When discussing climate change, methane emissions from cows attract much criticism and cause for concern. Now however it seems that cows are doing their bit to help the UK reduce its emissions from household heating.
Biomethane green gas which is usually a product of cow dung, leftover food and household sewage is being used to produce enough power to supply 770,654 homes, according to data from Energy Networks Association (ENA).
ENA claims nearly 109 biomethane green gas production sites are now connected to Britain’s gas grid, and that there are another 23 sites in the pipeline.
Further analysis also estimates food waste is providing enough biomethane to heat more than 211,000 homes.
Chief Executive of ENA, David Smith, said: “Homegrown, locally-produced green gas is a great way of reducing emissions from our heat and electricity production, especially when it comes to keeping Britain’s homes warm and lights on during the long, cold winter nights. These figures show how cow dung from our farms, leftover food from our restaurants and sewage from our water treatment plants have a huge role to play in reducing the carbon emissions from our towns, villages and communities, all whilst providing them with secure energy supplies.”
