UK’s first independent green gas Reverse Compressor begins operations
- ENGIE’s multimillion pound investment will drive UK green gas production
- Independently designed and owned Reverse Compressor deployed in UK following ENGIE’s success in Europe
- Reverse compression technology supports decarbonisation of the UK
ENGIE, in partnership with CNG Services Ltd and Wales & West Utilities, has commissioned the UK’s first independently designed and owned gas network Reverse Compressor (RC).
The North Devon project will boost biomethane production in more rural locations, helping advance the UK’s net-zero targets.
ENGIE’s South Molton Anaerobic Digestion (AD) plant is capable of injecting 600 cubic meters of green gas per hour into the grid. However, its semi-rural location means there is insufficient local demand for gas during the summer months, so the plant is forced to reduce output – sometimes by as much as 75%.
To keep as much green gas flowing as possible, a Reverse Compressor has been installed at a strategic point in the Wales & West grid network to boost the green gas into a higher-pressure tier, enabling it to reach a far greater number of homes and businesses.
The technology has been placed 10 miles from ENGIE’s biomethane facility and enables the plant to maximise its green gas production all year round, further decarbonising the local area.
Construction of the system began early last year and has been designed so that it can be replicated and installed across the UK, supporting future green gas projects.
Stuart Rennie, Managing Director of ENGIE Renewable Gases UK, said: “ENGIE is a key player in the UK’s energy transition and together with partners, is leading the way with the investment and deployment of new and innovative green gas technologies.
“It’s fantastic to see that ENGIE’s international technology and expertise can be leveraged to benefit local communities in the UK.”
Reverse Compression technology has already been successfully implemented in France by ENGIE, with 39 machines already in operation there. This investment demonstrates ENGIE’s commitment to accelerating the green energy transition and bringing its global expertise and innovation to the UK.
ENGIE currently operates 4 biomethane sites in the UK and is investing heavily in green gas technology, with plans for new greenfield sites.
John Baldwin, Managing Director of CNG Services, said: “The successful implementation of reverse compression at this site demonstrates how existing gas infrastructure can be adapted to accommodate increasing volumes of biomethane. This approach provides a practical solution for managing network constraints and could enable more renewable gas projects to be developed in locations that may previously have faced export limitations. We believe this represents an important step forward for the wider deployment of biomethane across the UK.”
Matt Hindle, Head of Net Zero and Sustainability at Wales & West Utilities, said: “We’ve been delighted to work with ENGIE and CNG Services Ltd to design the first independently owned reverse compressor, a critical technology to enable gas networks to bring more green gas to customers. While technically challenging, the project has been an exceptional learning experience, ensuring safety and network protection were adopted as central design principles every step of the way. The design and construction of our next compressor will undoubtedly benefit from the lessons learnt during this project, as will our work with IGEM to develop a minimum technical standard for independently owned compressors. As the project comes into operation we look forward to learning more to support future installations as the gas industry scales up the use of biomethane across the country.”
Biomethane is a sustainable, low-carbon alternative to fossil fuels that supports the transition away from traditional natural gas.
Produced from organic waste and agricultural by-products via a process called Anaerobic Digestion, biomethane strengthens energy security, supports local economies, and helps meet carbon reduction targets.
The process works in harmony with local farmers to give them a regular source of income, enhance local soil quality and support food production. Digestate, a natural by-product of the AD process, is spread on fields and used as an alternative to artificial and expensive alternatives.
ENDS
About ENGIE
ENGIE is a major player in the energy transition, whose purpose is to accelerate the transition towards a carbon-neutral economy. With more than 90,000 employees in 30 countries, the Group covers the entire energy value chain, from production to infrastructures and sales. ENGIE combines complementary activities: renewable electricity and green gas production, flexibility assets (notably batteries), gas and electricity transmission and distribution networks, local energy infrastructures (heating and cooling networks) and the supply of energy to individuals, local authorities and businesses. Every year, ENGIE invests on average €12 billion per year to drive forward the energy transition and achieve its net-zero carbon goal by 2045.
About ENGIE in the UK
ENGIE employs more than 8,000 people in the UK and operates right across the energy value chain, from renewable generation to energy supply. It owns and manages a diverse portfolio of low-carbon generation, distribution and flexible storage assets, including one of Europe’s largest pumped-storage hydro plants. ENGIE owns UK Power Networks, the UK’s leading electricity distribution network operator, serving 8.5 million customers across London, the South East and East of England. Through Ocean Winds, its joint venture, ENGIE is one of Scotland’s largest offshore wind generators with 1.8 GW of capacity. It also supplies energy to more than 17,000 business customers and injects over 210 GWh of biomethane into the grid each year. Over more than 20 years, ENGIE has invested billions in the UK’s energy transition – supporting energy security and enabling customers to decarbonise at scale.
ENGIE Financials
Turnover in 2025: €71.9 billion. The Group is listed on the Paris and Brussels stock exchanges (ENGI) and is represented in the main financial indices (CAC 40, Euronext 100, FTSE Euro 100, MSCI Europe) and non-financial indices (DJSI World, Euronext Vigeo Eiris – Europe 120 / France 20, MSCI EMU ESG screened, MSCI EUROPE ESG Universal Select, Stoxx Europe 600 ESG-X).
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