Biomethane Business Case - Request for Information
Biomethane request for information questions
Purpose of this request for information
DfE is writing a business case to request funding from Treasury for a support scheme to subsidise the use of biomethane in industry. The aim is for this scheme to run from 2028-2035.
These questions are to build the evidence base for the business case specifically to show the level of supply and demand for locally produced biomethane.
The business case is still in development and subject to the necessary approvals. Answering these questions is not a guarantee of any future funding or guarantee of participation in any future support scheme.
The questions are aimed at two groups – biomethane producers and businesses interested in using biomethane.
All data will be held confidentially. The figures used in the business case will be anonymised and no businesses will be identified.
Privacy Notice
Please answer the set of questions relevant to your business.
Biomethane Producer questions
- What is the address of your current or proposed AD plant?
- Is your plant currently operational? If not, will it be operational by 2028?
- If your plant is operational, is your AD plant accredited to the NIRO? If so when does your accreditation end?
- Do you already have an end use/customer? If so, please list end use e.g., transport, gas grid injection etc
- Is your AD plant connected to the NI gas grid? Yes/No
- If not, would you be willing and able to connect to the gas grid by 2028?
- For 2028-2035, how much biomethane could you produce annually (GWh or MWh)? Please provide a breakdown for each year.
- Could you commit to a biomethane supply agreement for the full duration of the scheme (2028-35)? If not, when could you commit to supplying biomethane?
- As part of the scheme, at what 2026 price (p/kWh) could you supply biomethane? (Please fill in cost breakdown)
| OPEX Type | Cost |
| Feedstock: incl. both cost of the feedstock and transport | |
| Chemicals | |
| Digestate processing/management costs | |
| Propane | |
| Injection Costs i.e. Ongoing network charges associated with grid connection | |
| Labour | |
| Water charges | |
| Insurance | |
| Other annual costs / fees e.g. Energy costs, Maintenance | |
| Total OPEX | |
| CAPEX Type | Cost |
| AD plant infrastructure: incl. storage, digesters, gas purification equipment etc. | |
| Network Connection Cost: Incl. pipeline connection and any reinforcement cost associated with connection to the network (Note: this should not include ongoing network charges associated with grid connection) | |
| Gas compression plant | |
| Digestate processing plant | |
| Planning and development costs | |
| Other costs, if applicable e.g. other site development costs | |
| TOTAL CAPEX |
- Do you expect to get any associated revenue from co-products (e.g. biogenic CO2, biofertiliser, biochar, other services/products)? If so, please list approximate production quantities and say how this will impact the price you need to charge for biomethane as part of this scheme.
User questions
- Do you currently use biomethane as part of the heat needs for your business?
- Do you want to use biomethane as part of the heat needs for your business in the future?
- What is your main source of energy supply for your heat needs and how much do you use annually? (in GWh or MWh)?
- Are you connected to the natural gas grid?
- If so, how much natural gas do you use annually in GWh or MWh?
- How much do you currently pay for your natural gas supply (p/kWh)? (Please include any network transportation costs charged by your supplier)
- How much of your current heat supply would you be willing to replace with biomethane annually, as part of this scheme (in GWh or MWh)? Please provide a breakdown for each year 2028-35
- How much are you willing to pay (p/kWh) for biomethane supplied to your business as part of this scheme?
- Could you commit to a biomethane purchase agreement for the full duration of the scheme (2028-35)?
- What are the consequences for your business, if biomethane is unavailable to replace your natural gas supply within the next 5 years?