Plans are under way to develop up to 125 anaerobic digester plants in Ireland by 2030, based on a Government commitment to announce a Renewable Heat Obligation Scheme in the coming weeks.

Attendees at the launch of the Renewable Gas Forum of Ireland (RGFI)/REGATRACE Biomethane 2030 Roadmap heard that the Irish anaerobic digestion (AD) biomethane sector has the capability to replace roughly 11% of current gas consumption in Ireland.

According to PJ McCarthy, CEO of RGFI, “what is needed now is for Government to come to the table with policy support on key elements of planning, market conditions, regulation, matching funding and the earliest announcement of the Renewable Heat Obligation Scheme.”

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Feedstock available

Teagasc has confirmed the availability of 2m to 4m tonnes of sustainable feedstock for AD biomethane.

Ireland is well placed in relation to sustainable agriculture feedstock, including multispecies swards, according to Dr Paul Crosson of Teagasc.

RGFI suggests that a provision of approximately 2% to 3% of this sustainable feedstock would be made available as a backstop in the event of future fodder shortages.

RGFI also announced the appointment of two new directors to its board. Dr Ann Marie Henihan, who joinsthe board is centre director at the Irish Dairy Processing Technology Centre. Paul Murphy of Climeaction part of the Leading Edge Group also joins the board.