Minister: Ireland to produce 5.7TWh of biomethane by 2030
The Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications, Darragh O'Brien has said that the government is committed to delivering up to 5.7 terawatt hours (TWh) of indigenously produced biomethane by 2030.
The Minister was asked for an update on the National Biomethane Strategy by Green Party TD for Dublin West, Roderic O'Gorman.
Published last May in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM), the strategy sets out the necessary policy and regulatory measures, and provides a roadmap for developing a biomethane industry of scale in Ireland.
Minister O'Brien outlines that the strategy contains 25 key strategic actions to ensure the necessary supports and infrastructure are in place to develop a biomethane industry of scale.
These supports include capital grant funding, the first round of which has been delivered by DAFM to support the development and upgrading of anaerobic digestion plants throughout 2025.
Deputy O'Gorman also asked the Minister about the Renewable Heat Obligation (RHO) that came into place in 2024.
The scheme is designed to increase renewable fuels used in heat, thereby supporting long-term demand for biomethane. This scheme is currently in its final stage of development. There is a requirement for engaging with the European Commission the Minister said.
"There will be a meeting with the Commission next week at official level. It will be brought to the Government as soon as it is ready post that engagement with the Commission," O'Brien said.
Deputy O' Gorman stated that: "Ireland has a real opportunity to grow an industry that will help us to cut our carbon emissions and also provide new income streams for farmers and across rural areas.
"As we know, we have a significant supply of agricultural waste and silage which can be converted into biomethane, benefiting rural economies. We need to support this sector."
The deputy continued that the previous minister, Eamonn Ryan, had tried to commit €300 million from the infrastructure, climate and nature fund to be allocated for this issue, but was blocked by Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael.
"In his new role, will the Minister commit to fighting for at least €300 million to provide the capital to develop those essential anaerobic digestion facilities, so that we can cut our emissions and provide more income streams in rural areas?" O'Gorman asked.
Deputy O'Gorman also enquired about hydrated vegetable oil (HVO) being used as a substitute in the biomethane industry.
"What will Ireland do to protect our domestic biomethane industry and not allow it to be undermined by imported and sometimes fraudulently marketed HVO?"
Minister O'Brien answered that, "the best way we can protect this sector is to grow it and support it. That is where the work on the RHO is particularly important.
"We can support it through another round of grants in 2026, which we are preparing, and also particularly through the RHO.
"I would like to see the work with the Commission concluded as expeditiously as possible. Once that is done, I will bring that to the Cabinet to get Government agreement on it and we can move it forward from there," he added.
