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Biogas production from agriculture waste is being held up due to the cost factor, Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed has indicated.
Fianna Fáil's Charlie McConalogue asked the minister about the Department’s plans to increase the uptake of farm waste conversion to biogas.
In response the minister stated: “I have noted that while it is possible to produce and utilise methane through stored manure [which accounts for only 10% of agricultural methane], academic and industry research suggests that there is the potential for a significant role in the heat and transport sectors for biogas produced by anaerobic digestion.
“However, as outlined above, analysis to date would suggest that costs are a significant factor.”
Carbon footprint
As the national dairy herd continues to expand, anaerobic digestion and the use of methane from livestock for energy have been suggested as having potential to reduce agriculture’s carbon footprint.
However, Ireland’s use of biogas remains relatively low, with just nine plants licenced to use animal byproduct as a feedstock for energy generation.
The minister stated that his department remained committed to looking at ways to increase the use of forestry and animal products for energy generation.
Currently 31 plants generate biogas from agriculture, sewage, industrial landfills and industrial waste.
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