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Raising the bar for Bioenergy Compliance with Optical Gas Imaging (OGI)
As the UK intensifies its focus on reducing emissions and progressing towards Net Zero, anaerobic digestion (AD), biomass, and biogenic energy-from-waste (EfW) facilities are taking centre stage in the national energy mix.
There’s also a significant push to recover biomass from wastewater – not just for environmental reasons, such as diverting organic waste away from landfill – but also due to regulatory pressure. This shift is being driven by initiatives like the UK’s Sludge Strategy¹ and the Net Zero 2030² targets for water companies.
Bioenergy technologies are making a real difference: transforming organic waste into renewable power, heat, and gas. They support the circular economy, reduce carbon intensity, and shrink our reliance on landfill. But alongside this opportunity lies a clear responsibility. The industry is under increasing scrutiny, particularly when it comes to fugitive emissions.
Methane – the high-energy gas produced during anaerobic digestion – is a valuable renewable fuel. But when it escapes into the atmosphere, it becomes a serious environmental concern. Methane is over 80 times more potent than CO2 over a 20-year period³. With such a high global warming potential, it’s easy to see why regulators are ramping up efforts to control it.
This focus has sharpened in the wake of the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero’s ‘Methane Emissions from Anaerobic Digestion (MEAD)’ report, released in January 2025. It’s a clear signal that leak detection and environmental performance are no longer optional – they’re essential.
At ERIKS, we understand the operational pressures facing the renewable energy sector – balancing plant reliability with growing compliance demands. That’s why we’ve invested in enhancing our Optical Gas Imaging (OGI) capability, ensuring our customers stay a step ahead of regulation, while protecting both safety and performance.
Leaks That Speak Volumes
The FLIR G-Series OGI camera is one of the most advanced gas detection tools on the market. Its purpose? To make the invisible visible. Using high-resolution thermal imaging – with up to 640 x 480 resolution, delivering over 300,000 detection points – it visualises gases such as methane (CH4), hydrocarbons, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in real time.
But this isn’t just about spotting a leak – it’s about measuring it too. The FLIR system includes integrated gas quantification analytics, meaning you get instant on-site data on the severity of the leak. No need for secondary devices or slow off-site analysis. You can assess the risk immediately, act faster, and plan maintenance more effectively.
The camera is also fully ATEX certified, making it safe for use in explosive atmospheres. For operators of biogas plants, biomass boilers or EfW facilities, that means you can carry out detailed leak detection within hazardous zones, without disrupting operations or compromising safety.
Compliance Without Compromise
UK legislation around emissions from renewable energy and waste facilities is becoming increasingly stringent. Under the Environmental Permitting Regulations (EPR), enforced by the Environment Agency, operators must ensure emissions are minimised and controlled – with all reasonable steps taken to prevent gas release.
For sites injecting biomethane into the gas grid or generating CHP power from digestion, airtight gas systems are a regulatory and operational must-have. On top of this, Best Available Techniques (BAT) guidance now requires regular inspection of gas infrastructure and robust Leak Detection and Repair (LDAR) strategies.
That’s where ERIKS comes in.
With our upgraded OGI camera and specialist expertise, we deliver comprehensive, compliant LDAR surveys. Our engineers can inspect every part of your gas handling system – from pipes and flanges to compressors, valves and tanks – quantifying leaks and helping you prove compliance.
Where smaller leaks are detected, we support rapid response with our in-house MRO services, including sealing, flow control and rotating equipment support. For larger issues, our technology gives you the data you need to prioritise repairs and avoid escalation.
This end-to-end approach not only helps you meet regulatory expectations – it also cuts energy loss, protects valuable feedstock and lowers the risk of costly downtime.
Eyes on Emissions
As the UK’s renewable infrastructure expands, the demand for transparency, accountability and technical rigour will only grow. At ERIKS, we’re proud to support customers with advanced technology and practical solutions that enhance compliance, safety and efficiency.
Investing in FLIR’s OGI technology isn’t just about ticking a regulatory box – it’s about protecting your team, your plant, and your reputation. Because in this sector, even the smallest leak can lead to major consequences – from environmental damage and enforcement action to reputational risk.
With ERIKS by your side, you can stay in control of compliance. And we don’t stop at detection. Every inspection includes a detailed, plain-English report with clear recommendations aligned to regulatory standards. And when it’s time for repair or replacement, we can provide the parts and engineering expertise needed – fast.
We make the invisible visible — and then make it right. All from one trusted partner.
For more information on Smart Asset Management, contact your local ERIKS Service Centre, who will be happy to discuss your options.
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