Unlocking the potential of Landfill Biomethane in the UK [Part 1: Current state]

The UK has long been at the forefront of biogas development, driven by a series of supportive policy frameworks. With a well-established biogas sector and a growing biomethane industry, the country has made significant progress in harnessing renewable gas sources. However, one key resource remains underutilized: landfill biomethane. 

As of the end of 2023, the UK’s biogas and biomethane sector has seen substantial growth: 

• 1,233 biogas plants, producing over 20 TWh annually 

• 120 biomethane plants (excluding landfill sites), generating 7.5 TWh per year 

• Landfill gas power generation accounts for approximately 3.2 TWh, with an installed capacity of 400 MW under the Renewable Obligation scheme 

Despite these figures, landfill biomethane production is not receiving the policy support it requires. Globally, landfill biomethane production is expanding rapidly, with successful projects across Europe and North America. Yet in the UK, the focus remains on landfill gas power generation rather than its conversion into biomethane for grid injection. 

By shifting incentives away from electricity generation from landfill gas and towards biomethane injection, the UK could unlock up to 5.5 TWh of additional biomethane from the country’s 100 largest landfill sites in the short term. 

Landfill biomethane projects leverage the same downstream technology and supply chains as anaerobic digestion plants, making it a low-risk, high-reward investment.