Ecotricity logotype
/Our news/2016/Ecotricity unveils plan to make gas from grass

Our news

    Browse archives
    Our news

    Ecotricity unveils plan for Britain to make its own gas – from grass

    Press enquiries

    If you are a journalist with a media enquiry, please contact our Press Office by email at pressoffice@ecotricity.co.uk

    For all other general enquiries, please call 01453 756 111 or email home@ecotricity.co.uk.

    By Maya Maloney
    18 Nov 2016
    Ecotricity unveils plan for Britain to make its own gas – from grass - Image 2

    Ecotricity has today unveiled its plan for Britain to make its own gas from grass, grown on marginal farmland, of which Britain has enough to heat almost every home in Britain.

    Ecotricity outlines the potential in a new report – Green Gasmills: The Opportunity for Britain – which shows that green gas from grass could provide all of the gas needs for 97% of Britain’s homes, pump £7.5 billion annually into the economy, and create a new industry with up to 150,000 jobs.

    Additionally, green gas made this way is virtually carbon neutral, so could play a significant role in Britain meeting its climate targets, and creates new habitats for wildlife on an unprecedented scale. 

    Ecotricity has just received permission to build its prototype ‘Green Gasmill’, the first of its kind in Britain.

    Dale Vince, Ecotricity founder, said: “As North Sea reserves run out, the big question is where we’re going to get our gas from next. The government thinks fracking is the answer, but this new report shows that we have a better option. 

    “Recently, it’s become possible to make green gas and put it into the grid, in the same way we’ve been doing with green electricity for the last two decades. The current way of doing that is through energy crops and food waste – but both have their drawbacks.

    “Through our research, we’ve found that using grass is a better alternative, and has none of the drawbacks of energy crops, food waste or fracking – in fact, it has no drawbacks at all. 

    “Our first Green Gasmill has just been given the go-ahead, and we hope to build it soon – though that does depend on whether government energy policy will support this simple, benign and abundant energy source. 

    “As our report shows, the benefits of Britain making its gas this way are astounding. And in the light of this new option available to us, I call on Teresa May to review the government’s plan for where Britain gets its gas – post-North Sea. 

    “We now have a more than viable alternative to fracking, which people have been fighting tooth and nail up and down the country to prevent. It’s not too late, because fracking hasn’t started yet. We need a proper review of where Britain gets its gas from – we can either frack the countryside or we can grow the grass. It’s that simple.” 

    Making green gas from grass will cut carbon emissions, help Britain become energy independent, support food production by improving soils, create wildlife habitats, and provide support for farmers who are set to lose EU subsidies following Brexit.

    Lynne Featherstone, Liberal Democrat MP Minister: “If the government would only throw its weight behind green gas, it would go a long way to delivering on our renewable heating targets and secure our energy for the future. I am very grateful to Ecotricity and others who want and are willing to push forward on this vital part of our energy mix.”

    Doug Parr, Chief Scientist and Policy Director of Greenpeace UK, said: “As long as it’s not competing with food production, green gas like this project can be really helpful in getting the UK onto a cleaner and lower carbon path. Agriculture need not simply be part of the problem in tackling climate change, but through innovation it can be part of the solution, and improve wildlife habitats at the same time.”

    Similar articles

    allplants join the plant-powered revolution – and they have a treat for new Ecotricity customers!

    This month, we’re proud to partner with allplants, the pioneers behind ready meals with a difference. Not only are we partnered with them, but we’re also powering their kitchen!

    More
    Manifesto book with long shadow

    Get the book!

    Manifesto out now

    Shop
    Dale Vince portrait with bandana

    Zerocarbonista.com

    Our founder Dale Vince shares his thoughts on the green revolution

    Explore the site

    Don’t just take our word for it…

    Ecotricity is recommended by
    Ethical Consumer Best Buy logo
    • Our story
    • Our mission
    • Our manifesto
    • 28 years of Ecotricity
    • Ecotricity innovation
    • Walking the talk
    • Our partners
    • Our news
    • Your green energy
    • Ecotalk
    • Solar power export
    • Smart meters
    • Britwind
    • Carbon Footprint Calculator
    Ecotricity logotype

    Climate Clock

    The Climate Clock is a version of the Doomsday clock that has been running since 1947 - this tracks the risk of global man-made disaster, through man made technology (like nuclear weapons) - displaying the minutes and seconds left before midnight, when disaster strikes. The climate crisis is a small part of the calculations made.
    The climate clock uses a similar approach, but, focuses only on the climate crisis - which is the biggest and most urgent existential threat we face.
    "The Climate Clock is a countdown to the biggest man-made disaster we face - but also a measure by which we can track our progress - moving from fossil to renewable energy. It shows we have no time to lose - the clock is ticking…" Dale Vince, OBE.