Politicians, farming leaders and energy experts have called for greater ambition to unlock the potential of production and use of biomethane in Wales, following a well-attended event at the Plaid Cymru Conference in Llandudno.

Organised by Wales & West Utilities and chaired by Abi Reader, President of the National Farmers Union Cymru, the event brought together an expert panel including Elwyn Vaughan MS, Chair of the Senedd's Economy, Energy and Connectivity Committee, Charles McAllister, Director of the Green Gas Taskforce, and John Owen, Lead Consultant at Lafan.

The discussion focused on the significant and untapped opportunity biomethane presents in helping Wales meet its net zero ambitions while supporting rural communities, strengthening energy security, providing stable and reliable revenue to farmers, and delivering economic growth.

The event outlined how biomethane, a renewable gas produced from organic materials including agricultural waste, can be transported through the existing gas network and used by homes and businesses in the same way as natural gas, meaning no changes are needed to end user equipment.

Recent analysis outlined in Wales' green gas opportunity has demonstrated that Wales has a major opportunity to become a leader in green gas production, with sufficient sustainable feedstock to generate 3 TWh of biomethane by 2030 and 10 TWh by 2050. That would be enough to meet almost half of Wales' existing economy-wide gas demand, or around 80 per cent of the gas used to heat Welsh homes today. Critically, these levels of green gas supply can be achieved without negatively impacting food production.

The report also highlights the economic prize on offer, showing that 85p of every £1 invested in biomethane remains in Britain, supporting local jobs, businesses and supply chains, while the wider green gas sector could generate £4 billion in Gross Value Added (GVA) by 2050. Biomethane offers the highest UK content of any low carbon or renewable technology.

Speakers at the event agreed that these figures make a compelling case for governments to accelerate policies that can scale up biomethane production and ensure Wales captures the economic and environmental benefits of this homegrown renewable energy source.

During discussions, it was agreed that Wales is uniquely placed to become a leader in biomethane production, thanks to its strong agricultural sector, rural economy and existing gas infrastructure. However, energy leaders warned that urgent action is needed to accelerate investment, provide policy certainty and remove barriers to deployment if the country is to realise these benefits.

Speaking after the event, Abi Reader said:

"Wales has all the ingredients needed to become a biomethane success story. Our farmers are already at the heart of producing food sustainably and biomethane offers a further opportunity to diversify farm incomes, reduce emissions and contribute to our energy future.

"The message from today's discussion was clear: if we are serious about delivering a just transition to net zero, we must ensure rural Wales, and its farmers, are part of the solution and benefits from the opportunities that transition creates."

Elwyn Vaughan MS added:

"Wales needs a balanced approach to decarbonisation that makes the most of all the technologies available to us. Biomethane has the potential to reduce emissions, improve energy resilience and support skilled jobs across our rural communities.

"The challenge now is turning potential into reality through the right policy framework and a commitment to scaling up production here in Wales."

Charles McAllister, Director of the Green Gas Task Force, said:

"Biomethane is a homegrown, proven, scalable and renewable source of domestic gas supply that can deliver carbon savings today while supporting wider energy system resilience.

"Wales has an opportunity to be at the forefront of green gas production, but achieving that will require ambition from policymakers and coordinated action across industry, agriculture and government."

Gwyn Thomas from Wales & West Utilities said:

"At Wales & West Utilities, we're committed to delivering a cleaner, greener energy future for Wales, and biomethane has an important role to play in that transition.

"Biomethane represents a major opportunity to strengthen energy security, support consumers and create investment and jobs in rural Wales. We look forward to continued partnership with NFU Cymru, the Green Gas Taskforce, Lafan and politicians to turn ambition into action."

The panel concluded with a call on both the Welsh and UK Governments to work with industry and the agricultural sector to create a clear roadmap for biomethane development, including support for new production facilities, investment in skills and supply chains, and policies and incentives that encourage greater deployment of renewable gases.