Focus on Ireland’s  National Biomethane Strategy at the 2024 Biomethane Conference.

 The Irish Government’s  National Biomethane Strategy, which aims to support the development of 150 to 200 anaerobic digester facilities and a farmer centric, circular bio-economy, will be the focus for the Ireland Biomethane Conference, organised by Renewable Gas Forum Ireland (RGFI).  The event will take place at Croke Park on June 12th, just weeks after the release of the National Biomethane Strategy.

The Conference, held in partnership with KPMG Sustainable Futures, the Departments of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, and the Department of the Environment, Climate, and Communications, will be timely for stakeholders interested in AD biomethane and circular-bio economy opportunities.

Commenting on the forthcoming Strategy, RGFI, which  has been to the forefront in  advocating for the development of  an  agri-feedstock based, indigenous biomethane sector, today said,

“The strategy is expected to provide clarity for AD developers, farmers, and investors regarding funding and a clear framework for regulation, planning, and approvals. To meet the Climate Action Plan and achieve the national target of 5.7 TWh biomethane production by 2030, Ireland needs to construct 150-200 large-scale AD biomethane plants. This sector will play a key role  in  Ireland’s decarbonisation, circular bioeconomy, and energy security and storage,” said PJ McCarthy, CEO of RGFI.

RGFI has identified four essential elements to achieve these goals:

1. Funding: 50% capital funding and a subsidy, feed-in tariff, or green premium to support biomethane production, providing investor certainty.
2. A Renewable Heat Obligation: a policy enabler placing an obligation on energy providers to buy the renewable gas.
3. Low-cost finance: High interest rates impact production costs.
4. Regulatory framework: Clear guidelines for regulation, planning, and approvals.

Speakers

The conference will feature addresses by Ministers Charlie McConalogue and Eamon Ryan, representatives from Ireland and Northern Ireland’s Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, the European Biogas Association (EBA), farmers – both as feedstock suppliers and AD developers,  Dr. Paul Crossan and Dr Ciara Beausang of Teagasc, Tom Arnold, Chair of the Food Vision 2030 Strategy Committee, and industry innovators from Nephin Energy, BioCore, Future Biogas, and the Dairy Processing Technology Centre.

RGFI has worked with KPMG since 2019, producing An Integrated Business Case for Biomethane in Ireland which laid the foundation for Government confidence in the value and feasibility of biomethane production to decarbonise industry thermal processes. KPMG has also supported RGFI’s work on agri-food industry collaboration through Project Clover. This work and the united voice provided by RGFI for the whole biomethane industry has brought biomethane to the fore as a central part of Ireland’s decarbonisation effort, as well as supporting the circular bioeconomy and adding to Ireland’s future energy security.

“This significant networking event marks the transition from vision to action, focusing on finance and funding, planning, licensing, technology, and sustainability. The utilisation of natural resources to produce bio-products of  bio fertiliser and biogenic CO2 also present valuable bio refinery opportunities, given their decarbonisation value and high demand.

“We look forward to working with Government and all stakeholders on behalf of our members.  Collaboration and information exchange between Government and industry are essential to meet the national biomethane decarbonisation target and establish the industry. The Ireland Biomethane Conference will facilitate this collaboration and foster new partnerships,” McCarthy added

Ireland Biomethane – pathway to 2030, 12^th June, Croke Park Dublin