable Heat Incentive, Feed In Tariffs and Renewable Obligation schemes were introduced. Not only is this good for the industry, it’s also great news for society as a whole, as we address the impacts of climate change and seek to ensure energy and food security in the UK.”
