Green gas from anaerobic digestion to be used in Heathrow terminals

Heathrow Airport has announced an agreement with ENGIE for the replacement of natural gas with 100 per cent green biomethane from anaerobic digestion, across all terminals until March 2022.

There is also the option to purchase more green gas if its requirements exceed the estimated consumption over the contract period.

Matt Gorman, Heathrow’s Director of Sustainability, said: “The UK aviation industry has made a firm commitment to get to net zero by 2050, at the very latest. On our journey to rapidly decarbonise every aspect of the industry, we are proud to be partnering with ENGIE to significantly remove carbon from our gas supply, a move that has also helped us to gain carbon-neutral status.”

The biomethane is certified under the Renewable Gas Guarantees of Origin (RGGOs) Scheme as being wholly derived from anaerobic digestion, and will be injected into the grid by a number of producers using different feedstocks – all within the UK – delivering a number of benefits to Heathrow and the wider environment.

As the gas is produced in the UK, this agreement also supports UK energy resilience with accredited and traceable guarantees of origin; reducing Heathrow’s reliance on traditional market routes for energy sourcing.

Kevin Dibble, Divisional CEO for Energy Supply at ENGIE UK & Ireland, added: “We are delighted to be using our expertise in supporting Heathrow Airport’s ongoing drive to reduce environmental impact. This demonstrates our commitment to working with our customers to achieve their sustainability goals and help them transition to a lower carbon future.”