Thirty‑eight applications have been lodged to build new or expand existing UK biomethane plants, representing one of the most substantial surges yet in new UK capacity of this renewable energy.
Cadent, the UK’s largest gas distribution network, is now assessing these applications against its new ‘clustering’ approach.
The applications span Cadent’s UK area of operations, with 17 in the East of England, 13 in East Midlands, five in West Midlands and three in the North West.
This is the first set of projects to come forward under Cadent’s Ofgem‑supported cost‑sharing model, designed to reduce financial barriers by enabling developers in constrained areas to cluster and share reinforcement costs.
If taken forward, the projects would represent one of the most significant collective expansions of UK biomethane capacity to date.
Cadent already has 47 biomethane sites connected to its networks, delivering four terawatt hours (TWh) of energy, which equates to the annual gas usage of 351,000 homes. The company is aiming to grow this to 20TWh by 2035 – the annual gas usage of 1.8 million homes.
Biomethane is renewable energy because it is derived from continually replenished organic materials, including agricultural residues, sewage and food waste. It is increasingly seen as one of the practical, near-term options available to support the UK’s wider transition away from fossil-based energy sources.
Howard Forster, Chief Operating Officer at Cadent, said:
Biomethane is a proven technology – it’s here now, delivering real carbon savings today, and it will be a major part of our energy future.
To see 38 applications arrive in this first window shows the level of confidence developers have in the sector and in the new approach we’ve introduced. This is one of the strongest indications yet that the market is ready to grow at scale.
Our cost‑sharing, clustering model is doing exactly what it was designed to do: removing barriers, driving coordination, and helping more projects progress. We’re committed to working with developers to turn as many of these applications as possible into operational plants supplying low‑carbon biomethane into our networks.
Cadent’s Network Analysis teams are now reviewing the applications to identify opportunities for clustering and to confirm reinforcement requirements at each location. Developers will receive indicative reinforcement costs in the coming weeks before choosing whether to progress to the next phase.
The company says the response demonstrates strong, sector‑wide momentum behind biomethane and the effectiveness of targeted reforms in unlocking new renewable gas capacity. Earlier this month, Cadent confirmed that the cumulative amount of biomethane to enter its gas network had exceeded 1.5 billion cubic metres.
Although the first application window is now closed, Cadent plans to hold more. Developers can make contact with Cadent at [email protected] to register interest. You can also find more information at cadentgas.com/bioentry
Cadent is the UK’s largest gas distribution network with a 200-year legacy. We are in a unique position to build on strong foundations whilst encouraging the curiosity to think differently and the courage to embrace change. Day to day we continue to operate, maintain and innovate the UK’s largest gas network, transporting gas safely and protecting people in an emergency. Our skilled engineers and specialists remain committed to the communities we serve, working day and night to ensure gas reaches 11 million homes from Cumbria to North London and the Welsh Borders to East Anglia, to keep your energy flowing.
Here at Cadent we support the Government’s plans to reach Net Zero by 2050. That means we’re backing the introduction of hydrogen as a low carbon alternative to natural gas for the future. We know people love the controllability of gas and, with our network already in place, it makes sense to switch to the lower carbon alternative offered by hydrogen, which we believe can keep homes and businesses warm for generations to come.
Cadent manages the national gas emergency service free phone line on behalf of the gas industry - 0800 111 999*
Cadent Gas Ltd is owned by a consortium of global investors.
*All calls are recorded and may be monitored.
