Anaerobic digestion (AD) is a process where organic matter is broken down by bacteria in an oxygen-free environment, producing biogas and digestate (the matter left over post AD).

The biogas is mostly methane, the primary component of natural gas, and once upgraded to biomethane, can replace fossil fuels for transport and heating. The digestate is rich in nutrients and is a valuable fertiliser for soil restoration, as shown in the diagram above. Managed the correct way, crop-fed anaerobic digestion can provide an environmentally friendly way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, prevent pollution, and conserve fossil fuels through renewable energy. It supports a circular economy by recycling nutrients into natural fertilisers.

Future Biogas is one of the largest producers of biomethane in the UK, currently working with over 400 farmers to produce renewable gas to heat over 40,000 homes. It is pioneering the UK’s first subsidy-free biomethane (green gas) project to produce green gas from the anaerobic digestion of locally grown energy crops. The project seeks to decarbonise food production and make farms more resilient to the effects of climate change by combining profitable break crops with regenerative farming approaches and optimal use of digestate as part of a high-quality, soil positive rotation.

Carbon dioxide (CO₂) removed from the atmosphere by the energy crops and produced as a by-product of the green gas process will be captured. This can then be liquefied and sent for permanent geological sequestration under the North Sea. That way, while reducing the carbon footprint of the farm and delivering zero carbon green gas, the plants will also deliver a net reduction of CO₂.



This opportunity to diversify income, decarbonise farm inputs and gradually rebuild soil health will also enhance the natural ecosystem services of the surrounding natural environment. Key to this is the return of organic matter, key plant nutrients and an active soil biology back to the farm through applications of digestate, displacing fertilisers made with fossil fuels. Project Carbon Harvest focusses on supporting farmers in the transition to more regenerative land practices, encouraging the custodianship of UK soils whilst boosting biodiversity and wildlife on farm.

Optimised offers solutions that support businesses in the transition to a net zero economy. As everyone needs energy, the procurement and renewable strategy teams ensure that its clients access glean energy and technology to decarbonise, connecting with advisory and building optimisation to reduce consumption and carbon throughout their operations. Advisory and risk management services help renewable energy generators sell green gas certificates and enable profitability.

A shared responsibility to reduce climate change pace and impact, whilst adapting to a warming world, means that we need to look at how we use, reuse and waste biproducts of our personal and corporate operations. The first step is to optimise buildings and operations to use less energy. To power and heat, we choose renewable sources of energy, such as green gas. Unavoidable waste, in our homes and businesses, can become valuable resources in a circular economy.

World Soil Day helps us remember how vital the ground is. Let’s celebrate it by looking after it, today and every day.