The Minister of State at the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment, Alan Dillon, has said that partnerships with farmers, biomethane producers, and policymakers are key to harnessing the environmental and economic benefits of Ireland's agriculture sector.

The minister was speaking at the Nephin Biomethane Day conference in Dublin today (June 25).

Ireland's National Biomethane Strategy was published in May 2024, and supports the delivery of up to 5.7 terawatt hours (TWh) of indigenously produced biomethane by 2030.

Minister Dillon told Agriland that the government is "looking at" how it can implement its policies.

He said: "The sector itself is really focused on what government is committed to doing over its term to 2030. In doing that, we need to look at how we, as policy makers, deliver on the implementation strategy.

"I think there is huge benefits around anaerobic digestion and biomethane, in terms of the local dividend it will provide to farmers, but also, we have a fantastic agricultural sector that can diversify their incomes," the minister added.

According to the minister, the European Commission has recognised that Ireland has large potential for biomethane production, on a per capita basis.

"I think (it's) a significant statement from the European Commission that the 25% emissions reduction between 2018 and 2025 requires," Minister Dillon said.

"I'm sure many of you recognise the significant challenges that presents, and meeting these targets is about bringing significant change in the agricultural sector over the coming decade, but also the adoption of constantly evolving scientific solutions."

Minister Dillon believes that delivering the use of biomethane within Ireland's energy system has multiple cross-sectorial benefits for the Irish economy, and for the country's emissions profile.

He said: "The development of the biomethane industry will also provide significant opportunities in reducing emissions in agriculture and improve the likelihoods of reaching the sectorial targets.

"These opportunities with biomethane for agriculture, including diversification opportunities to livestock farmers, reduce emissions from animal waste."

According to the minister, the government's Biomethane Sustainability Charter is at an "advanced stage".

Minister Dillon explained: "The implementation group and the department continues to engage with key stakeholders on the actions, and are monitoring the implementation and finalisation of the fully progress report, which will provide an update on the key deliverables.

"We would expect that that's this report will be published very very shortly. I received an update from yesterday in regards to this and it is at a very advanced stage," he added.