AstraZeneca has taken a landmark step in sustainable healthcare by switching on the UK’s first unsubsidised biomethane plant dedicated to powering the life sciences sector. The Moor Bioenergy facility in Gonerby Moor, Lincolnshire, will supply 100 GWh of renewable gas annually to AstraZeneca’s UK operations — equivalent to 20% of the company’s total global gas use.
This pioneering partnership with Future Biogas supports AstraZeneca’s Ambition Zero Carbon strategy, aiming to use 100% renewable energy for operations by 2025 and achieve net zero emissions by 2045. The plant’s operation will displace around 18,000 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent emissions each year, significantly reducing reliance on fossil fuels in the production of life-saving medicines.
The plant will run 24/7, generating enough biomethane to heat over 8,000 homes annually. This bold move signals the potential for biomethane to become a viable, unsubsidised solution to decarbonise industrial gas and heat in the UK.
Moor Bioenergy also includes cutting-edge carbon capture technology that collects CO₂ during gas production. The captured carbon can either be repurposed for industrial use or permanently stored underground, creating a negative carbon footprint.
In a move that also benefits local agriculture, all feedstock crops will be sourced within 15 miles of the plant. Farmers will be supported with five-year supply contracts, offering stability and encouraging sustainable practices. All biomass inputs will be certified by the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC), ensuring full traceability and environmental responsibility.
Liz Chatwin, AstraZeneca’s VP of Global Sustainability, stated: “By investing in unsubsidised biomethane, we’re reducing our emissions and helping to build the UK’s green energy infrastructure.”
Future Biogas CEO Philipp Lukas added: “This isn’t just about clean gas — it’s a call to action for all industries to embrace renewable energy and reshape the future.”
