You have to give associations in the UK a break when it comes to trying to create schemes to help with energy efficiency and renewable energy. There are many different schemes available to homeowners and now the UK’s Renewable Energy Association has established the Green Gas Certification Scheme, launched at the beginning of the year. This blog looks into the scheme, what it is, the advantages and how it will impact the future.
Looking for a more sustainable source of gas? With the Green Gas Certification Scheme you gas could get a lot greener.
Green Gas Certification Scheme (GGCS)
The GGCS basically tracks biomethane, or “green gas” through the supply chain to provide certainty for those who buy it. The scheme was founded by the non-profit association working with Bio Group, British Gas, E.ON, National Grid, Milton Keynes Council, Thames Water and CNG Services Ltd. The aim of the scheme is to eliminate double-counting of registered green gas and give the consumer confidence in the gas they purchase and in the green gas sector.
What is biomethane?
Biomethane is a “green gas” and a form of renewable energy. It can be made from biogas from anaerobic digestion, landfill gas or syngas from synthetic gas production. All the sources it comes from create it through the gasification of biomass and removal of carbon dioxide. When biomethane is injected into the grid it replaces the same amount of conventional gas. With the increasing demand for renewable forms of energy and heating, UK gas producers are converting gas straight into biomethane creating a greener source of gas.
Anaerobic digestion
During the absence of air, a bacterium goes through a natural biological process called anaerobic digestion. Natural materials are broken down into biogas and stable fertilisers. Biogas are formed of 60% methane and 40% carbon dioxide and the waste that produces biogas is mainly food, domestic, agricultural and industrial waste.
Landfill gas
Landfill gas comes from the chemical reactions and microbes that come from waste. It is a less reliable source as it depends entirely on the waste in the landfill site. The gas produced is controlled by the following:
- Its chemical make up
- Number/type of bacteria
- Thermal conditions
- Amount of moisture present.
Synthetic natural gas
The thermochemical process of gasifying organic materials creates syngas. It contains methane, hydrogen, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide. Syngas can come from many sources of biomass such as paper, sewage and agricultural waste.
What are the advantages of the Green Gas scheme?
No double-counting
The Green Gas Scheme tracks green gas through the supply chain ensuring no double-counting of gas. This makes the scheme transparent giving consumers confidence in this energy sector.
Gas supplies
Natural gas is a fossil fuel and we have to face up to the fact that it is running out. It is also not good for the environment with regards to CO2 emissions. By making our own green gas we will become more self-sustaining as a country and when the fossil fuels do run dry, the UK won’t be affected.
The future
We need to take action on an individual level to encourage gas companies to go green so that the transition to being entirely self-sustaining is as smooth as possible. Ignorance won’t work here. We need to raise awareness about the imminent lack of fossil fuels and the controversial process of fracking, one way in which gas is extracted at the moment. If individuals demand a product, the industry will respond appropriately.
Do you already use green gas in your home? Were you aware of the Green Gas Certification Scheme before you read this article? Tell us your story below.
