The UK water industry is facing an extraordinary moment. With ambitious new environmental compliance targets set, water companies are under growing pressure to address methane emissions head-on. Yet, until now, there was no proven technology capable of stopping methane production at its source — a critical gap in the sector’s drive towards net zero.
In an unprecedented show of unity, six major UK water companies — Scottish Water, Anglian Water, Yorkshire Water, Wessex Water, Welsh Water and United Utilities — have come together with Bluemethane to break new ground. This collaboration marks the first time so many industry leaders have pooled resources and expertise to tackle the methane challenge collectively, rather than in isolation.
At the heart of this effort is the pioneering Bluemethaneprevent technology, designed to deactivate methanogenesis before emissions can even form. Early laboratory results were striking, demonstrating a 99% reduction in methane production. Building on this success, the team has launched a real-world pilot of Bluemethaneprevent at Anglian Water’s Milton Keynes site — a critical step in demonstrating feasibility at scale.
This project is being observed by the Environment Agency and benefits from the guidance of an expert advisory group led by Professor Bruce Jefferson of Cranfield University and Steve Bungay of AD Ingenuity. The implications for the entire industry are profound: a successful outcome could set a new standard for methane management and pave the way for sector-wide adoption. Collaborative innovation is unlocking a cleaner, greener future — one breakthrough at a time.
