In recent years, green tariffs have been becoming increasingly popular as customers become more and more aware of the impact their choices and energy consumption habits have on the environment.
But what exactly are green tariffs?
If a tariff is green, it means that the customer’s electricity is generated using renewable sources. These most often include:
- sun
- wind
- moving water
- earth’s heat
- organic plant and waste material.
That means that, in most cases, the energy comes from multiple renewable sources combined. Sometimes suppliers give customers the chance to source their electricity from just one source and offer, for example, 100% wind energy tariffs.
Green energy does not cause harm to the environment because it doesn’t use up its resources, doesn’t pollute the earth, and is renewable.
Some green energy sources are very popular as they have been around for longer and there are many suppliers that offer them. Others, such as green gas, are only entering the UK’s energy market so, sadly, getting using them to get your energy supply is not as easy.
How is green gas produced?
Green gas, which is also known as biomethane, is a great alternative to fossil fuels. It is made from renewable, biodegradable materials such as farm waste, human sewage, food waste, or agricultural crops.
Green gas is made at anaerobic digestion plants where bacteria are used to break down organic materials. This process releases biogas, which is later purified and turned into green gas. Then, biomethane is sent to the national gas grid and through pipes transported to homes and businesses in the UK.
Green gas works exactly like regular gas and can be used to heat your home, boil hot water, or cook.
Do you know what anaerobic digestion (AD) is?
It’s a process during which plant and animal materials, also referred to as biomass, are broken down by naturally occurring micro-organisms when in the absence of air.
The material that remains after biogas is produced can be used as a fertiliser so there is not much waste produced.
AD technology has been around for many years, but only recently has it started being commonly used to generate clean energy.
Is there enough green gas for everyone in the UK?
Green gas is a new type of renewable energy that is very clean and can help both the UK and the EU achieve net-zero by 2050. The EU says that in order to meet the goal of achieving climate neutrality by 2050, the production of biogas would have to be increased by more than 1,000%, however.
That shows how rare green gas currently is.
Currently, in the UK, there are more than 570 operational anaerobic digestion plants. Sadly, this is not enough to sell green gas at prices equal to those of fossil fuels. That also means that not everyone can have green gas. For now, there are simply not enough plants to produce green gas for everyone. Hence, tariffs that offer 100% are very rare and their prices tend to be higher than other renewable energy tariffs.
If you want to find out who green gas producers who are members of the Green Gas Certification Scheme are and where they are located, visit GreenGas. There, you will be able to check the plant name, its code, and the material it uses to create green gas. You can also have a look at the map where all the plants are marked.
The future of green gas
Just a few years ago, green gas couldn’t be found in the UK at all. Now, even though, its supplies remain limited, green gas is becoming increasingly popular. More and more suppliers include green gas in their fuel mixes, even if it accounts only for a few per cent.
Now that the EU and the UK are trying to show their commitment to tackling climate change, new targets are constantly being set. They aim to reduce carbon emissions and promote renewable energy sources, including green gas.
European politicians recognise that green gas and other renewable gases can greatly contribute to creating a fully carbon-neutral world. They also argue that the production of green gas could provide a new revenue stream for farmers, which highlights the additional benefits of promoting this source of energy,
For now, green gas is often looked at as an addition to electricity generated using wind or solar power. Nevertheless, it has the potential of becoming one of the main renewable energy sources in the next few years. The International Renewable Energy (IRENA) predicts that the production of it will grow significantly in the next few years.
What is Gas Goes Green programme?
Gas Goes Green programme brings together five British gas network companies to achieve the following objectives:
- Reducing carbon emissions in the UK but in a way that allows people to use their heating in the way they normally do.
- Delivering green gas to homes and businesses.
- Encouraging gas network companies to deliver long-term investment in local communities.
- Promoting clean technologies and green gas.
Gas Goes Green creates the world’s first zero-carbon gas grid, helping UK households switch to renewable gases. The initiative was developed because in order for Britain to combat climate change, carbon-emitting natural gas that most people use needs to be replaced with clean gases such as biomethane.
The programme aims to implement changes needed to convert 284,000km of gas network infrastructure to rely on hydrogen and biomethane. It hopes to deliver the zero-carbon gas grid by 2050. To achieve this goal, the programme will be organised around six key workstreams:
- Investing in net-zero – the programme will assess the role of gas networks in delivering cost-effective routes to the net-zero grid.
- Gas quality and safety – the programme will prepare for the safe transition to renewable gases and will ensure that these are of high quality.
- Consumer options – the programme will evaluate how the transition to the net-zero gas grid will affect customers.
- System enhancement – the programme will enhance the energy system to make the transition to renewable gases and the installation of new connections easier.
- Hydrogen transformation – the programme will outline the things that make the delivery of 100% hydrogen through the network safe and sustainable.
- External affairs and stakeholder engagement – the programme will show stakeholders why the transition to renewable gases is beneficial.
Should I switch to green gas?
Many people wonder if paying slightly more but have their energy sourced only from green gas is worth it. At Niccolo, we have the answer – yes it is.
Green gas is a clean energy source of the future, allowing domestic customers and business owners to achieve carbon neutrality and lower their impact on the environment.
There are many benefits of green gas and very few disadvantages. To find out more about them, have a look at the table below.
advantages of green gas | disadvantages of green gas |
Humans and animals will always produce waste so the world will never run out of materials to produce green gas. Green gas doesn’t exhaust the Earth’s valuable resources. Green gas can improve soil quality as the waste produced during its generation can be used as a fertiliser. By choosing a green gas tariff, customers help boost the local economy and support UK gas producers. When customers get their energy supply from green gas, they can verify exactly where and how their green gas is sourced. Green gas is non-polluting so you don’t have to worry about harming the environment. | The cost of producing green gas is relatively high compared to other renewable energy sources. Producing green gas can be challenging in big cities where firstly there is no enough space for anaerobic digestion plants and secondly there is less animal and agricultural waste to create biogas. Producing green gas can be difficult when the temperature drops. |
While there are some disadvantages associated with using green gas that’s the case with all available energy sources. Still, the benefits outweigh the disadvantages, making green gas a great option for everyone who cares about the environment.
Can I get a 100% green gas tariff?
If your tariff is fully green, you can be sure that you are doing everything you can to protect the environment. For now, not all UK suppliers offer green gas, and even fewer offer 100% green gas tariffs. Luckily, here at Niccolo, we do! There are also two other suppliers that give their customers the chance to enjoy 100% green gas tariffs. Have a look at who they are:
the supplier that offers 100% green gas | details |
Niccolo Gas | 100% green gas tariff is called Niccolo Gold Customers can enjoy 100% green gas backed by Renewable Energy Guarantees of Origin (REGO). |
People’s Energy | Energy supplier dedicated to offering competitive prices and protecting the environment. Business members can enjoy a 100% green gas tariff The company is currently working on a 100% green gas tariff for domestic customers |
Green Energy UK | The company was the first supplier in the UK to offer 100% green gas. Every kWh of their green gas is certified as green so customers can check where it’s sourced. |
If you’re interested in getting a 100% green gas tariff from Niccolo, get in touch today!
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