A “GREEN energy” company from the East of England is playing a leading role in discussions which will help shape national policy on renewable gas supplies.

Bio Group works to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through a network of “anaerobic digestion” plants which turn organic waste into biomethane gas which is then supplied to the national network.

Among the Cambridgeshire-based group’s sites is the Adnams Bio Energy facility near Southwold, which receives waste from the Suffolk company’s brewing and distilling operations and from other local sources including supermarkets, hotels and schools.

John Mullett, the group’s development director, has now been involved to join a working group on anaerobic digestion which hs been set up by the Department for the Enviornment,Food and Rural Affairs.

“We are encouraged that our ground breaking work on anaerobic digestion at places like Southwold is not only making a difference to society but is being recognised by central Governmen.” said Dr Mullett.

“DEFRA recognises the need for new and greener energy to be a fundamental part of the future of UK plc. We will ensure our experience and knowledge plays a part in this.”

The invitation to join the working group follows efforts by Bio Group chief executive Steve Sharratt to get the company’s message heard at the heart of Government.

He recently attended a meeting at the House of Commons with Department for Energy and Climate Change Minister Charles Hendry and DEFRA Minister Lord Henley to examine the ways in which regulatory obstacles to renewable energy production and the supply of biomethane to the national grid can be addressed and removed.

Among the issues raised was the lack of an announcement on the proposed Renewable Heat Incentive scheme which is due to start this year.

Mr Sharratt was also a panel member at the two-day Energy from Waste conference held in London at the start of 2011 which was attended by specialists from across Europe. Covering the issues of anaerobic digestion and biomethane injection to the grid, Mr Sharratt was joined by other panellists representing National Grid, Centrica and Thames Water.