Green Electricity Firm in UK Biogas Move

A British energy firm has announced its intention to supply homes in the UK with green gas – an unprecedented move.  Ecotricity describes itself as the first green electricity firm in the world and its plans involves waste-derived biogas produced through a process similar to composting where materials including food waste are broken down. 

Britain’s waste food production amounts to approximately 18 million tons per annum.  On this basis, Ecotricity’s venture could have the potential to supply waste-derived biogas to more than 700,000 houses in the UK. 

“We're the real British Gas now”, Ecotricity founder Dale Vince stated.  “We're kick-starting the market to move Britain from brown to green gas”, he added, highlighting how natural gas was a finite resource and that supply of it might end over the coming couple of decades.

Biogas Technology

Ecotricity’s ultimate plan involves the creation of biogas from rapidly up-and-coming 21st century technologies like particular forms of algae.  For the moment, UK domestic residences which register to receive the firm’s green gas will initially get ‘brown gas’ supplied, with the green gas to be supplied on an ever-increasing level in months to come. 

“By choosing green gas, customers can help unhook Britain from its addiction to foreign gas supplies, make a positive long-term change to the world we live in, and could also keep thousands of tonnes of waste out of landfill which could even help keep council tax bills down”, Vince added.

UK Biogas

Biogas is created when organic matter like food waste is broken down in a scenario where oxygen is absent.  In two years time, the British government is scheduled to usher in a new renewable heat incentive which will cover schemes like UK biogas initiatives, and which will offer financial rewards to companies and individuals who draw on renewable sources to produce heat. 

(UK consumer organisation) Consumer Focus representative Audrey Gallacher highlighted the benefits of Ecotricity’s scheme, but with a caveat.  “Green gas tariffs could be good news for customers who want to buy environmentally friendly energy”, she said.  “However, it must be made clear to any customer signing up that they are investing in creating a demand and supply of energy-efficient fuel for the future.”