Biomethane and Britain’s National Gas network
National Gas enables the safe and efficient injection of biomethane into the National Transmission System, supporting decarbonisation, energy security and the transition to a low‑carbon economy.
Biomethane is a proven, low‑carbon energy source that can play an important role in reducing emissions while making use of existing gas infrastructure. National Gas provides the technical expertise, system access and operational assurance needed to integrate biomethane into Britain’s gas network safely and reliably.
Biomethane in the energy transition
Biomethane is a low carbon gas produced from the treatment of organic waste, including agricultural residues, food waste and sewage. Through a process of anaerobic digestion and upgrading, the gas is refined so it meets the same quality requirements as natural gas and can be safely transported through the existing gas network.
Once upgraded, biomethane is chemically similar to natural gas and can be used in the same way - for domestic, power generation and industrial processes - without any change to appliances or infrastructure at the point of use.
The National Energy System Operator (NESO) has recommended to the government that UK supplied biomethane should increase to 36TWh by 2035 and 64TWh by 2050.
The role of biomethane in the energy system
Biomethane forms part of a broader suite of low‑carbon gases that will be required to decarbonise Britain’s energy system. It offers an immediate opportunity to reduce emissions from power and industry and homes, while strengthening energy resilience and making productive use of organic waste.
Biomethane can be incorporated into the existing gas network, meaning that existing infrastructure and established technologies can continue to be used.
It can:
- Contribute to lower‑carbon energy supply and decarbonisation without changing how energy is used by gas customers
- Support energy security by increasing domestic gas production
- Make productive use of organic waste streams
- Complement other low‑carbon solutions such as hydrogen and carbon capture and storage
Our role is to enable the safe integration of biomethane at scale, while maintaining security of supply for homes, businesses and industry.
Why connect to the National Transmission System?
National Gas plays a critical role in supporting the growth of biomethane and low‑carbon gases across Great Britain. Biomethane producers can connect directly to the National Transmission System, enabling access to a resilient, nationwide gas network and a broad range of end users.
Our role in biomethane
No capacity constraints
There is no limit on the volume of biomethane you can inject into the National Transmission System. This provides flexibility for producers as sites expand and production increases over time.
Access to a national market
The National Transmission System comprises around 5,000 miles of pipeline spanning England, Scotland and Wales. Connecting to the transmission system gives producers access to a Britain‑wide gas market, rather than being constrained to local distribution demand.
Simplified gas requirements
Producers connecting to the National Transmission System do not require propanisation or odorisation, helping to reduce complexity and connection costs compared with other networks.
Direct access to high demand customers
The National Transmission System connects directly to major industrial hubs, including large power stations and energy intensive industries. This enables biomethane producers to supply customers with consistently high gas demand.
Consistent infrastructure across Great Britain
It’s the same network wherever you are located. Whether your project is in Scotland, Wales or Cornwall, the National Transmission System provides a uniform, reliable pathway to market.
Supporting the energy transition
By enabling greater volumes of biomethane to enter the transmission network, National Gas is helping to decarbonise the gas system, strengthen energy security, and support a balanced transition to a low carbon energy future.