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English Español Biomethane as a sustainable solution for Irish farmers and energy security

Ireland has the highest potential for biomethane production per capita in the EU according to the European Commission.



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More than 270 interested parties, including farmers, developers and industry bodies, heard how agriculturally produced biomethane can be delivered sustainably and at scale to decarbonise Ireland’s energy system, during Gas Networks Ireland’s biomethane industry webinar on Monday.

Attendees received an update on the national and European biomethane policy landscape and learned of the importance of the ongoing consultation on the proposed Renewable Heat Obligation, which, if enacted, will support biomethane production at scale and help Ireland achieve its climate ambitions.

Speakers also discussed the process for producing and injecting biomethane into the national network, the proposed Mitchelstown Central Grid Injection (CGI) facility and how certification is attained and recorded in the national registry.

The line-up of experts included Gas Networks Ireland Innovation Engineer, Niamh Gillen, who last year represented Ireland at the international finals of Institution of Gas Engineers & Managers’ (IGEM) Young Professionals Competition.

“Ireland has the highest potential for biomethane production per capita in the EU according to the European Commission, providing a strong opportunity to develop a thriving indigenous biomethane industry, support energy security and, importantly for Irish farmers, reduce agricultural emissions,” Renewable Gas Project Manager, Yvette Jones, who is leading on the Mitchelstown CGI project, said.

A carbon-neutral renewable gas made from farm and food waste through a process known as anaerobic digestion (AD), biomethane has already begun to seamlessly replace natural gas in the national network.

By replacing natural gas with renewable gases such as biomethane and hydrogen, Ireland can sustainably deliver a net-zero carbon gas network to complement intermittent renewable electricity generation, meet its climate action targets and support a cleaner energy future while ensuring a secure energy supply, according to Gas Network Ireland.

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