ADBA national conference to explore groundbreaking links between biogas and GGR strategies for net zero
The Anaerobic Digestion and Bioresources Association (ADBA) is set to host its flagship National Conference on 10 December 2025 at One Great George Street in Westminster, London. The event is positioned as a critical platform to advance the UK’s biogas and biomethane sectors and to accelerate the nation’s journey to net zero emissions. Under the overarching theme "Biogas: delivering sustainable growth, energy security and a circular economy," the conference is designed to address a broad range of policy, innovation, operational, and market challenges facing the anaerobic digestion (AD) industry.
The conference programme, curated by a Content Steering Committee comprising leading UK experts and industry representatives, is structured to provide both strategic insight and practical knowledge for industry stakeholders. Key discussion points will include the latest policy developments for biomethane, next-generation nutrient recovery strategies, and the expanding local and international market demand for biogas. Break-out sessions will delve into specific areas such as food waste collection improvements, small-scale AD innovations, financial models including Feed-In-Tariffs, and environmental and skills challenges within the sector.
This year’s event gains additional significance following the recent publication of the Greenhouse Gas Removals (GGRs) independent review led by Lord Alan Whitehead. The review, commissioned by the UK Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, assesses how greenhouse gas removal technologies can support the UK’s net zero ambitions by 2050. Lord Whitehead will serve as the conference's keynote speaker, reflecting the close alignment between biogas production and GGR strategies. ADBA will also launch a report at the event detailing how integrating biomethane with GGR initiatives can enhance carbon reduction benefits and economic gains for the UK.
The conference will be chaired by Chris Huhne, former Energy and Climate Change Secretary and current Chair of ADBA. The speaker lineup includes prominent figures such as Toby Perkins MP, chair of the Environmental Audit Committee; Wera Hobhouse MP; Graham Leadbitter MP; Ilkem Yildiz from Unilever’s Global Utilities, Energy and Decarbonisation team; Dr Jonathan Scurlock, Chief Adviser on Renewable Energy and Climate Change at the National Farmers' Union; and other industry leaders and academics. Their participation underscores the conference’s significance as a convergence point for policymakers, industry, and innovators seeking to drive sector growth and sustainability.
Beyond policy and regulation, the conference will explore technical and operational issues such as methane slip, leak detection, and performance compliance to improve the environmental integrity of AD operations. Innovations in small-scale and off-grid anaerobic digestion systems will also be highlighted, along with discussions on the future role of combined heat and power (CHP) systems. Nutrient recovery and digestate management practices will be examined for their potential to support circular economy goals. Additionally, the impact of the UK’s ongoing Simpler Recycling rollout on AD feedstock streams will be considered, reflecting the sector’s need to adapt to evolving waste management policies.
This comprehensive agenda is designed not only to share cutting-edge knowledge but also to foster networking and collaboration that can help build a resilient and sustainable biogas sector. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with peers, government officials, and industry experts, facilitating partnerships that drive innovation and investment.
In summary, the 2025 ADBA National Conference stands as a crucial forum to push forward the UK’s anaerobic digestion and biomethane industries. By linking biogas development closely with national net zero strategies and GGR opportunities, the event seeks to catalyse sustainable growth while reinforcing energy security and circular economy principles.