We are looking at the standards required of Biomethane upgraded from biogas generated from landfills and anaerobic digestion (for it to be considered non-waste). A quality protocol would encourage its use as a fuel via the gas grid and in transport.
The solid and liquid outputs from anaerobic digestion (digestate) already benefit from a Quality Protocol. However, the methane rich gas produced from the treatment of waste does not. At the moment, biogas produced by the treatment of waste by anaerobic digestion, in landfills, and it’s subsequent upgrade to biomethane, may be considered a waste.
What are the benefits?
The Quality Protocol will bring regulatory clarity about the point at which biomethane is no longer regarded as a waste. It will also help to establish a consistent set of standards required in order to facilitate direct injection to the gas grid and use in vehicles that shall reduce costs for operators.
Current status
We have developed a quality protocol setting out proposed criteria for the use of biomethane, produced from biogas generated at landfills and anaerobic digestion treatment plants. This will apply where it is used as fuel for vehicles or supplied through the gas grid. The quality protocol will help to ease the regulatory burden on businesses by defining when the material ceases to be waste, no longer subject to waste management controls and will also make a contribution to renewable power.
Get involved
We are carrying out an online public consultation for 8 weeks. It opens in April 2012. Your feedback and opinions are important and will help us review the proposed biomethane quality protocol. Please make sure you visit our online consultation using the link below.
