A rural biomethane plant with green-domed digesters and metal chimneys, surrounded by crop fields and trees, under a partly cloudy sky, showcasing sustainable energy production.

Biomethane Producers

Our aim is to facilitate new entry connections to our gas distribution network that will enable biomethane producers to inject their renewable gas into our network.

Biomethane connections

Biomethane is a renewable gas. It is made from biodegradable matter such as food waste, sewage or energy crops. It has a key role to play in a low carbon economy.

Britain has a comprehensive network of gas pipes reaching over 80 per cent of UK homes. We don't need to make any changes to appliances or the gas network to use biomethane. We want to increase the amount of renewable gas we have on our network. And we want to make it as simple as possible for producers to connect to our network.

Quick links

Get Started

Here you will find out more about the steps you need to take to register to make connections to our network and the various processes we need to follow with you. Don't worry, we’ll stay in touch along the way to make sure it's going smoothly and you’re happy with everything.

Initial enquiry
Complete our initial enquiry form and we’ll carry out a high level analysis free of charge, to check whether a connection is possible.
Detailed Analysis Study (DAS)
For a small fee, we can undertake further analysis to check available network capacity. We aim to provide this within 30 days.
Apply to connect
Once you have received your DAS, complete and submit an application to connect.
Contractual agreement
We aim to provide you with a Connection Offer within 3 weeks of receiving your application.
Technical assessment and design
One of our technical team will be in touch to plan your project in more detail. You will need to submit a design against the agreed scope.
Build and installation
We will provide you with a ‘design acceptance’ to allow works to begin. You will need to provide as-laid records once the works are complete.
Testing and commissioning
We require evidence that all site testing is satisfactory before granting you authorisation to commission.
Project completion
Once you provide a complete record for your project, we will carry out a financial reconciliation.

How to get connected

You have decided you want to inject biomethane into the Cadent network. Please find below our eight key steps which will guide you through the connection process.

These have been split into two key areas:

The commercial element of the process is detailed in steps 1-4 below. Here you will find the guidance, and documents you will need to complete when you are progressing through each step.

Please note: If you’re a developer and would like access to detailed capacity maps, we’ll need to put a Non-disclosure Agreement in place, but our team is here to guide you through the process and support your project every step of the way.

You complete our initial enquiry form providing the following key information:

site location
postcode
estimated flow rate - standard cubic meters per hour (scm/h) of biomethane for injection into the pipeline grid network

We perform a high level network analysis and mapping to assess whether a connection is possible.

We will talk to you about this once the Initial Enquiry has been completed.

Costs

There is no charge to you for this activity.

Timescales

15 working days

Initial enquiry form

Complete our application form to apply for a Detailed Analysis Study report (DAS). The DAS will provide you with;

Network entry connection options
Network capacity flows and constraints
Site location and pipeline route
Seasonal and Daily flow rate tables
Local industry usage
If you wish to discuss individual requirements, please contact us.

Costs

£750 + VAT

Timescale

Detailed Analysis Study 30 working days from receipt of payment

Following receipt of your signed agreement, you will be invoiced. Once we have received payment the study will be completed and issued within 30 working days.

The DAS is a snapshot of the network at the current time and is not a guarantee of gas flow as the dynamics of the gas distribution network are subject to change.

Once you have reviewed your study we can discuss the next steps with you or you can proceed to Application to Connect – Step 3, when you are ready.

Costs

There are no costs associated to this activity.

Timescale

We will validate and acknowledge receipt of your application form within two working days.

Application to Connect v8

Customer Application Supplemental Information

For all entry connections we will issue a connection offer that sets out both parties obligations for the onsite works associated with the installation of the injection facility and the physical entry connection onto the pipeline grid network. The connection offer is valid for 45 days.

Costs

There are no costs associated with us providing you with a connection offer

Timescale

We aim to provide a Connection Offer within 2-3 weeks of reviewing your application.

You have completed the first four steps (Commercial Arrangements) in the process to getting connected and you now have a contractual agreement with us to inject biomethane into the network. The next 4 steps of the process are:

5.Initial meetings are held to discuss your proposal in more detail

6. We review and approve your design documents in order to allow works to begin

7. Site testing and commissioning happens here

8. Financial reconciliation and project close out.

Biomethane gas injection facility with industrial equipment, storage tanks, and safety barriers on a gravel site

Case study

We have five biomethane projects with Severn Trent which produce biogas from sewage, food waste and crops. Martin Lightfoot, Renewable Energy Engineer at Severn Trent Water, provides an insight into these projects and his experience of the process.

Find out more