Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what contingency plans the Environment Agency has in place for when the Renewables Obligation for the landfill gas to electricity sector expires on 31 March 2027.

Under the Environmental Permitting Regulations, where collected landfill gas cannot be utilised for energy generation, landfill operators are required to flare the gas in accordance with an approved management plan to minimise potential environmental and health & safety risks. We continue to work with DESNZ and industry to understand the impacts of the Renewable Obligations Certificates (ROCs) expiring in 2027.

Defra is working with DESNZ to explore the implementation of a transition scheme following ROCs cessation and a long-term alternative for landfill gas capture, as set out in the Methane Action Plan.