Farm-derived biomethane could cut UK net-zero costs by £174 billion

Supporters of farm-based biomethane claim the fuel can be delivered through current boilers, sparing families the expense of heat-pump retrofits and delivering an average annual saving of roughly £250 per household. They project the emerging green-gas sector could sustain up to 57,000 skilled jobs by 2050, with nine-in-ten located beyond London and the South East. By feeding biomethane straight into the national gas grid, advocates say the UK could cut its net-zero programme costs by £174 billion and lower imported gas dependence by 61 % by mid-century. Industry leaders warn that a lack of clear policy beyond 2028 and an oversubscribed support scheme risk losing momentum, while a government spokesperson notes the Green Gas Support Scheme is part of broader efforts to diversify heating sources.