AstraZeneca’s $130 million biomethane plant is a model for high-emitting industries

Summary

AstraZeneca’s U.K. sites will be powered by renewable gas from a specialized biomethane plant, generating 100 gigawatt hours (GWh) annually. The plant, constructed by Future Biogas, has a 15-year, $130 million agreement with AstraZeneca, using energy crops instead of waste materials.

In a notable move for the pharmaceutical sector, AstraZeneca is shifting towards green energy, sourcing gas from a dedicated biomethane plant in Lincolnshire, U.K. The plant, managed by Future Biogas, is the first of its kind in the U.K., serving the life sciences industry and emphasizing decarbonization. By utilizing biomethane, AstraZeneca aims to reduce its carbon footprint and meet its goal of operating on 100 percent renewable energy. The project also includes carbon capture technology, making the plant potentially carbon-negative.